Complicated Dell/Windows 8/Secure Boot Issue

By JustinTime
in Hardware Hangout

 Share

Recommended Posts

Community Regular

JustinTime

Posted
Posted

Just got my new Dell, it had Windows 8 Home 64-bit on it and tons of bloat/spamware. Some stuff you can't uninstall, including some mandatory apps. So I decided to do a clean install with my Windows 8 Pro disc. However I got "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key." I found that has to do with Dell embedding the product key that came with it in BIOS, so a workaround is to install Vista or 7, which I did and then upgrade to 8 pro. Worked fine but now whenever I turn PC on, it says something like no boot device is found, SATA 0: Installed, SATA 1: Installed. So I changed boot mode in BIOS to Legacy from UIFE (I forgot the name) and it loads Windows 8 fine. However why can't I use UIFE with secure boot anymore and how do I restore that?

Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

Mentor

SharpGreen

Posted
Posted

Just got my new Dell, it had Windows 8 Home 64-bit on it and tons of bloat/spamware. Some stuff you can't uninstall, including some mandatory apps. So I decided to do a clean install with my Windows 8 Pro disc. However I got "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key." I found that has to do with Dell embedding the product key that came with it in BIOS, so a workaround is to install Vista or 7, which I did and then upgrade to 8 pro. Worked fine but now whenever I turn PC on, it says something like no boot device is found, SATA 0: Installed, SATA 1: Installed. So I changed boot mode in BIOS to Legacy from UIFE (I forgot the name) and it loads Windows 8 fine. However why can't I use UIFE with secure boot anymore and how do I restore that?

Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

Probably has something to do with the certificate used to make the UEFI SecureBoot work. Your Dell machine likely only has the certificate to make an Dell-specific copy of Windows work with secureboot, so really the only way to make it work again given that constraint is reinstall your OEM Window copy from the recovery disks (if you got them).

Unless I'm completely misunderstanding how SecureBoot works.

Grand Master

+Warwagon MVC

Posted
  • MVC
Posted

Just got my new Dell, it had Windows 8 Home 64-bit on it and tons of bloat/spamware. Some stuff you can't uninstall, including some mandatory apps. So I decided to do a clean install with my Windows 8 Pro disc. However I got "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key." I found that has to do with Dell embedding the product key that came with it in BIOS, so a workaround is to install Vista or 7, which I did and then upgrade to 8 pro. Worked fine but now whenever I turn PC on, it says something like no boot device is found, SATA 0: Installed, SATA 1: Installed. So I changed boot mode in BIOS to Legacy from UIFE (I forgot the name) and it loads Windows 8 fine. However why can't I use UIFE with secure boot anymore and how do I restore that?

Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

Are you using a full windows 8 disc or the upgrade disc?

Community Regular

JustinTime

Posted
  • Author
Posted

In case anyone has a similar issue, the Windows 8 Home 64-bit DVD worked perfectly. I restored UEFI and SecureBoot, popped the disc in and it automatically began the installation process with SecureBoot enabled. If anyone buys a Dell, call and request the DVD so you can format without hassle. Thanks for helping, Sharp.

Mentor

SharpGreen

Posted
Posted

In case anyone has a similar issue, the Windows 8 Home 64-bit DVD worked perfectly. I restored UEFI and SecureBoot, popped the disc in and it automatically began the installation process with SecureBoot enabled. If anyone buys a Dell, call and request the DVD so you can format without hassle. Thanks for helping, Sharp.

You're welcome :)

Mentor

SharpGreen

Posted
Posted

Ya I think the upgrade disc was your issue. You need a full version disc. It doesn't have to be from dell.

It does have to be from Dell if Dell's keys are the only ones that UEFI recognizes on his machine.

Grand Master

+Warwagon MVC

Posted
  • MVC
Posted

It does have to be from Dell if Dell's keys are the only ones that UEFI recognizes on his machine.

IF that is the case then yes. But we won't know if that's the case and I doubt it was. He was just using an update disc. At least on an HP probook which came with windows 8 preinstalled I reinstalled using a pro disc on a new drive. It never asked for a key and it activated by itself.

Mentor

SharpGreen

Posted
Posted

IF that is the case then yes. But we won't know if that's the case and I doubt it was. He was just using an update disc. At least on an HP probook which came with windows 8 preinstalled I reinstalled using a pro disc on a new drive. It never asked for a key and it activated by itself.

I was just reading about how the SecureBoot thing works with Win8, and it seems MS leaves it up to OEM to make the keys. I would also guess that different OEMs use different processes. I really don't know.

Grand Master

+Warwagon MVC

Posted
  • MVC
Posted

I was just reading about how the SecureBoot thing works with Win8, and it seems MS leaves it up to OEM to make the keys. I would also guess that different OEMs use different processes. I really don't know.

I would think there would be a pretty standard process. I don't think it matters the OEM. If it mattered it would be a repair nightmare with out a sticker. Seeming my experience with a clean install it worked just as i hoped it would.

Apprentice

Empyrean Glow

Posted
Posted

The embedded key will match whichever version of 8 shipped with the PC. A downloaded 'Core/Home' disc would have installed and been automatically activated, just the same as the OEM disc shipped to you by Dell.

I know this because I, too, just purchased a Dell system and jumped through the same hoops. A DigitalRiver .iso installed and auto-activated exactly the same as the Dell OEM disc I had them mail me.

Grand Master

spaceelf

Posted
Posted

Just got my new Dell, it had Windows 8 Home 64-bit on it and tons of bloat/spamware. Some stuff you can't uninstall, including some mandatory apps. So I decided to do a clean install with my Windows 8 Pro disc.

Just for future reference

http://blogs.msdn.co...et-your-pc.aspx

Our solution in Windows 8 consists of two related features:

  • Reset your PC ? Remove all personal data, apps, and settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows.
  • Refresh your PC ? Keep all personal data, Metro style apps, and important settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows.

I don't think you needed to reinstall manually at all.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Poll: Grand Theft Auto VI price predictions, cast your vote

      By Alpha_Tay · Posted

      Free to Play?
    • I restored the default settings to Secure Boot. Big mistake

      By binaryzero · Posted

      Leave Secure Boot off, the Optiplex 7010 isn't getting a firmware update to support the changes...
    • Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H2 to finally get one of the most requested features by Sayan Sen This past week Microsoft officially confirmed Windows 11 version 26H2 with the latest build, 26300.8697, for testing in the experimental Insider channel. The company also published more details about it mainly directed towards IT admins and system admins. Essentially version 26H2 will be delivered via an enablement package (eKB) over Windows 11 25H2. If you are wondering about some of the upcoming features in the next Windows version, one of them is certainly very interesting as Microsoft has confirmed it is finally bringing one of the most overwhelmingly requested features ever. March Rogers, the Partner Director of Design at Microsoft, recently highlighted some of the Search improvements that the company is testing, and during the interaction with users on X where he posted it, Rogers also confirmed that the company is working on disabling web search results inside Search. This is something which many users find quite annoying as Windows would often serve them links to Bing which it feels could be more helpful rather than bringing up the actual object or app the user may be searching for on their PC. Finally though the company is prioritizing local file search over the web. However the feature could not be disabled for many users as not all new features are immediately rolled out to everyone. Image via phantomofearth (X) Windows enthusiast phantomofearth who likes to dig deep into new builds uncovered the IDs you will need to enable these features. Using the following feature IDs the new Search-related features landing in Windows 11 26H2 can be used. Follow the steps below to enable the new Search experience on Windows 11 build 26300.8697: Download ViveTool from GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-find folder. Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin). Switch Windows Terminal to the Command Prompt profile with the Ctrl + Shift + 2 shortcut or by clicking the arrow-down button at the top of the window. Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files with the CD command. For example, if you have placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive. Type vivetool /enable /id: and press Enter. Restart your computer. If you change your mind and want to restore, repeat the steps above and replace /enable with /disable in the commands on steps 5 and 6. Delightedly and perhaps also expectedly, once you disable web search and other such bloat, the Windows 11 Search is said to get snappier as remarked by another Windows enthusiast Xeno.
    • A 13 billion year old secret about our Universe's origin was revealed

      By Michael Scrip · Posted

      Makes me think of Family Guy - "Carl Sagan's Cosmos... edited for Rednecks" 🤣 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljt5iESYA7k&t=2s
    • Microsoft PC Manager 3.21.7.0 (Offline Installer)

      By Copernic · Posted

      Microsoft PC Manager 3.21.7.0 (Offline Installer) by Razvan Serea With Microsoft PC Manager, users can easily perform basic computer maintenance and enhance the speed of their devices with just one click. This app offers a range of features, including disk cleanup, startup app management, virus scanning, Windows Update checks, process monitoring, and storage management. Microsoft PC Manager key features: Storage Manager- easily uninstall infrequently used apps, manage large files, perform a cleanup, and set up Storage Sense to automatically clear temporary files. Health Checkup feature -scans for potential problems, viruses, and startup programs to turn off. It helps you identify unnecessary items to remove, optimizing your system's performance. Pop-up Management - block pop-up windows from appearing in apps. Windows Update - scans your system for any pending updates. Startup Apps - enable or disable startup apps on your PC, allowing you to optimize your system's startup performance. Browser Protection - rest assured that harmful programs cannot alter your default browser. Also enables you to change your default browser. Process Management - allows you to conveniently terminate any active process, ensuring optimal system performance and resource utilization. Anti-virus protection - Fully integrated with Windows Security. Safeguard your PC anytime. Quick Steps: Download Microsoft PC Manager Offline Installer (APPX/MSIX) with Adguard Adguard serves as a third-party online service, offering a user-friendly method for directly downloading appx, appxbundle, and msixbundle files from the Microsoft Store. Official download links will be generated for both the app's various versions and its dependency packages. How to download Microsoft PC Manager Offline Installer (APPX/MSIX) 1. Initially, you must find the app URL within the Microsoft Store. Access the Microsoft Store via your browser and search for "Microsoft PC Manager". Once located, copy the app URL, which includes the product ID, either from the address bar or from the provided link below. https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9PM860492SZD 2. Now paste the app URL into the designated area, then click the check mark button to produce a direct download link. 3. To download, right-click the relevant link and select “Save link as…” from your browser's menu. Occasionally, Microsoft Edge may flag the download as insecure. In such cases, consider utilizing alternative browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox to successfully complete the download. Microsoft PC Manager is a completely free tool optimized exclusively for use on Windows 10 (19042.0 and above) and Windows 11. Download: Microsoft PC Manager 3.21.7.0 | from Microsoft Store View: Microsoft PC Manager Home Page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware

  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Dedicated
      JuvenileDelinquent earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      505
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      177
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      84
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      76
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      76
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!