How to go from unactivated Windows 8 Pro back to normal?

[Aidan P]

Hello, recently I was wondering what Windows 8 Pro offered in terms of additional features etc so I activated it with a serial key. However, it now says that my Windows isn't activated and I keep getting a full screen window appear telling me to activate Windows. I purchased my PC new with a legitimate copy of Windows 8. If I reinstalled Windows, would I need a serial key or would it go back to standard Windows? Any help is greatly appreciated as this is a problem I really would like to fix. Thanks.

 

[COLGeek]

You can reinstall with your original key and be fine. You won't need another (assuming the original one is legitimate).

Good luck!

 

[Aidan P]

You can reinstall with your original key and be fine. You won't need another (assuming the original one is legitimate).

Good luck!

Ok, thank you very much for replying, where do I find the original serial key as my PC came with it already installed?
Thanks again.

 

[COLGeek]

There should have been a sticker with the info affixed to the computer. Usually on the back or bottom, but could be inside the case as well. I have seen them placed in many odd places, but one should be there if the vendor you purchased from did their job properly.

 

[Aidan P]

Ok, so am I right in saying this is a 25 digit serial? Also, is it just a serial or does it have a barcode and/or say anything? I've had a look and the only sticker I have seen that could be the key is a barcode but only has a 20 digit serial number.

 

[COLGeek]

It should look something like this:

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/2013/05/photo__1_-3.jpg

 

[Aidan P]

Yeah, the sticker is above the Windows 8 sticker and looks exactly the same as the barcode with the covered serial on the right hand side of that picture, so that's the serial?

 

[COLGeek]

Yep, that is the product key. You enter that info during the install process and it is used to activate the installation.

 

[Aidan P]

Ok, thank you ever so much! Been worrying for ages now that I was stuck with inactivated Windows and thought the only option was to buy it again, thank you!

 

[COLGeek]

You are most welcome. Have fun!!!

 

[Aidan P]

You are most welcome. Have fun!!!

Hello again, sorry about this, but I just tried using the serial on the sticker to activate Windows, but it says it needs to be 25 characters long and that sticker is only 20. I tried using Belarc to find the serial key, but it only gave me the one that I put in for Windows 8 Pro (the one that doesn't work).

 

[COLGeek]

I suggest contacting the vendor you purchased the PC from. They are required to product you the full product key for the OS you purchased. Sorry for your hassles.

 

[Aidan P]

I suggest contacting the vendor you purchased the PC from. They are required to product you the full product key for the OS you purchased. Sorry for your hassles.

Ok, I will try that. No need to apologize, it's not your fault, you've been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it, a great welcome to the site! Thank you.

 

[COLGeek]

This is, in deed, a great place for tech assistance. The vast majority of our users are very helpful. Welcome to the team!

 

[Aidan P]

This is, in deed, a great place for tech assistance. The vast majority of our users are very helpful. Welcome to the team!

I'm aware of the great service from the website as I've used it for help a lot before but never actually made an account, very glad I have now, thank you!