+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 So a friend asked me to reinstall Windows 8 on his dell vostro laptop just the Core Edition because he can not get into his Microsoft Account and it is one of these new UEFI based laptops so no key is printed on the shell. So I was wondering if I could install Windows 8.1 Core using the EI.CFG trick so I do not need to type a key in on the installation, extract the key out the UEFI some how and then put the key in to activate windows? and can you even use a Windows 8 key to Install and activate Windows 8.1? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notuptome2004 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 So a friend asked me to reinstall Windows 8 on his dell vostro laptop just the Core Edition because he can not get into his Microsoft Account and it is one of these new UEFI based laptops so no key is printed on the shell. So I was wondering if I could install Windows 8.1 Core using the EI.CFG trick so I do not need to type a key in on the installation, extract the key out the UEFI some how and then put the key in to activate windows? and can you even use a Windows 8 key to Install and activate Windows 8.1? the edition of windows 8.1 does not matter on a microsoft account he can log in to a local account and if he cant get access to his Microsoft account then he needs to contact MS as a microsoft account is a windows live account or Hotmail account . also it should just install if it is a OEM based product from Dell or so and also Windows 8.1 works with windows 8 keys as to get windows 8.1 you have to install windows 8 first then upgrade via the Windos store if in fact you dont have a windows 8.1 install disk in the first place Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 the edition of windows 8.1 does not matter on a microsoft account he can log in to a local account and if he cant get access to his Microsoft account then he needs to contact MS as a microsoft account is a windows live account or Hotmail account . also it should just install if it is a OEM based product from Dell or so and also Windows 8.1 works with windows 8 keys as to get windows 8.1 you have to install windows 8 first then upgrade via the Windos store if in fact you dont have a windows 8.1 install disk in the first place I do not have an option to log into a local account on the laptop as the laptop was never set up to use one. That and my friend wasn't exactly smart when he made his microsoft account and he does not want to phone MS as it is "too much hastle and i dont have the time" so I said I would just do a re-install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hvgue Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Since a while you can download Win8 installation media from MS, which are general packages also for OEM systems. See this for a description : http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81 And here is the MS download site : http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media There you download V8.1 update 1 in the version/language (in your case Core) you want and install it on the laptop. After install you will see that the UEFI key is automatically taken into Windows. I did it with my Asus laptop and it worked flawlessly, also with a Windows 8 key. Regards, Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 I already have the Windows 8.1 Installation media. What I am asking is if I install it using the EI.CFG trick can I then get the Product Key out the UEFI in windows If I do this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Zlip792 MVC Posted May 10, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 10, 2015 I had personal HP Envy book, came pre-installed with Windows 8 Single Language 64-bit, due to it being filled with OEM stuff, I downloaded new ISO using following guide: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8-1-iso/ That ISO is of latest Windows 8.1 Update 2 (at that time). I formatted that ISO on USB using Rufus and installed Windows (pre-activated, didn't ask for Product Key - Just install and then activate Online). In Short: - Follow Guide and download suitable ISO - Format it on USB (GPT based) or DVD - Install Windows through that ISO and once installed, just activate it ONLINE. MS Link - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only Rufus Link - https://rufus.akeo.ie/ GPT based USB making method (Follow Rufus One) - http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-make-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-to-install-windows-8/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Intersect Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 I already have the Windows 8.1 Installation media. What I am asking is if I install it using the EI.CFG trick can I then get the Product Key out the UEFI in windows If I do this? This has been asked many times on here before so i will direct you to this site that will show you how you can extract your key from the bios https://www.technibble.com/recover-windows-8-key/ [code] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neu B Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 This might help --> http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/media?c=us&l=en&s=dhs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 I had personal HP Envy book, came pre-installed with Windows 8 Single Language 64-bit, due to it being filled with OEM stuff, I downloaded new ISO using following guide: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8-1-iso/ That ISO is of latest Windows 8.1 Update 2 (at that time). I formatted that ISO on USB using Rufus and installed Windows (pre-activated, didn't ask for Product Key - Just install and then activate Online). In Short: - Follow Guide and download suitable ISO - Format it on USB (GPT based) or DVD - Install Windows through that ISO and once installed, just activate it ONLINE. MS Link - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only Rufus Link - https://rufus.akeo.ie/ GPT based USB making method (Follow Rufus One) - http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-make-uefi-bootable-usb-flash-drive-to-install-windows-8/ Do you know what version of Windows 8 the Dell Vostro 2520 came with all it says on the bottom of the laptop is Windows 8. It does not tell me if it is Single Language or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hvgue Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 If you already have the Core installation media, then you can try without anything else, maybe take out the ei.cfg anyway. If you have installation media for another version f.i. Prof, you can do the same. You might however end up with a media which does not contain the Core version, but you can try. I had this situation before., so I downloaded from MS. So to be sure I would download the correct version from the MS site, as that always works and can save you a lot of time. The media on the MS-site are general media, suitable for Retail and OEM install!! You don't need the Dell media or the download trick anymore, just go to the MS media creation site. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media On an UEFI system you do not need to have the key, as it is automatically taken out of the BIOS at install time, but you can always recover the key with AIDA64 program. AIDA64 works good, but not every key-recovery program is able to get the correct key out of the UEFI BIOS. Remember : Google is your friend! Success!! Hugo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Zlip792 MVC Posted May 10, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 10, 2015 Do you know what version of Windows 8 the Dell Vostro 2520 came with all it says on the bottom of the laptop is Windows 8. It does not tell me if it is Single Language or not. START>RUN and type "control system" without quotes and look here: JUST Follow this: - Go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only - Click "Install Windows 8.1" and Download 6 MB program - Run that program, it will automatically pick key from UEFI and allow you to download latest suitable ISO automatically Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 START>RUN and type "control system" without quotes and look here: I know how to find that. The issue is that I CAN NOT log in to this laptop that I have to fix at all because my friend doesn't know his microsoft account password and doesn't want to phone microsoft at all to get it reset. So is there any other way to find out if the Dell Vostro 2520 is using single language or just core? I am using the Windows 8.1 Media Creation tool over the one that needs the CD key on my desktop because I can not actually do anything on this laptop but stare at the login screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daorbed9 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 The best way is to install 8.1, dont put a key in, then use RW everything, click ahci then msdm and viola key. Put it in to activate and you are set. If you can find an updated 8.1 disc then you don't even have to install many updates. Going from 8 to 8.1 is insane. I've had them fail doing a fresh install that way. Oh yeah look up preinstall keys if you have a regular 8.1 disc. You can put the real key in once you are in windows. If you have an updated 8.1 you dont need a key, its already been modified so you don't have to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Zlip792 MVC Posted May 10, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 10, 2015 - Continue pressing "Shift+F8" to open boot options - First Try "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" - If it opens then run "systeminfo" command to check what version it has OR - Go to Boot Options > Startup Repaid > Recovery Console and then select Command Prompt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 - Continue pressing "Shift+F8" to open boot options - First Try "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" - If it opens then run "systeminfo" command to check what version it has OR - Go to Boot Options > Startup Repaid > Recovery Console and then select Command Prompt Ive been through all of those options on this laptop and as I did not load up that menu from within windows like you can do It kept asking me to login to the account before I could actually do anything. I could not run system restore or anything like that from that menu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x-scratch Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 can't you run linux live cd or usb & just grab the files you need to back up such as product keys?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Tyranade Subscriber² Posted May 10, 2015 Author Subscriber² Share Posted May 10, 2015 can't you run linux live cd or usb & just grab the files you need to back up such as product keys?? On laptops using UEFI they Product Key is encrypted in the UEFI. I managed to find a shop that is selling a Dell Vostro 2520 and it is saying it is using Windows 8 Single Language so I am gunna go ahead and make an 8.1 Single Language installer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Zlip792 MVC Posted May 10, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 10, 2015 Ive been through all of those options on this laptop and as I did not load up that menu from within windows like you can do It kept asking me to login to the account before I could actually do anything. Then simply install Windows 8.1 with Generic Key and then use just like other said some tool like AID64 or following Command to reveal UEFI embedded key: powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kukubau Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 Guide to preserve Windows 8.x OEM Activation Use MSDM-SLIC-CERT-KEY-Dumper, save the product key from the msdm table, reinstall windows using the generic key and once booted for the first time, run cmd (run as admin) and type: slmgr -ipk your_product_key Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironman273 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 I can't help but think that by now your friend could've reset his MS password... Anibal P 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daorbed9 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 On laptops using UEFI they Product Key is encrypted in the UEFI. I managed to find a shop that is selling a Dell Vostro 2520 and it is saying it is using Windows 8 Single Language so I am gunna go ahead and make an 8.1 Single Language installer. Check out my post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samson291 Posted May 10, 2015 Share Posted May 10, 2015 If you want to install it and NOT worry about the key, just make USB pens with core and pro from this link http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media Try both your know you have the right version when it doesn't ask you for a key, they's no need to worry about the key or version really just try PRO and CORE one will work, one wont. It will pick up the embedded key and you can get the system back online again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Warwagon MVC Posted May 11, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 11, 2015 Dead simple. If the system came with Windows 8 and you are installing a clean version of 8.1 core then install using this key Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT Then once in windows, run the file in the zip file blow. Then check the MSDM Key check mark box. Copy the key. Open the charms bar (Windows key + C) then click Settings / change PC settings / and Activate Windows using the key. BOOM Done! Windows 8 Key finder.zip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anibal P Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 No "trick" needed Just installed Win 8 on this computer, my Acer recovery was not working correctly, was prepared and also created a driver disk Used a retail Win 8 Pro disk to install and it read my built in OEM key and registered automatically Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Warwagon MVC Posted May 11, 2015 MVC Share Posted May 11, 2015 No "trick" needed Just installed Win 8 on this computer, my Acer recovery was not working correctly, was prepared and also created a driver disk Used a retail Win 8 Pro disk to install and it read my built in OEM key and registered automatically Yes but then he has to spend hours installing Windows 8.1 and all the updates just get a November Windows 8.1 ISO and that gets him current to November with 8.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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