I have a friend's new Windows 8 laptop that has a winload.efi error at startup that Windows can't fix on it's own. He doesn't have any recovery discs. I downloaded, using the links in the stickys, a copy of Windows 8 64bit and booted from that. When I try to Refresh you PC, it says the drive is locked and can't continue. When I try Reset you PC, it says a required drive partition is missing and can't continue. When I try System Restore, it says I must specify which Windows installation to restore, which I can't do. There are no Sytem Images to recover. Automatic Repair doesn't fix it. I've tried from the command prompt the following: bootrec /rebuildbcd bootrec /fixboot bootrec /fixmbr Neither one fixed the problem. At this point, since it's a new computer and warranty isn't an option (out of the country) I would like to reinstall Windows. Can I use the disc I downloaded to install using the OEM key for the laptop? I've never done this with Win8. Is it a simple procedure like WinXP and Win7?
Are there any special activation requirements? I don't want to go ahead with it and find that I need to call Microsoft to activate it.
This sounds very like your friend deleted Partitions he thought he doesnt need or did some other funky crap. Windows Setup will auto-detect the Key in the MSDM Table of the Laptop, so you don't have to input any key, it will install with the proper key, so just grab your Stick/Disc and create a fresh install. If you want to check if he really screwed around with hes partitions.. Just do "Custom" install and check what Partitions are still left, it should be obvious from here if he deleted partitions. or inside Repair > Command Line Code: Diskpart select disk 0 (or list disk first) list partition You should at least see 4 Partitions> EFI System, MSR, Primary Windows, Recovery
Clarification Are you saying that I can download a retail core image and it will recognize my OEM key in the bios?
Not to get off topic but why not just go get Windows 8 Pro, activate via KMS, and then activate with a FREE Windows 8 Media Center key? Windows 8 core is as usfull as Windows ME
If you ask how to upgrade from Windows 8 Core to Windows 8 Pro, you could do that while starting the Setup from within running Windows 8 Core and chose Upgrade installation. You'll need a Pro Key because the Core key will NOT work on Pro.
Are you sure you need to reinstall? Did you mess with the BIOS? Make sure you turn legacy boot off and have it on UEFI booting.