Windows 8 activation?

[hoorhay]

I have an HP 2000 that came natively with windows 8. Recently the hard drive failed and I replaced it with an SSD. Reinstalled windows 8 with a USB installation media, and everything has gone fine aside from activating windows. Doesn't windows 8 key embed in the bios of the mobo? All of that is the same, I've only changed the SSD.

Is there a direct line I can call microsoft to get it activated? Or some other route to take?

Thanks
Hoorhay

 

[thejackal85]

If you've already activated it, there is a number you can call, yes. When you go to activate the OS, one of the options should be to do it over the phone and it will have a number there for you to call. It will walk you through what you're supposed to do from there.

 

[COLGeek]

Go here for more info: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/950929

You should be able to call for activation.

 

[captaincharisma]

it depends on how old your laptop is. not all PC's with windows 8 had that kind of feature

 

[FALC0N]

Sometimes it doesn't quite work automatically. Use a utility that will pull the Key from the bios manually. Once you have the bios key, I think you have to use the command line to change they key. If I remember correctly, it will activate at that point. It's been a while since I have done it, but it does work.