My notebook came with windows installed but now is saying windows isn't activated

[cyberrich]

Hi, I bought the Samsung notebook from PCWorld over 2 years ago. It came with windows 8 already installed but I'm now getting a message saying windows isn't activated and that I need to enter the key. Without a key it says I have to buy a new one for £99.99, but as I bought the computer with windows installed I can't see why this is happening. There is no sticker on the computer with a key containing 25 characters which is required, there's only a 15 character key on the underneath of the pc. The computer didn't come with a windows disc. When I open the activation wizard, the activation by phone option isn't there, only the enter the key option. I've emailed PCWorld and Samsung, but til I hear from them I'd be very grateful if anyone has any ideas. I can still get online, but for how much longer is anyone's guess. Thanks.

 

[woodson75]

Likely the product key is baked into the BIOS. Here's an article which talks about some ways to get it: https://itsolutionsblog.net/3-ways-to-extract-the-windows-8-product-key/