Bootcamp fails to authorize licence key during installation. How do I remove residual items from previous bootcamp and parallels installation?

There is a box to enter the product key (it does not say anything about changing the key).

When I enter the key that I have, it gives the message "This key didn't work, please try it again, or try a different key"

I told them what the problem was and they told me to make sure that I entered it correctly.

Let us see!

You imply that the key that they supplied should work in the VL version and the fact that it does not, means that it is not authentic.

Correct?

The tool does not download an iso. It has to have one already downloaded.

I have not found anywhere on a microsoft site where I can download an iso of windows 8.1.

It is not an option that I can find within the installed VL copy either.

I am running the tool to make a bootable USB from my purchased W8.1.

I expect that it will hit the same problem of the key not being accepted. Is it worth the hassle, since I will be losing my installed VL copy.

Maybe best to hang out for a validated key from my supplier. (or a refund ! )

I did this. The tool made the installer USB, I booted with it, and the installation failed to accept the key, just as before with the other packages.

So we have established that the key is not valid. Thank you for this.

I have sent to my supplier a photo of the screen showing the fail.

Response awaited with interest.

I did this. The tool made the installer USB, I booted with it, and the installation failed to accept the key, just as before with the other packages.

So we have established that the key is not valid. Thank you for this.

I have sent to my supplier a photo of the screen showing the fail.

Response awaited with interest.

They sent me a new key.

The new key fails in exactly the same way. So it looks like either they have a batch of keys that do not work, or there is something on my machine interfering with the key registration. I am working in China and normally work through a VPN, but the keys fail whether the VPN is connected or not.

I have not checked if my antivirus is the culprit as I am a bit paranoid about running without it, but maybe I should give it a shot with it turned off?

I did that. It still fails with the new key. As do attempts to register in the installed VL copy.

VPN and anti-virus software have no effect, on or off.

This is a new early 2015 macbook pro retina display, purchased from an apple store while in the UK. The W8.1 was purchased from a UK online retailer.

I have had the language set to UK English and the keyboard to UK English in both the mac and the installed windows. I have reset to US in both and it made no difference. The windows repair package and the Bootcamp Assistant in any case provide software on-screen keyboards for inputting the key. Using these made no difference.

I have not re-mapped any keys.

The W8.1 supplier assures me that the keys supplied are valid and is now offering a refund. Fair enough, but clearly there is a bug stopping me from getting the key accepted online during installation.

Maybe W7 would work, but I somehow doubt it. I suspect a bug specific to this model of macbook :-(

Have you any further advice?

Thanks for this help so far, appreciated even tho we have not won yet!