RegEdit
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I've trying to view my 25 digit product key on my Windows 7 computer. Can't seem to find it. Under which tab would I find it?
Windows 8 Activation question...
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altrenda
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Regedit, you can buy the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade from Amazon for $50 that contains the 32 and 64 bit versions here http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-8-Pro-Upgrade/dp/B008H3SW4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355613496&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+8
Note I am NOT an affiliate and get nothing from Amazon if you use the link.
This contains the 32 and 64 bit versions. When you do an install, you can make a bootable install disk or USB stick. Like this. http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.htm
Note I am NOT an affiliate and get nothing from Amazon if you use the link.
This contains the 32 and 64 bit versions. When you do an install, you can make a bootable install disk or USB stick. Like this. http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.htm
LordX
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Your windows 7 system likely does not have the key in the bios - since with windows 7 if you purchased the system from an OEM (like dell or hp) then they put a COA sticker on your system with the product key.
If the install is a retail version of windows 7 - then you can use a program like produkey to find the key.
RWeverything method is for Windows 8 - SLP3.0 motherboards.
If the install is a retail version of windows 7 - then you can use a program like produkey to find the key.
RWeverything method is for Windows 8 - SLP3.0 motherboards.
RegEdit
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And this is supposed to save me from having to buy 2 discs (32 and 64)? My intent is to have Windows discs for when the customer's HD fails and they have no image backup.
LordX
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Yeah - that would likely only have the PRO version - and I will bet that many of the standard (sub 600 dollar) laptops will have regular Windows 8, not Windows 8 PRO.
Which is why an AiO disk is nice. Standard, PRO, and PRO w/ WMC both 32 and 64 bit.
If I had a technet subscription - I would be all over making my own...
Which is why an AiO disk is nice. Standard, PRO, and PRO w/ WMC both 32 and 64 bit.
If I had a technet subscription - I would be all over making my own...
nlinecomputers
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The original method you posted was to install Windows 8 and then run your key retrieval program.
From post #44
If you are using legal media it is not possible to do that. I pointed that out. You said your ISO didn't require a key. As far as I know the only Windows 8 version that will install without a key is the enterprise version. Which cannot downgrade to Pro or Core. So the only way you can do as you claim is via a hacked pirated copy of Windows OR via a method you have yet to elaborate on. Which is it?
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LordX
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nline - I will step by step detail it below - please read carefully and then let me know if you still have any questions.
If you need to retrieve a product key before installation - but can not boot into the customers system (e.g. failed hard drive) - and your windows 8 install media will not let you install without entering a key - then what you must do is as follows:
1. install a new hard drive into the system in question
2. install windows SEVEN or previous version that does not require a key during installation
3. once into the temporary OS installation, run RWeverything which will allow you to find the windows 8 key
4. now insert your windows 8 install dvd and install the same version that was on the system to begin with
5. Enter the key you found with rweverything
6. Enjoy your machine
THAT is how you would complete installation with a DVD that required key entry before it would install.
On to the other point you made where you said: "The original method you posted was to install Windows 8 and then run your key retrieval program."
If the media lets you install without entering a key first - then who cares when you run RWeverything? RWeverything is not some kind of keygen or activation tool. It is simply a program that lets you view you the UNIQUE, and ACTUAL LEGAL key (stored in the bios) that the oem system shipped with.
It doesn't matter whether you retrieve that key prior to reformatting the system or after.
Only your installation media will require you to take the above 6 steps that I outlined - but has nothing to do with simply viewing a key that already exists in the system bios.
Finally - if you are able to use the method above to help you and your clients - a thanks would be nice - instead of the tone that has been taken in your previous responses.
I am sure others reading this will find it useful.
PS - You assume that a disk not requiring a key before install is 'hacked and pirated' - however, did you stop to think that maybe when you follow the guide that I posted - to combine all the versions into one ISO - that that process removes the key requirement because there are more than one version on the same disk?
If you need to retrieve a product key before installation - but can not boot into the customers system (e.g. failed hard drive) - and your windows 8 install media will not let you install without entering a key - then what you must do is as follows:
1. install a new hard drive into the system in question
2. install windows SEVEN or previous version that does not require a key during installation
3. once into the temporary OS installation, run RWeverything which will allow you to find the windows 8 key
4. now insert your windows 8 install dvd and install the same version that was on the system to begin with
5. Enter the key you found with rweverything
6. Enjoy your machine
THAT is how you would complete installation with a DVD that required key entry before it would install.
On to the other point you made where you said: "The original method you posted was to install Windows 8 and then run your key retrieval program."
If the media lets you install without entering a key first - then who cares when you run RWeverything? RWeverything is not some kind of keygen or activation tool. It is simply a program that lets you view you the UNIQUE, and ACTUAL LEGAL key (stored in the bios) that the oem system shipped with.
It doesn't matter whether you retrieve that key prior to reformatting the system or after.
Only your installation media will require you to take the above 6 steps that I outlined - but has nothing to do with simply viewing a key that already exists in the system bios.
Finally - if you are able to use the method above to help you and your clients - a thanks would be nice - instead of the tone that has been taken in your previous responses.
I am sure others reading this will find it useful.
PS - You assume that a disk not requiring a key before install is 'hacked and pirated' - however, did you stop to think that maybe when you follow the guide that I posted - to combine all the versions into one ISO - that that process removes the key requirement because there are more than one version on the same disk?
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altrenda
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Thanks for posting this. I look forward to trying it.
Sorry if I was a little harsh about the torrented files, but I had a tech doing work for me that used one of those disks and Windows Loader because it was "easier" and the client had a problem, another tech found it and caused us some trouble.
Sorry if I was a little harsh about the torrented files, but I had a tech doing work for me that used one of those disks and Windows Loader because it was "easier" and the client had a problem, another tech found it and caused us some trouble.
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LordX
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altrenda - thanks, I appreciate you saying that. I completely understand the issues with using loaders and activation hacks - and would never use them, personally or in my business.
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! <---- futurama
I just tested the above 6 steps. I put a used old hdd into the asus win8 laptop. Loaded windows seven without entering a key. Downloaded RWeverything and was able to use it to find the windows 8 key.
So the above steps are TESTED and working!
Now to test my grub windows 8 usb stick and see if I can install win8 off of USB.
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! <---- futurama
I just tested the above 6 steps. I put a used old hdd into the asus win8 laptop. Loaded windows seven without entering a key. Downloaded RWeverything and was able to use it to find the windows 8 key.
So the above steps are TESTED and working!
Now to test my grub windows 8 usb stick and see if I can install win8 off of USB.
nlinecomputers
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I don't assume anything. It flat doesn't do that. I HAVE a AIO stick. It prompts for a key everytime and you can't bypass it, unless you select enterprise, which does.
Which leads to another question. If you have to put in a key then why do you need to use the slmgr /ipk [Product Key] command? If you have to use a key to install Windows 8 then why can't you input that key during the install?
And then the final question comes to play. According to everything I have read if you have an OEM install of Windows 8 on UEFI bios the Digital Product Key is stored on the bios and retrieved by Windows Setup, automagicly. In the background No prompt. You don't NEED to retrieve the key. So why are you? Unless your hacked copy of windows doesn't have that function like it should? Now I admit that I haven't been able to test this of yet. I haven't had a OEM windows 8 system hit by bench yet except one and it was working fine. So I've not had the ability to test this.
I am not saying this to bash you. I think you just have put too much trust into this third party source. At some point I think you are going to do a windows update and be greeted with the "This copy of Windows is not genuine." lockdown. I suspect that your copy is no activating at all because it is cracked. It acts like it does so you think it has. So everything that you are relaying I find suspect because your test media is suspect. Again I don't say that to bash you just to point out a flaw in your testing regime.
LordX
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nline - I am going to answer you because I think it may benefit other readers of this thread.
I am not here to bash anyone either - however, you are really not following the logical flow of the things that have been typed here.
You say: My disk is hacked because it doesn't require a key.
Then you say: If you have to enter a key, then why do you have to use the slmgr command.
Well the answer to that is: I DONT HAVE TO ENTER A KEY ON INSTALL - like I have said from the beginning.
I have only mentioned having to put in a key during install to answer YOUR posts and try to help YOU!!!!!!!!!
Now - to clarify a point - when I install windows 8 with my disk, and do not enter a key (repeat: WHEN I DO NOT ENTER A KEY) - and the OS loads up for the first time - and I check my activation - it is NOT activated at all.
ONLY when I put in the LEGAL key that I found using RWeverything does it do its check on the BIOS and automatically activate.
SO - to be fair - there MAY be something wrong with the disk I have (e.g. some hack or other) - but the disk I use does NOT auto activate or have a loader of any kind. In the end, I MUST put in the EXACT key that the motherboard has in order to auto activate.
WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT SLP3.0 is all about.
Are we on the same page now?
I am not here to bash anyone either - however, you are really not following the logical flow of the things that have been typed here.
You say: My disk is hacked because it doesn't require a key.
Then you say: If you have to enter a key, then why do you have to use the slmgr command.
Well the answer to that is: I DONT HAVE TO ENTER A KEY ON INSTALL - like I have said from the beginning.
I have only mentioned having to put in a key during install to answer YOUR posts and try to help YOU!!!!!!!!!
Now - to clarify a point - when I install windows 8 with my disk, and do not enter a key (repeat: WHEN I DO NOT ENTER A KEY) - and the OS loads up for the first time - and I check my activation - it is NOT activated at all.
ONLY when I put in the LEGAL key that I found using RWeverything does it do its check on the BIOS and automatically activate.
SO - to be fair - there MAY be something wrong with the disk I have (e.g. some hack or other) - but the disk I use does NOT auto activate or have a loader of any kind. In the end, I MUST put in the EXACT key that the motherboard has in order to auto activate.
WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT SLP3.0 is all about.
Are we on the same page now?
RegEdit
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I just ordered 32 and 64 bit Win 8 CD's from Fry's. If anyone wants to buy them off of me in a few days I'll be selling them for $10 off what I paid (each).
RegEdit
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Not really. We're talking about reinstalls after a HD fails. You need a Windows disc for the reinstall. That's where I swoop in with my post. Do you see the association?
Thanks for your post, I haven't had to do a reload of 8 yet, but it will come, seems like a bit of a pain to have to load 7 first when a hd has to be replaced, annoying.
LordX
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ell - I agree!
There is a 'portable' version of RWeverything that is on the same download page as the reg version.
I downloaded it, and tried to get it to work in Parted Magic, and YLMF OS (which I have on a bootable USB drive) - it didnt load.
I tried my old winxp BartPE disk - but it wouldn't load on the new system - haven't even used that disk in ages except for the DBAN part of it.
Anyone have a newer version of a PE disk that they could try and see if the portable version of RWeverything works?
If so - then getting the key off a system with a failed hard drive would be as easy as USB booting the PE!
There is a 'portable' version of RWeverything that is on the same download page as the reg version.
I downloaded it, and tried to get it to work in Parted Magic, and YLMF OS (which I have on a bootable USB drive) - it didnt load.
I tried my old winxp BartPE disk - but it wouldn't load on the new system - haven't even used that disk in ages except for the DBAN part of it.
Anyone have a newer version of a PE disk that they could try and see if the portable version of RWeverything works?
If so - then getting the key off a system with a failed hard drive would be as easy as USB booting the PE!
I have hirens on a bootable sardu hard drive that I run mini xp through and run fabs and d7 on, I wonder if RWeverything would work there.
nlinecomputers
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Ell,
I don't think you'll have to mess with any of it.
This only applies to OEM versions of Windows 8 shipped on UEFI bios based machines shipped from the major Tier 3 builders. Hp, Dell, Lenovo, Sony, Acer, etc.
These machines will ship with no product id on the COA sticker. The 25 digit product id will be stored in the BIOS. It should not be necessary to retrieve a key using Lordx's method. As I understand it ANY Windows 8 disk * will install and retrieve the key automatically, as a background process. The EU or tech will never be prompted for a key. Nor is he going to have to jump through the hoops LordX says in order to get a key in advance. This is similar to what happens on Dell machines when installing from a Dell provided Xp Pro install disk. This disk checks to see if it is loaded on a Dell BIOS and installs without prompting for a key. If the bios is not a dell you get the usual Product Key prompt. Now they are taken the step further. They don't check to see if you are using the proper BIOS. They retrieve the DPKs (Digital Product Key) directly from the BIOS. It is convenient for the end user because they don't have to crawl around under a desk to get a key and protects Microsoft and the OEMs from piracy because the old method required a COA key on the side of the box that actually was never used. That caused a black market to form on those unused and perfectly activatable keys.
* This part is an assumption. I've yet to test it. It is possible that you will need an OEM media copy of Windows 8 in order to install Windows on an OEM machine. In which case Lordx's method might work. But I have doubts his retrieved keys actually work on legal media. I think his method "works" only because his copy of windows doesn't actually activate. The guy means well but I think his method is flawed.
I don't think you'll have to mess with any of it.
This only applies to OEM versions of Windows 8 shipped on UEFI bios based machines shipped from the major Tier 3 builders. Hp, Dell, Lenovo, Sony, Acer, etc.
These machines will ship with no product id on the COA sticker. The 25 digit product id will be stored in the BIOS. It should not be necessary to retrieve a key using Lordx's method. As I understand it ANY Windows 8 disk * will install and retrieve the key automatically, as a background process. The EU or tech will never be prompted for a key. Nor is he going to have to jump through the hoops LordX says in order to get a key in advance. This is similar to what happens on Dell machines when installing from a Dell provided Xp Pro install disk. This disk checks to see if it is loaded on a Dell BIOS and installs without prompting for a key. If the bios is not a dell you get the usual Product Key prompt. Now they are taken the step further. They don't check to see if you are using the proper BIOS. They retrieve the DPKs (Digital Product Key) directly from the BIOS. It is convenient for the end user because they don't have to crawl around under a desk to get a key and protects Microsoft and the OEMs from piracy because the old method required a COA key on the side of the box that actually was never used. That caused a black market to form on those unused and perfectly activatable keys.
* This part is an assumption. I've yet to test it. It is possible that you will need an OEM media copy of Windows 8 in order to install Windows on an OEM machine. In which case Lordx's method might work. But I have doubts his retrieved keys actually work on legal media. I think his method "works" only because his copy of windows doesn't actually activate. The guy means well but I think his method is flawed.
twincountycomputers
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I have Dell XP SP3 Home and Pro disks that work on any brand just fine, they ask for a key on non-dell and they do add dell branding to the system properties I think. not sure where the other guy found his cd's but maybe he needs to find some newer ones.
This is also true with Vista and 7 dvd's...
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LordX
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nline - I would be happy to test your media....
But I will buy the windows 8 x64 disk instead and try it that way.
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.
But I will buy the windows 8 x64 disk instead and try it that way.
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.
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