How Do You Activate Legal Windows 8 with no disc??

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by pennsylvaniaron, Jan 20, 2013.

  1. pennsylvaniaron

    pennsylvaniaron MDL Member

    Dec 4, 2009
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    I started this thread because of the confusion (at least mine) of Windows 8 activation. I have a repair business where I'm sure starting this year I will start to see Windows 8 machines coming in for repair. From past experience with win XP/VISTA/7 clients typically do not have a windows OS disc mainly because Windows is usually pre-installed. Sometimes the client might have a re-installation disc with windows on it. We never use that because of all the bloatware.

    Since there are no real secure methods of activating Windows 8 right now how would I go about activating it on client machines after I do a new install? I assume most machines will have the core or professional versions pre-installed, correct?
    If so can I use the rtm and professional versions found on MDL, do the install and somehow use the COA code that will be on their computer case? Regards...
     
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  2. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    As far as I know there is no OEM:COA key now key is embedded in bios. From what I've read you can extract key with RW-Everything and use MSDN RTM dvd. You may not use recovery cd/dvd's but if there is a recovery partition or recovery cd/dvd's I would use it lets face it you are only there to get their machine back up and running. Yes for friends e.c.t I have done clean installation without the bloatware but if you are running a business far quicker with factory recovery :biggrin:
     
  3. pennsylvaniaron

    pennsylvaniaron MDL Member

    Dec 4, 2009
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    Ok I did not know that Microsoft has stopped putting the OEM:COA key on stickers for Windows 8. I have run RW-EVERYTHING from within the OS but how do you run it from a bootable disc? Are there any other tools for getting the S/N from within the bios? Will the slic 3.2 tool work from a bootable? Regards...
     
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  4. urie

    urie Moderator
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  5. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

    Jul 29, 2009
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    That applies for Manufacturer installed Windows 8 like HP, Acer and other. In those "open" OEM Windows 8 packages, sold in Thailand, there's an COA and Product Key inluded. The packing of that OEM Version differs from MS Windows 8 Boxes, they use that simple carton Envelopes as for the old OEM packages. NO Warranty or Service from Microsoft, except Activation.
     
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  6. pennsylvaniaron

    pennsylvaniaron MDL Member

    Dec 4, 2009
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