activation windows 8.1 pro

I know nothing about the history of that computer.

read through this information:

Retail and OEM Licenses do not expire.

But Volume Licenses have to be re-activated on a regular basis, but Volume Licenses are not for private use..

Run this Command to see what type of license you have; also applies to 8.1:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/49586-determine-if-windows-license-type-oem-retail-volume.html

Get help with Windows activation errors:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/10738/windows-10-get-help-with-activation-errors

Applies to: Windows 10 Windows 7 Windows 8.1

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 - Windows Help - Microsoft Support

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not or you have activation problems, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

Follow these steps and do a Phone Activation and hold on for a real person to assist you.

OPTION TWO

To Activate Windows 8.1 by Phone

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

_______________________________________________

If phone activation is not available to you or does not let you contact Micosoft, you will have to use this method to contact MS support 

_______________________________________________

This information may interest you if you do wish to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/