Windows 8 OEM recovery

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by saggyN73, Dec 11, 2012.

  1. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Ya, but I am not sure whether it will allow me to install since installation keeps reading key from BIOS. Is there anyway to force Windows 8 to ignore OEM key and install it like non-OEM installation. If yes, I may consider Windows 8 Pro or Enterprise activated using KMS instead and forget the $$$ spent on licensed version came with my laptop.
     
  2. 5856898

    5856898 MDL Junior Member

    Aug 18, 2012
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    ACJ-UUF...what's your region? India?

    ACJ means India, UUF means Asia Pacific. I guess your recovery media's option code did not match with your laptop.
     
  3. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    @ saggyN73, I still recommend you send it back to HP or call them and tell them the recovery media they sent does not match your model. Then you can use the windows upgrade offer, as for KMS activation you are far better of with OEM or Retail less hassle.
     
  4. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Ya, I am from India.
     
  5. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    So you are saying recovery media's code is not matching with my laptop. Now I am confused, whether laptop I bought does not belong ACJ region or recover media sent to me?? How do I find it out?
     
  6. 5856898

    5856898 MDL Junior Member

    Aug 18, 2012
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    Do you have a EEPROM utility for HP? If you have this tool, you can boot from DOS and run it to see what's your current localization code that stored in EEPROM. If possible, you can change it to UUF or ACJ accordingly.
     
  7. 5856898

    5856898 MDL Junior Member

    Aug 18, 2012
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    For HP laptops, both UUF and ACJ will ship for India. so I'm not sure what's the localization code in your purchased laptop. like I said above, try EEPROM Utility to have a look.
     
  8. urie

    urie Moderator
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    I would advise against changing anything use it just to check considering this is a brand new machine.
     
  9. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Ok. Is it good idea to change region using this tool? Will not that void my warranty?
     
  10. athon34

    athon34 MDL Novice

    Aug 10, 2009
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    IN fact use this ei.cfg file

    [EditionID]
    (left this line blank)
    [Channel]
    Retail
    [VL]
    0

    And windows 8 setup will ask u for a choice between Core or Professionnal install
    without the need of typing a key during the installation.
     
  11. 5856898

    5856898 MDL Junior Member

    Aug 18, 2012
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    I'm not sure. so i'll suggest you to use this tool for checking purpose only.:busted_blue:
     
  12. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Googled and downloaded HP EEPROM utility but its not working. Getting message "Vendor code not supported". Can you anyone please post the link for this utility which may match to my HP Envy Sleekbook 1104tu model?
     
  13. Tito

    Tito Super Mod / Adviser
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    Nov 30, 2009
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  14. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Thanks buddy, it worked. But Localization code is showing blank when I try to read it..I am confused!!
     
  15. urie

    urie Moderator
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    Do yourself a favour and just return the machine to HP for service or give them another call I do not know whether you can mention results fro HP EEPROM utility not sure if that is officially available to the public.
     
  16. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    I upgraded localization code from blank to ACJ. I will check it whether it lets me install Windows 8 from Recovery Media now..
     
  17. urie

    urie Moderator
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    May 21, 2007
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    Wish you luck hope it works out, I was just wary in-case you invalidated your warranty if you messed up with HP EEPROM utility.
     
  18. 5856898

    5856898 MDL Junior Member

    Aug 18, 2012
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    Sorry, I'm late in replying to this problem. Please download RW-Everything which you can find in Tito's sig. Run it and click SMBIOS, then navigate to Type1, let us know the SKU Number it shows :scooter:
     
  19. kraly

    kraly MDL Novice

    Aug 30, 2009
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    how about browsing the recovery partition, sometimes you will find the install.wim file there.
     
  20. saggyN73

    saggyN73 MDL Novice

    Jul 11, 2008
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    Hi Guys, I finally managed to install Windows 7 x64 & Windows 8 x64 MSDN on GPT partition using ei.cfg fix. Both are working just fine. But now I need to activate Windows 8 using my OEM embedded key which I missed to obtain it from BIOS. Now that I have formatted everything, is it still possible to find that key (original OEM key, not one which is used to install Windows 8 now) using some tool or Utility? I have already tried Magic Jelly Bean Key Finder & Belarc Advisor, but only could show key used to install current Windows 8 OS. Is there any other system level tool available for this? Your replies are appreciated..Thanks