Windows 8 OEM problem

[darkdragon88]

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!

 

[Cazauxx]

Usually the product key for Windows 8 is on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop since its OEM.

 

[darkdragon88]

Usually the product key for Windows 8 is on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop since its OEM.

There nothing listed on this Acer Travelmate P653.

 

[Cazauxx]

Usually the product key for Windows 8 is on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop since its OEM.

There nothing listed on this Acer Travelmate P653.

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

 

[darkdragon88]

Usually the product key for Windows 8 is on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop since its OEM.

There nothing listed on this Acer Travelmate P653.

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.

 

[mbarnes86]

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

 

[darkdragon88]

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?

 

[rgd1101]

yes, and make a recovery disk next time.