Windows 8 OEM problem

darkdragon88

Reputable
Sep 9, 2015
9
0
4,510
Hi everyone,

We have a laptop at work that came with Windows 8. We purchased a digital license for Windows 8 (called Windows 8 Pro Pack) and used this for months. The SSD failed and I received a new SSD. However, the laptop had Windows 8 OEM (no disk) so I am not able to get the product key. I tried installing Windows 8.1 Pro from a disk from another laptop however the 8.1 Pro update obviously cannot use the Windows 8 Pro Pack product key. I tried finding an ISO for Windows 8 but all I got was the Enterprise 30 day edition and I am unable to put in my Windows 8 pro license.
I've contacted Acer but they want me to purchase a recovery disk. I've contacted Microsoft and they said I have to ask Acer.
If anyone could pass on their knowledge I would be greatly thankful!
 


Specifically, the product key is encrypted in the BIOS. The product should be retrievable from Windows Registry using a program like Magic Jelly Bean.
 


I am able to get that product key however like I mentioned earlier, my SSD failed and I had to get a new one. So I did a fresh installation of this 30 day Enterprise level of Windows 8. So all I could do is activate that but not my original regular Windows 8, nor my Windows 8 Pro digital upgrade license.
 
Hi

If you had win 8 then the pro pack upgraded you to Win 8 pro which would be used in a business environment using domains rather than workgroup networks

Unless you have several identical Acer laptops which would enable you to make a recovery disk set or USB recovery disk of Windows 8 oem then you will need to buy a replacement recovery disk from the manufacturer (Acer)
Which will be much cheaper than a Microsoft oem system builder disk

Most OEM Windows nag you to make a system recovery disk and if you do not do this it may cost you a lot of time & or money to sort out the lack of a Windows system recovery disk if the hard disk or SSD dies

There should have been a Windows COA label with key on the laptop occasionally hidden in the battery compartment

regards
Mike Barnes
 


Unfortunately there is no COA label. I guess my only option is to buy this Acer Recovery Disk then?