Windows 8 Activation question...

[ell]

I generally use un-branded versions then use the customers COA to activate because most of my customers do not have any media.

nline - I would be happy to test your media....

Do you have basic Windows 8 x64 from MSDN/technet? (not pro or pro/wmc) Since that is what came with the Asus laptop I have here.

If so, pm me, get the ISO to me - I will burn it and settle this once and for all..

Did you read though that the media I used did NOT activate when installed? Only when I enter the actual key from the bios?

And - if I had to enter the key during install (which is what your disks want you to do) - then the system would likely be auto activated since windows 8 does indeed auto check the key entered against the bios key.

ell - My method for key retrieval and re-installation is ONLY for those of us who want to use STANDARD Windows 8 media to install on an OEM system. If you have the recovery disks from the manufacturer - they will check the key automatically without you having to enter it - like it has been for years.

 

[LordX]

Then RWeverything will soon become your best friend....

Here is a snapshot:

 

[ell]

Thanks, I'll have to get it, hope we can find a workaround for the win 7 install, I don't have time for that B.S.

Then RWeverything will soon become your best friend....

Here is a snapshot:

 

[LordX]

Talking with some other guys in another forum - one suggested a windows 7 or 8 recovery CD booted from USB - with rweverything on the usb stick too....

But dont the recovery CDs need to find an active version of windows on the system?

PS - the windows 7 workaround is ONLY in the case of a FAILED hard drive. If you are simply reformatting a working or new system - then rweverything will work in win8.

 

[nlinecomputers]

nline - I would be happy to test your media....

Do you have basic Windows 8 x64 from MSDN/technet? (not pro or pro/wmc) Since that is what came with the Asus laptop I have here.

If so, pm me, get the ISO to me - I will burn it and settle this once and for all..

Did you read though that the media I used did NOT activate when installed? Only when I enter the actual key from the bios?

And - if I had to enter the key during install (which is what your disks want you to do) - then the system would likely be auto activated since windows 8 does indeed auto check the key entered against the bios key.

ell - My method for key retrieval and re-installation is ONLY for those of us who want to use STANDARD Windows 8 media to install on an OEM system. If you have the recovery disks from the manufacturer - they will check the key automatically without you having to enter it - like it has been for years.

Dude I will not help you pirate. You want the ISO then pay for TechNet. Every legitimate company should. Nothing personal. It's business.

Having said that. You can find the SHA1 hash numbers here:
http://www.mydigitallife.info/windo...nd-product-keys-released-on-msdn-and-technet/

I'm sure you can find a source *cough*bt* and then check the SHA1 hash. Then go to town. I'd love to hear your results.

 

[LordX]

Getting Windows 8 DVD ready.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I don't need a screen shot. That is for your benefit to protect you from altered disks that have rootkits in them. As I have said I don't trust your piratebay AIO copy. It doesn't behave as mine does and I built my own.

 

[LordX]

I will make sure hash passes to ensure a legitimate windows 8 dvd.

 

[Martyn]

Can I just remind people of the rule below:

No Links to Pirate Material or Assisting with Its Use
Such as illegal torrents, copyrighted software ISOs, CD Keys or means to hack into software and/or hardware. No assisting on the forums with information to obtain or make use of pirate material.


Please edit your own posts to fit in with this.

 

[LordX]

Ok, hash checked - Passed.

Booted from DVD - went through the gathering information part, and it is now installing windows 8 - without me entering a key yet.

Screens below.

 

[LordX]

Well well.

Installing off of the MSDN disk not only did not ask me for a key, it also auto activated using the key in the bios.

And this is with a different hard drive than the one the laptop originally came with!

The EULA for the MSDN disk also seemed to indicate that it knew the machine was an OEM.

What a pain in the butt though - to have to have all those DVDs or USBs.

 

[LordX]

This leads to another issue though.

You get a laptop on your bench. You know its win8 - but the customer doesn't know which version they had.

Then it could be annoying since you may have the possibility of having to install multiple disks to see which one auto activates.

8 Standard and 8 Pro would be the likely candidates.

 

[nlinecomputers]

This leads to another issue though.

You get a laptop on your bench. You know its win8 - but the customer doesn't know which version they had.

Then it could be annoying since you may have the possibility of having to install multiple disks to see which one auto activates.

8 Standard and 8 Pro would be the likely candidates.

It will say which version on the COA label.

 

[cyabro]

It will say which version on the COA label.

Will it? As it's not even a COA anymore, just a basic sticker with the Windows 8 logo and the title 'Windows 8' underneath. Doesn't look like there's even room to add Pro on the end if it is a Win8 Pro laptop.

 

[LordX]

No more COA's on Windows 8 oem machines nline.

This was why I initially started looking to see how I could find the key.

I did not know that installing the same version that was on the machine would auto activate...

Kinda nice.

 

[nlinecomputers]

My understanding is that there are COA stickers on them they just don't have product key's. They look more like a simple advertising sticker but they have a hologram. And there is a sticker for Windows 8, Pro Windows 8 and Pro Windows 8 with Media Center.

 

[nlinecomputers]

Edit this sticker isn't valid. The guy just made one up but the other two I've both seen.

Isn't much but the OEMs are required to put the proper sticker on each machine, as I under stand it.

 

[LordX]

Yeah so whats up with the Pro W/ Media Center edition?

I see it floating around out there - but no ISO from MSDN.

So are you supposed to get PRO - then upgrade to Media Center Edition?

 

[cyabro]

Edit this sticker isn't valid. The guy just made one up but the other two I've both seen.

Isn't much but the OEMs are required to put the proper sticker on each machine, as I under stand it.

Great, thanks for that!
I've only seen the top one so far.

 

[LordX]

So - sum up of this thread with what I have learned:

If want to do a clean install on an OEM machine that is pre-loaded with Windows 8:

1. Obtain the actual MSDN/Technet ISO of the version of Windows 8 that the system came loaded with. If there is a hard drive failure - you can check the NEW looking COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop for the version - thanks to nline for the photos.

2. Install. That's it. No key entry required during install, and auto activation once installation is complete.

3. If you want to know your Product Key - use RWeverything to read it from the BIOS.


My only wonder is this: Would using a program like nlite (8lite now?) to merge updates into the ISO cause the auto key reading and activation to stop working?