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Chicken76 · 23rd Jan 2013, 08:46

I have a friend who just bought a new laptop with Windows 8 preinstalled on it's mechanical hard drive. He just bought a SSD and would like to replace the HDD and reinstall Win8.
Unfortunately the manufacturer (ASUS) didn't provide a re-installation disk. Also, there's no MS genuine sticker on it with the key.
He contacted Asus and they said that there's no way to move the license to a different drive, and if the laptop is covered by warranty and the supplied drive fails, they'll replace the drive with a new one with Windows preinstalled. Other than that, there's no other option but to buy Win8 again. REALLY?!

You lose the license together with the warranty?
Does the Win8 OEM license cover the manufacturer installation only these days? It used to be tied to the motherboard, but this factory-installation-only restriction is ... ***censored***.

Phalanx · 23rd Jan 2013, 08:47

Hang on... There's no Genuine sticker?

*Alarm bells begin ringing*

towelie · 23rd Jan 2013, 09:11

If you havent already, Check Under neath the battery Dell have move the sticker to there.If not can't you use belarc or simular to get the key, then you need to grab an OEM version of Windows 8?

Cloning the drive may be the next alternative.

aramil · 23rd Jan 2013, 09:24

There is no individual key for windows 8 OEM (so no sticker) it uses a generic key and a hardware hash stored in the bios To authenticate.

Oem install keys can be found on microsofts site (look for volume licence)

Nb. Not sure if asus use Volume licence?

Although changing the boot drive will probably break the hardware hash. Ie the system may have a different hash now.

The oem licence is for the system as supplied by the manufacturer (which is why they said they would reinstall/reactivate should a hardware error happen)

If you are building/changing/modding a pc you should buy the system builder edition of windows 8 as per the T&C's.

Nb. Apparently if you go to install windows 8 and your bios has the correct info in it you will have no need for a key and it should just install. And as long as your upgrade has not broken the hardware hash it should activate.

Sent on my CM10 JB powered i9100 by TapaTalk 2

Chicken76 · 23rd Jan 2013, 09:51

Thanks guys for the answers. I'm, hoping the hardware hash won't break by putting the SSD in.

Does Microsoft provide installation media images for Windows 8 to download?

aramil · 23rd Jan 2013, 09:56

Err no you will have to acquire one...

Sent on my CM10 JB powered i9100 by TapaTalk 2

RichCreedy · 23rd Jan 2013, 11:59

try cloning the hd to the ssd

and as has been said, from now on, machines preloaded with windows(from 8) will not have a license sticker

damien c · 25th Jan 2013, 14:55

Does The Magic Jellybean work on Windows 8?

Also just be careful, with Windows 8 my copy of it was installed once and then now I have to phone Microsoft if I want to activate it as it would, appear that they have limited it to 1 activation unless it's just my key that has messed up.

Pookie · 25th Jan 2013, 15:21

Just to let you know I have cloned a few new laptop's with windows 8 to SSD's using Acronis 2013 with no activation issues, but it takes ages though for some reason. Acronis 2012 does not support Windows 8 cloning as I found out the hard way. I cant vouch for other cloning software I'm afraid as I have only used Acronis.

Edwards · 25th Jan 2013, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pookie

Just to let you know I have cloned a few new laptop's with windows 8 to SSD's using Acronis 2013 with no activation issues, but it takes ages though for some reason. Acronis 2012 does not support Windows 8 cloning as I found out the hard way. I cant vouch for other cloning software I'm afraid as I have only used Acronis.

Really? We've just got 5 new Windows 8 machines from dell and have been testing the activation limits by flashing/reflashing different machines with Acronis and not come across any issues. The whole process of booting into Acronis, flashing the new instance (was around a 30gb image i think) and getting into windows 8 took 7 minutes.

Pookie · 25th Jan 2013, 20:37

Not sure why it takes so long! I could do with trying on a different machine or perhaps check if there is a newer build of the Acronis I'm using. If I clone a Windows 7 drive the speed isn't far off what you get.

Cleggmeister · 25th Jan 2013, 22:31

Magic JellyBean Keyfinder?

oops, didnt read the whole thread...

Snakko · 26th Jan 2013, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramil

There is no individual key for windows 8 OEM (so no sticker) it uses a generic key and a hardware hash stored in the bios To authenticate.

Not really, OA3.0 doesn't use SLP generic keys like Vista or 7 anymore, instead your key is embedded inside the BIOS by the manufacturer, so every machine has an unique key, the only ways to restore a Windows 8 OEM copy (apart from cloning partitions) are:

1) using the restore partition on your machine or

2) use an OEM disc with a SKU matching the one preinstalled on your PC (a friend told me it doesn't even require typing the PK, it reads it directly from the BIOS, haven't tried by myself though)

3) avoid formatting and use the Windows 8 built-in refresh option.

23rd Jan 2013, 08:46	#1
Chicken76 Hypermodder Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Romania Posts: 678	How to find the key and activate a preinstalled Win8? I have a friend who just bought a new laptop with Windows 8 preinstalled on it's mechanical hard drive. He just bought a SSD and would like to replace the HDD and reinstall Win8. Unfortunately the manufacturer (ASUS) didn't provide a re-installation disk. Also, there's no MS genuine sticker on it with the key. He contacted Asus and they said that there's no way to move the license to a different drive, and if the laptop is covered by warranty and the supplied drive fails, they'll replace the drive with a new one with Windows preinstalled. Other than that, there's no other option but to buy Win8 again. REALLY?! You lose the license together with the warranty? Does the Win8 OEM license cover the manufacturer installation only these days? It used to be tied to the motherboard, but this factory-installation-only restriction is ... *censored*.

23rd Jan 2013, 08:47	#2
Phalanx Needs more dragons and stuff. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Surrey, UK Posts: 3,527	Hang on... There's no Genuine sticker? Alarm bells begin ringing __________________ XBOX Live!: Ph4lanx \| Steam: Catachan

23rd Jan 2013, 09:11	#3
towelie How do I Internet!! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Twickenham/London Posts: 380	If you havent already, Check Under neath the battery Dell have move the sticker to there.If not can't you use belarc or simular to get the key, then you need to grab an OEM version of Windows 8? Cloning the drive may be the next alternative. __________________ CPU:Intel I7 930(Bloomfield) @2.80GHZ CPU Cooler:Corsair H80 MOBO:Asus P6t SE Graphics Card: Palit 670GTX 2GB OC RAM:12GB Corsair XMS3 1600mhz 9-9-9-24 PSU:Corsair HX 750W Hard Drives:50GB SSD OCZ Sandforce driver/1TB WD Green 7200RPM Case:NZXT 810 Switch Black

23rd Jan 2013, 09:24	#4
aramil Duct Tape Saves...... Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Worcester, UK Posts: 405	There is no individual key for windows 8 OEM (so no sticker) it uses a generic key and a hardware hash stored in the bios To authenticate. Oem install keys can be found on microsofts site (look for volume licence) Nb. Not sure if asus use Volume licence? Although changing the boot drive will probably break the hardware hash. Ie the system may have a different hash now. The oem licence is for the system as supplied by the manufacturer (which is why they said they would reinstall/reactivate should a hardware error happen) If you are building/changing/modding a pc you should buy the system builder edition of windows 8 as per the T&C's. Nb. Apparently if you go to install windows 8 and your bios has the correct info in it you will have no need for a key and it should just install. And as long as your upgrade has not broken the hardware hash it should activate. Sent on my CM10 JB powered i9100 by TapaTalk 2 __________________ System: Intel i5 3570K delidded CLU @ 4.6Ghz \| Asus Stabertooth Z77 (1708) \| Asus GTX560-TI Direct cuII \| OCZ Agility 3 120Gb \| Samsung 1Tb F2 \| WD 500Gb \| Corsair 750TX v2 \| 8Gb (2x4) Corsair Vengence \| XSPC-Raystorm-750-RS2400 (2 X Akasa viper) \| Casecom 5288 \| Samsung LS24B300HL / LE32R74 / LE46C750 \| Windows 8 Pro 64bit \| Audio: Linn Classik & Keilidh Speakers Last edited by aramil; 23rd Jan 2013 at 09:33.

23rd Jan 2013, 09:56	#6
aramil Duct Tape Saves...... Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Worcester, UK Posts: 405	Err no you will have to acquire one... Sent on my CM10 JB powered i9100 by TapaTalk 2 __________________ System: Intel i5 3570K delidded CLU @ 4.6Ghz \| Asus Stabertooth Z77 (1708) \| Asus GTX560-TI Direct cuII \| OCZ Agility 3 120Gb \| Samsung 1Tb F2 \| WD 500Gb \| Corsair 750TX v2 \| 8Gb (2x4) Corsair Vengence \| XSPC-Raystorm-750-RS2400 (2 X Akasa viper) \| Casecom 5288 \| Samsung LS24B300HL / LE32R74 / LE46C750 \| Windows 8 Pro 64bit \| Audio: Linn Classik & Keilidh Speakers

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23rd Jan 2013, 09:51	#5
Chicken76 Hypermodder Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Romania Posts: 678	Thanks guys for the answers. I'm, hoping the hardware hash won't break by putting the SSD in. Does Microsoft provide installation media images for Windows 8 to download?

23rd Jan 2013, 11:59	#7
RichCreedy Hey What Who Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: lost in the middle of lincolnshire Posts: 3,567	try cloning the hd to the ssd and as has been said, from now on, machines preloaded with windows(from 8) will not have a license sticker __________________ if there are errors in my messages, its because my brain is to far ahead of my hands

25th Jan 2013, 14:55	#8
damien c Mad FPS Gamer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: UK Posts: 1,180	Does The Magic Jellybean work on Windows 8? Also just be careful, with Windows 8 my copy of it was installed once and then now I have to phone Microsoft if I want to activate it as it would, appear that they have limited it to 1 activation unless it's just my key that has messed up. __________________ Core I7 3930K, Rampage IV Extreme, 16GB Corsair Vengance 1600mhz, GTX 680 SLI, Corsair Force 3 250Gb SSD, Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium, NZXT Switch 810, XSPC RX 360mm + Alphacool 240mm All Copper, 10x Scythe Kazi Jyuni 1900rpm 5v & And It's Silent!!!!!!!!! . Market Place Feedback http://forums.bit-tech.net/showpost....&postcount=104

25th Jan 2013, 15:21	#9
Pookie Need's a Holiday! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Newton Abbot (originally from Wantage) Posts: 437	Just to let you know I have cloned a few new laptop's with windows 8 to SSD's using Acronis 2013 with no activation issues, but it takes ages though for some reason. Acronis 2012 does not support Windows 8 cloning as I found out the hard way. I cant vouch for other cloning software I'm afraid as I have only used Acronis. __________________ Fractal R4/ GA-X58A-UD3R / i7 920@3.8Ghz / Corsair H60 (2013 Model) with 2 x Corsair SP120 / Corsair Force GT 120 SSD /Sapphire 6950 (6970 mod) / 12GB (3x4GB)Corsair Dominator 1600mhz with Airflow Kit / AOC i2757fm 27" IPS Monitor http://www.compu-care.co.uk/

25th Jan 2013, 20:37	#11
Pookie Need's a Holiday! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Newton Abbot (originally from Wantage) Posts: 437	Not sure why it takes so long! I could do with trying on a different machine or perhaps check if there is a newer build of the Acronis I'm using. If I clone a Windows 7 drive the speed isn't far off what you get. __________________ Fractal R4/ GA-X58A-UD3R / i7 920@3.8Ghz / Corsair H60 (2013 Model) with 2 x Corsair SP120 / Corsair Force GT 120 SSD /Sapphire 6950 (6970 mod) / 12GB (3x4GB)Corsair Dominator 1600mhz with Airflow Kit / AOC i2757fm 27" IPS Monitor http://www.compu-care.co.uk/

25th Jan 2013, 22:31	#12
Cleggmeister Of reasonable knowledge... Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Glasgow, but my heart is in Dunwall.. Posts: 880	Magic JellyBean Keyfinder? oops, didnt read the whole thread... __________________ Pooting: Antec 300, P6T SE, i7 920 (3.20), Corsair F120SSD, 3x1TB HDD, 9Gb (1600XMP), GTX560Ti 2Gb (880/1760/2100), Win7 x64. Grooving: Linn LP12, Klimax DS, Klimax Kontrol, Aktiv Akurate x 10 with Aktiv 242's. Watching: WDTV Live to 50" Panasonic. Serving: HP Proliant Microserver N40L running Openmediavault.