I upgraded a machine from TechNet Win 8 RTM (with TechNet pro key) to Windows 8.1 RTM--it activated and all was well, but Windows media center was removed during the update since you have to run from the ISO. So, I put in my (purchased) Windows Media Center key and it added back, but now Windows 8.1 is not activated. Now no key seems to be able to activate, purchased keys (had 4 from the upgrade offers for all my machines, plus a full key), no TechNet (I have two subscriptions, standard and professiona), and it says my media center key was blocked, even though this is my key, only ever been installed on this same machine. It was a key I got during the 'free' offer right after release so not sure if that has a time bomb that would cause this.

But there seems to be no way to purchase another WMC key, if that is indeed the problem. I can't remove WMC since it seems to fuse at the molecular level to Windows, and nothing will activate. It shows the last few digits of my WMC key, not the basic product key so it looks messed up there.

There's no option to call in. Am I just screwed on this now? God I hate activation. I legally own a ton of licenses and two TechNet subscriptions...anyone have any clue how to maybe fix this without a total destruction of the current install?

Curt Kessler - FLC