Linux is my primary OS, and I only use Windows when I need to use MS Office or sync my iPhone, so this isn't critical.
I bought a copy of Windows 8. I installed it as a VM in Virtualbox. I've only ever installed it on ONE laptop, but IIRC, I had to reinstall it in Virtualbox at one point. I'm NOT trying to use it on more than one PC.
When I last updated my Linux version, I backed up the W8 virtual HD. When I tried using that VDI in the new OS, it started prompting for activation. I entered my key, but MS says that it's already installed on another PC.
It was, but it's actually the exact same PC that I'm trying to use it on. I must have activated it before I re-installed it. I think that because I created a new VDI after I'd activated it, it's showing up as a different MAC address. I couldn't figure out why it was asking to be activated again until I tried to do it. But the VDI of the original install is long gone and no longer exists.
To make a long story short, I can't update Windows now. I'd like to upgrade it to 8.1, but at the very least, I'd be happy to be able to get security updates. There's nothing really in W8.1 that is critical for me to have other than updates.
I know I can call MS to resolve this, but I don't feel like being on the phone with them forever if I can avoid it, especially since I barely use it.