How to uninstall pirated Windows 8.1

[heysnads]

I'm trying to fix my in-law's computer, which had Windows 8.1 installed on it (presumably pirated - it was some hick up north who traded the install for Plexiglas) and now she can't install any system updates.

I'd like to go back to the original operating system that came with the laptop, which I'm assuming was Windows 7, but I don't have any disc or serial number for the original OS... Only the HP serial number.

Ugh, I'm sure you can see how frustrating this is to try to fix. Is my only option buying a Windows 8 copy?

 

[popatim]

Look under the battery for the windows 'key' sticker.
If its there you can contact HP for the factory restore disk set if you cant find the restore partition on the hdd.
If the sticker isnt there, plan on buying windows.

 

[basroil]

If the original OS was Windows 7, it will have stickers on the machine both stating it's a Windows 7 machine and a product key label on the bottom or under the battery.

If it doesn't have those, your only option is to purchase a new key. Newegg just so happens to have Windows 7 Home Premium OEM for a discounted price ($80) right now.

 

[itmoba]

Typically, forum rules prohibit helping users using pirated software. This, however, seems to be a genuine case (i.e., extenuating circumstance) where the said rules don't apply.

First, check to see if you still have a warranty on the laptop (not likely). The HP serial number should provide such information. Technically speaking, the warranty was voided by the dumb mistake of your in-law (gray area here). It's okay to be frustrated, but there's good news -- HPs typically don't ship with "rescue" disks or the OEM Windows (i.e., original system / factory install) anymore. Assuming that the laptop originally shipped with Windows 7 installed, it's possible that the recovery is stored on another partition. With this, you can restore the system to factory settings.

If this isn't the case, you'll need to contact HP.

 

[basroil]

Typically, forum rules prohibit helping users using pirated software. This, however, seems to be a genuine case (i.e., extenuating circumstance) where the said rules don't apply.

No, the forum rules prohibit asking help TO pirate software. In this case the poster simply wanted to remove software pirated by a third party. It's a perfectly valid question, and one that's actually asked quite often.

 

[itmoba]

Typically, forum rules prohibit helping users using pirated software. This, however, seems to be a genuine case (i.e., extenuating circumstance) where the said rules don't apply.

No, the forum rules prohibit asking help TO pirate software. In this case the poster simply wanted to remove software pirated by a third party. It's a perfectly valid question, and one that's actually asked quite often.

You're right basroil -- seems I was wrong about the pirated software aspect of my post. The rest of my message, however, stands.