Getting Windows Media Center on Windows 8 bought through DreamSpark

Hi there,

I'm hoping someone can help me out as I'm a little confused right now!!

I recently got Windows 8 for free via DreamSpark, as I'm a full-time college student. Prior to installation, I used Windows 7 Home Premium, which came pre-installed on my PC. I used Windows Media Center frequently, so I was a little disappointed upon installing Windows 8 to find it wasn't included.

Upon researching online, I found the steps to install Media Center on Windows 8 was to go to "Add features to Windows 8" in the control panel. So I did this and then clicked "I already have a product key" and then entered my Windows 8 serial. However, when I enter this number, it returns an error saying "This key won't work. Please check it and try again or try a different key".

So my question is- am I able to obtain Windows Media Center with this serial? I obtained Windows 8 from DreamSpark, which allows college students to obtain free/cheap Microsoft software. Or is it not accepting my serial number because Media Center (and Windows 8 for that matter) is not available yet to the general public? Will I be able to obtain Media Center with my serial number after October 26th, as some online forums seem to suggest? And will it be available to me for free (as it was when I purchased my PC with Windows 7 pre-installed)?

Thanks,

Jordan

Hi Jordan

The media Center add-on will not be available until the general release date, October 26.

I would recommend that you check with your DreamSpark provider for information.

I know that some other programs, such as Technet and MSDN will provide a free download for the add-on.

In any case, the add-on is only around 15 USD.

Regards