How to do a CLEAN INSTALL of Windows 8.1 with a Windows 8 OEM Key

I have recently purchased a new C540 that has Windows 8 already installed on it. I would like to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 on this computer.
This is what I have done so far:
I disabled 3 things in the BIOS: IIRC, they were secure boot, quick boot, and something about "optimized" startup
I have changed my boot priority to put the CD/DVD drive first and any flashdrive 2nd
I have figured out my OEM Windows Product Key (this is for a Windows 8 Core/64 bit OS)
I have setup a flashdrive with Windows 8.1 on it
I tried to boot from the flashdrive...when I get the option to install windows 8.1, I click on it and very quickly get the following error -- "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key."
I added a PID.txt file with my OEM product key in the Source folder of the Windows 8.1 install....I don't get the above error message immediately, but a screen comes up that asks me to enter a Product Code...my OEM product code (being for W8, not W8.1) does not work while using a generic key (for Windows 8.1 Core) yields the same error message as above and exits the installer.
I then added an EI.CFG file that sets the edition to core, the version to OEM, and the Volume to 0...unfortunately, when trying to install Windows 8.1 it still asks me for a product key before installing...I cannot get past this screen even though (to my understanding) the EI.CFG file should cause the installer to skip asking for a product key...
It is important to me that I get to perform a CLEAN install of Windows 8.1...I do not want to upgrade through windows store...the only keys I have are a W8 Pro Retail key (for my laptop) and a W8 Core OEM key (that came with the new C540)...I am using a flashdrive to perform this since I knew I may have to add/change files like the PID and EI.CFG....
I would appreciate any help I can get in solving this problem...I am also willing to try burning an .iso with the PID and/or EI.CFG, but I'm trying to avoid trial and error with that since it is time consuming, requires an ADK, and may waste DVDs...I'd only make an .iso if (for whatever reason) that would work where a flashdrive woud not...

I have a new SSD drive and need to either migrate my old HD data, including the Windows 8.1 OS or do a a clean install. I have obtained the ISO, prepared the boot for the flashdrive and downloaded the install software. It asks for the product key. I used the suggested BIOS reader and obtained "a" product key off the BIOS and used that it but (as above) it does not recognize the image.
How id I get my single Windows license onto my new SSD HD? Reload, clean install, ???
How do I get the proper product key or confirm it is correct?
It is a new system with little data that I need to copy. I just want the operating system. I have the driver disc that came with it.

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