Hi I just wanted to know the answer to this question guys ? If I need to reinstall windows 8 on a legitmate original laptop that originally had windows 8 on it from the manufacturer and I dont have any media from the laptop ie. recovery media etc. 1. can I install for example ? A downloaded version of Windows 8 RTM English, 64-bit (x64) Size: 3.33 GB SHA-1: 1CE53AD5F60419CF04A715CF3233F247E48BEEC4 iso 915440 or its x86 iso 915417 version if relevant ? 2. will this still auto activate after install as there is now no COA number to enter on installation process ? 3. What would happen if I had to install a new hard drive ? 4. what would happen i I installed a replacement motherboard ? Thanks in advance
So unlike Windows 7 if I replace the Hard Drive I cannot re install & activate using an original W8 iso ? seems unfair to all those people going forward who will not have made a windows backup and dont have media and are out of warranty ? The laptop supplier will not be interested !
So how will repair agents etc. do fresh installs on customers computers ? It seems unreasonable that they will have to keep every single manufacturers recovery media when after replacing a hard drive etc. all they need to do is run the original W8 iso thru the laptop and it auto activates with this single iso rather than having to have 100s of specific ones?? Just a thought maybe if it will not auto activate after loading generic W8 iso the auto phone system will ?
You can always call M$ support and tell them the WINDOWS 8 OEM LAPTOP MODEL NUMBER and if it's legit,they will give you another product key to activate and the procedure to do it