More than likely the disk contains the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1. What is the model and what is the sticker affixed to the system?

What does it say on the disc?

(1)(2)(3)

(4)(5)

When reinstalling a dell oem version, just skip the key request when it comes up in the beginning and continue with the installation. At the end it will read the embedded key and activation will complete.

When reinstalling a dell oem version, just skip the key request when it comes up in the beginning and continue with the installation. At the end it will read the embedded key and activation will complete.

For a Windows 8.x/10 OEM SLP key doing so will force installation of the wrong Edition. This will result in the inability to activate the product... The correct Edition must be selected at the start and no product will be requested it will be automatically picked up and input by the installation media, taking the end user straight to the license agreement screen.

I'm not sure I follow you.  I'm booting from a Win 8.1 disk supplied by Dell, there is no way to chose a version, the only choices are locale, language and keyboard then it's on to the product key screen, as I mentioned further up the thread there is no way to bypass this, a product key must be entered.

This does not work.  There is no way past the product key screen, you have to enter a code and this being an OEM re-install I o not have one.

The model is a M6800 with a UK spec.  It was purchased in Germany and needs the service tag transferring to the UK, I have a link for this and will does this once I've re-installed and corrected all the Windows issues.

Hi,

I'm at work now so can't say for sure what the Windows sticker says, however I do think it's either Pro Windows or Pro Windows 8.  

Can't recall (apart from 8.1) what the disk says, I will update from home tonight.

Thanks

As I mentioned Dell have likely sent a Disk with the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1...

More than likely the disk contains the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1 hence the reason you are requested to input a product key. The correct Edition would not ask for one.

What is the model and what is the sticker affixed to the system?

What does it say on the disc?

(1)(2)(3)

(4)(5)

If the system has a Windows 8.1 Pro sticker and Dell have shipped Windows 8.1 installation media you have the wrong Edition. Download a Windows 8.1 Pro .iso and make your own Bootable USB:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meWKm6lWtmw

Alternatively Download Windows 10 TH2 and Clean Install:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RkaknDn7v-Ucth4gt0U3BHVSY7oNkWr

Your Windows 8.1 Pro Key will be accepted by Windows 10 (not N or Single Language) installation media. Windows 10 media will automatically pickup your Windows 8.1 Pro key and install Windows 10 Pro.

The laptop definitely shipped with 8.0 as I recall upgrading it.