The other day I decided I was going to reinstall windows 8.1. Bad move, now it says my key is invalid, gives me no option to call. Only to buy or enter a new key. This is a retail 8.1 pro. Does someone have the US activation number I can call to sort this out. It doesn't give me the option of calling. Just says key is blocked.
*edit* yes its genuine, got it at best buy and spent 200 bucks for it...
Does this help
Activate Windows 8 by Phone
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/326851
To activate your product over the telephone, use one of the following numbers:
- Office activation (U.S. only): (888) 652-2342
- Windows activation: (888) 571-2048
Last edited by Brink; 20 Jul 2015 at 10:46. Reason: added tutorial link for more info
Was this originally an upgrade from Windows 8? If so, the Windows 8 key cannot be used to install Windows 8.1 clean.
There are two options, one is to reinstall Windows 8, then upgrade to 8.1. The other is to use a generic install key (this key won't activate, but allows you to install). Then you can put your Windows 8.0 key in the activation dialog once installed, and it will be recognized there.
It is a very simple process, I had to do it with Windows 7. It is all automated, no human will talk to you.
8.1 on the box. Thanks for link. Will call in a few minutes
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