Windows 8.1 does not accept product key under Bootcamp

[peterpan123]

Hello, I installed Windows 8.1 on my rMBP 15" 2014. I activated Windows when booted directly to it via Bootcamp. When I accessed this partition via VMware Fusion 7, the system asks me to enter a product key. I entered the same key but Windows does not accept it. When I checked the system, it lists the last five letters as the current key. However, at the bottom right hand corner, it says Windows 8.1 Build 9600. So, has Windows really been activated? If so, why the Build number shows up on the desktop?


Could you please let me know what to do? Thanks.

 

[Gjwilly]

Microsoft's license is only good for one machine, real or virtual.
Running it in Bootcamp and again in VMWare violates the license which is why you got your error.
Stick with one machine only or buy a 2nd license.

 

[EdgardasB]

Microsoft's license is only good for one machine, real or virtual.
Running it in Bootcamp and again in VMWare violates the license which is why you got your error.
Stick with one machine only or buy a 2nd license.

What about like that: I have activated 8.1 pro on boot camp. Now I want to reinstall clean- remove windows through partition and install again. Will that key will work?

 

[macenied]

What about like that: I have activated 8.1 pro on boot camp. Now I want to reinstall clean- remove windows through partition and install again. Will that key will work?

Yes, the key will work. But most likely, your Windows license will show up as already installed on the Microsoft license servers.

So you need to reactivate by phone, calling a free number. I did this with my Windows 7 a few days ago. It's done in 5 minutes.

 

[EdgardasB]

Yes, the key will work. But most likely, your Windows license will show up as already installed on the Microsoft license servers.

So you need to reactivate by phone, calling a free number. I did this with my Windows 7 a few days ago. It's done in 5 minutes.

Oh, thank you very much

 

[peterpan123]

I am a bit confused. For the past few years, I had been using one Windows license (XP, Windows 7) on both bootcamp and Fusion. Am I missing something? Is there some kind of new restriction in Windows 8.1?

 

[macenied]

I am a bit confused. For the past few years, I had been using one Windows license (XP, Windows 7) on both bootcamp and Fusion. Am I missing something? Is there some kind of new restriction in Windows 8.1?

Why you don't ask MS, when you feel so comfortable with what you are doing ?

 

[Gjwilly]

I am a bit confused. For the past few years, I had been using one Windows license (XP, Windows 7) on both bootcamp and Fusion. Am I missing something? Is there some kind of new restriction in Windows 8.1?

The restriction was there in Windows 7 but the detection of machine changes is much stricter in Windows 8.

 

[peterpan123]

The restriction was there in Windows 7 but the detection of machine changes is much stricter in Windows 8.

I guess it is time to go back to Windows 7.

 

[Ccrew]

I guess it is time to go back to Windows 7.

Or simply understand and comply with licensing.

 

[Gav Mack]

Microsoft will normally let you have a second activation if you are bootcamp and virtual if you ring them up and explain its for the same hardware. Ring the activation hotline in your locality and speak to an advisor.

 

[Gjwilly]

They'd have to give a second activation key.
It's Windows itself that's detecting the hardware change and deactivating itself.

 

[macenied]

Microsoft will normally let you have a second activation if you are bootcamp and virtual if you ring them up and explain its for the same hardware. Ring the activation hotline in your locality and speak to an advisor.

This. Good enough for the few users using a VM and a physical installation in parallel. A second key for this would be an overkill, IMO.

 

[Gjwilly]

This. Good enough for the few users using a VM and a physical installation in parallel. A second key for this would be an overkill, IMO.

Good enough only if you're willing to call Microsoft every time you want to start Windows.
It's not like Windows 7 where you activate once and you're good forever.
Windows 8 actually inspects the VM and forces a reactivation every time it detects a change.

 

[Gav Mack]

Good enough only if you're willing to call Microsoft every time you want to start Windows.

It's not like Windows 7 where you activate once and you're good forever.

Windows 8 actually inspects the VM and forces a reactivation every time it detects a change.

When you ring Microsoft and explain they give you an installation key which doesn't do Groundhog Day. I have quite a few bootcamp parallels clients out there and they would be driving me nuts if it didn't!