Windows 8 Instal

[Kodiak]

Any time I get a win 8 machine that requires a new drive I have to order the cd or usb drive to instal the os has anyone been successful installing the os with a borrowed cd that was bought at the store or on line?

[Steve R Jones]

You can borrow a Dell dvd for another Dell etc.....But check this out:

If you are stuck in a situation where you have lost your windows 7 installation disk or damaged it accidentally, you can always download a copy of your windows 7 ISO file from Microsoft itself. Many people are not aware of this and most of the time they usually end of downloading pirated copies of Microsoft windows 7 from various sites online.
http://www.techverse.net/download-wi...icial-servers/

I was just told about the site yesterday. You can look around to see if there is a Win 8 link..

[SpywareDr]

http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/compone.../tag/4-windows

[Kodiak]

It was my understanding that a store bought pc had this built right into the motherboard where when you put your cd in it would put the key in and walla away ya go. I have never had this work and I have had to buy their usd or cd to install.

[Steve R Jones]

Nope. A mobo has no place to store that. However, a Dell or HP DVD doesn't require a key code if you use it on a Dell or HP machine. The Win install does a verification that the BIOS is that of a Dell or HP machine.

[SpywareDr]

To help prevent theft, Microsoft no longer requires a COA sticker with their Windows Product Key. OEM PCs that come with Windows 8 (or Windows RT) preinstalled, have the Windows Product Key encrypted and stored in the uEFI or BIOS firmware chip. Whenever you need to reset or reinstall the same Windows 8 on your OEM PC, the product key will automatically be applied and activated.

Here's how to Retrieve Windows 8 License Key from BIOS

Belarc Advisor (free) will display both the Product ID and the Product Key. When it's done analyzing your system and brings the html page, click on the "Software Licenses" link on the left and then look for the line that starts with "Microsoft - Windows", similar to these:

Microsoft - Windows 8.1 Professional
Product ID: 00345-12345-12345-AB345
Product Key: A12BC-DEF3GH-IJKL4-MNOP5-QR6S7

Microsoft - Windows 7.0 Ultimate
Product ID: 00345-OEM-1234567-12345
Product Key: A12BC-DEF3GH-IJKL4-MNOP5-QR6S7

The "Product ID" is 20 alphanumeric characters and the "Product Key" is 25.

The "Product ID" is what you see displayed in the System and PC Info screens.

The "Product Key" is the one you used to find on a Windows Sticker on the bottom or back of Windows Computers and would type in to activate Windows.

[Steve R Jones]

WOW... I learned something new today. Thanks Doc.

[SpywareDr]

Cool. You're more than welcome Steve.

[Kodiak]

Well that works if you have an up and running system but if you have to install a new drive it doesn't help. I'm trying to do a clean instal on a new drive.

[SpywareDr]

IIRC, from what I've read, the Windows 8.n installation routine should pull the Windows Product ID|Key from the CMOS.

[Kodiak]

Thats what I thought but I have tried it many time and it never does.

[Kodiak]

tried it just now on a MSI laptop and no go. This is with a cd from someone who bought it at the store.

[SpywareDr]

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...2-b3f191b9370c

https://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929

[CCT]

I posted some info about this some time ago - IF the HD gets toasted and the OS has to re-installed you have problems.

Do some Googling.

[Kodiak]

Been googling the Sh*t out of this issue and it seems the only recourse is to tack on another $40 to the customer and another weeks waiting and get the darn dvd or USB drive.