windows 8.1 update error "Setup has failed to validate product key"

I am running Windows 7 operating system on my old computer. I am now looking to upgrade it to Windows 8.1 but when I am trying to update it then I am getting an error message that states "Setup has failed to validate product key?" Does anyone know how do I solve this error message in order to get the latest Windows 8.1 on my computer? Thanks for any help in advance.

Can you tell us whether you are using a Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 key? I think that if you want to upgrade from Windows 7 operating system to Windows 8.1 then you will need to download the official Upgrade Assistance from the Microsoft website. This Upgrade Assistant will let you know whether your pc, desktop apps and connected device will work with this version of Windows or not. Download it from this link - http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=261871

It looks to me that you are attempting to install a different version of Windows 8.1. You need to match the different version of Core or Pro or single language with the upgrade path on your pc. You are trying to upgrade from a Windows 7 installation so you might not have an embedded product key. I would suggest the best way to install would be to freshly install from the start.

What I have heard is that you can easily upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7 first and then install the free Windows 8.1 update through downloading it from the Windows store. Or else, you can also upgrade directly to Windows 8.1 from Windows 7 but for that you need to use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant or buy a retail copy of Windows 8.1 online.