Windows 8 License and fresh install

By dafin0
in Microsoft (Windows)

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dafin0

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So i have new Windows 8 laptop and im thinking about formating it (remove all the junk software), but i have noticed that it does not have a Windows 8 product key. If i was to boot to my Windows 8 disk will it know the Windows 8 licence? im guessing its saved in the BIOS?

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dafin0

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why not just uninstall that junk? im sure there is a poduct key somewhere have you looked under the battery? i know dell and some new hps have done this.

Yeah no key to be found anywhere. also i plan to get a SSD for this system so ill need to install Windows 8 again then

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Gotenks98

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why not just uninstall that junk? im sure there is a poduct key somewhere have you looked under the battery? i know dell and some new hps have done this.

Its probably behind the battery just like you said. In most new systems they are doing this since the most folks are too stupid to copy down or take a picture of the COA on the bottom.
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dafin0

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Its probably behind the battery just like you said. In most new systems they are doing this since the most folks are too stupid to copy down or take a picture of the COA on the bottom.

so i looked at a different Win 8 laptop (acer) and it also didnt have a product key, its not behind the battery because the acer didnt have a removable battery.

i guess a good question would be, has anyone gotten a new laptop with windows 8 and does it have a Windows 8 product number?

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Shane Nokes

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Q. What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label?

A. A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label helps you and your customers identify genuine Microsoft Windows software. Without it, your customers will not have a legal license to run their Windows software.

Each COA label includes advanced anti-counterfeiting features to help verify the software's authenticity. The COA label is included with each individual software license. For preinstalled Microsoft Windows operating systems, the COA label must be affixed by the system builder to the PC chassis. The COA label also includes the product key, which will be needed in the event the operating system needs to be reinstalled. COA labels must be distributed as part of the full System Builder software license, which also includes the hologram CD and documentation. A COA is not a software license. It is a visual aid that helps in determining whether Microsoft software is genuine. A COA should never be purchased, sold, or distributed by itself without the software it authenticates. COA labels cannot be distributed as standalone items. Get more information about the COA.

That's what I was posting about earlier....

If the CoA isn't attached that's not a good thing. Note how it says it MUST be affixed to the chassis? If it's not then those OEM's are not following the licensing guidelines.

Have you tried with a keyfinder software? I haven't tried in 8, but I used one to save my 7 license before formatting.

All of the keyfinder software out there I've tried does not show your actual Win8 key. I've tried all the big name ones, and some of the smaller ones...they all get it wrong. So the software out there needs updating to figure out the correct license...but on top of that normally the key on the sticker and the key on the box are not the same.

However with most PC's I'm hearing this shouldn't be a problem. Someone earlier posted about how they were trying to install Windows 8 Pro on a machine they bought that had WIndows 8 (Core) installed...and it kept auto-installing Core without even asking them for a key.

So it seems most of these machines even with regular install media don't need you to put in the key anymore since the machines are picking things up. I don't know if this is true all the way around...but it is interesting.

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Shane Nokes

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to know your windows 8 product key there are many tiny applications. just search in google with key words "key finder" and you will get many. I have one named magical jelly Bean Keyfinder 2.0.8 and it works well for windows 8.

No, no it doesn't. I've tested it out and the key that it spits out is always wrong.

Sure it works on 7 and such, but it seems they've done something to change how they hide the key in 8...and MJBK doesn't produce the right one.

That's why I stated that I've already tested out all the major ones, and a ton of the smaller ones...and none of them work so far.

For instance on my particular install the last 3 characters as reported by MJBK are QJD.

The last 3 characters of the product key that is actually in use for my system are GB3.

As you can see...not quite the same. ;)

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dafin0

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Afiak Windows 8 based laptops do not have a COA , opened 2 brand new units to demo 1 lenovo , 1 Packard Bell and nether had a COA which did throw us.

good to know im not totally crazy :)

here is a picture(s) of the WIndows 8 system

http://s20.beta.photobucket.com/user/dafin0/media/29102012369.jpg.html

http://s20.beta.photobucket.com/user/dafin0/media/29102012368.jpg.html

http://s20.beta.photobucket.com/user/dafin0/media/29102012370.jpg.html

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Shane Nokes

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That is definitely one of the oddest things I've seen. The license terms at Microsoft.com still make reference to OEM's needing to attach a CoA in order to be in compliance with the OEM rules.

I wonder if this has changed due to the way they can store the key on the system...but until that's confirmed it's still a bit odd to me.

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dafin0

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That is definitely one of the oddest things I've seen. The license terms at Microsoft.com still make reference to OEM's needing to attach a CoA in order to be in compliance with the OEM rules.

I wonder if this has changed due to the way they can store the key on the system...but until that's confirmed it's still a bit odd to me.

What i might do is install another hard drive in the laptop, do a fresh install of win 8 and see what happens with activation

Experienced

AussieAnon

Posted
Posted

My brand new Windows 8 (Core) HP Envy 23-D010A All-in-one PC doesn't have a product code anywhere on it. Annoying thing is, when I try to do a clean install using my Windows 8 Pro USB stick (I get pro with my TechNet sub) and wipe all the partitions, it installs Windows 8 Core and not Pro.

I noticed during the first few screens of setup, it displays a WIndows 8 EULA and not the Windows 8 Pro EULA. Then continuing through Setup, it does not ask for a Product Key.

When I use this USB stick on my Tablet, it asks for a Product key and then installs Windows 8 Pro..

SO.... Im guessing the EULAID for Windows 8 and/or the product code is now locked into the UEFI firmware or something.

The only way I can install Pro, is by installing Core, then upgrading to Pro then upgrading to Media Center. It seems pretty stupid to me. #firstworldproblems

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