dodger46 :
emtr :
^ The numbers you provided are the Windows 8 version, it has nothing to do with the numbers I provided which are the numbers of the ISO that you get from Microsoft download. Also I've got several responses in eight forums that the OEM in-built key is automatically detected - I tested it and that's exactly what happen, mine is more than just an opinion. It's a fact. The build I am talking about is from Oct 2012. It is RTM version of Windows 8 x64.
So let's not confuse people with answers such as 'No you need a new license' when other people tell you and I tested that RTM version as long as the same and not for example Pro, Enterprise or some other, does detect your key... I am talking about ACTIVATION, downloading from MS website does require a key other than the OEM and general key, though. To download from their site you need a retail key but for activation once you have the ISO, it is activated as per your OEM key attached to your hardware and Windows 8 account...
Curious. Not had to re-install an OEM version yet, do you need an OEM version of the installation media? i.e. the Upgrade/Retail disks wouldn't find the embedded Product key? If so, where do you obtain the OEM version from? Can the keyfinders discover the embedded key? (Would it work wth the Upgrade/Retail versions which ask for the key during install?) I do know that the Upgrade Version can be clean installed by Refreshing Windows immediately after installing to activate...
If you want to download the ISO from Microsoft site, you know with Win 8 setup that redirects you to their site, only retail key will work. If you try a generic or OEM key, it will not work or tell you 'Cannot connect'. The ISO of Win 8 x64 build 915440 is original one.
Claims such as 'pirated' or cracked are out of the question - it's like some friend with original retail key (not OEM) downloaded an ISO from Microsoft, shared it - does that make it cracked only because it's not from MS site and he shared it in another place? No!
So what I used was, this RTM version of Windows x64 from Oct 29 2012. As long as it is the same version - Windows 8 and not Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise, it should detect your key.
I was never asked to insert a key during the installation, I think that appeared on older Windows (XP, Vista, 7), basically when you install Windows 8 - having created your Windows account the first time you ran your laptop, it just grabs the OEM key and Windows status is: ACTIVATED.
Yes, you can use any software to grab your OEM key, I thought I would need to insert it so I grabbed it with Belarc Advisor software - I then compared the key and it was activated. Ask anyone at EightForums and you will see they will tell you with the SAME EDITION of Windows, it should detect your key - so if you are Win 8 Pro. it won't work most likley but if your laptop comes with Windows 8 OEM Key and you want to install Windows 8 (not pro) from some ISO, it should automatically detect without you having to insert anything.