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Windows 8 OEM clean install.

Tags:
  • Asus
  • Windows 8
  • Clean Install
  • OEM
Last response: in Windows 8
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October 20, 2013 9:24:00 AM

Hello,

I recently purchased an ASUS R510C notebook which came with Windows 8 OEM pre-installed. There is no DVD, nor is there any Product Key for the OS. All I had to do was input my data (Username, Password, Timezone, etc.) and Voila! Windows 8 has launched with all the bullshit software from ASUS as well as Microsoft. (ASUS Splendid, ASUS WebEye, WildTangent Games, etc, etc.)

I repeat: I do not own a product key, I don't even own the Windows DVD. It wasn't in the box. Somehow the system had the product key pre-installed.

I think I can download the Windows 8 ISO from Microsoft's website. Mount it on a bootable USB flash drive and install it. My only concern is the product key.

My questions: Do I need to find a way to extract the OEM product key from my system and use it for a clean install? Do I lose the pre-installed product key if I format the whole HDD?

I would really appreciate your help in this matter.

Thank you in advace!

More about : windows oem clean install

a c 125 Ĉ ASUS
a b * Windows 8
October 20, 2013 10:20:29 AM

if it not on the bottom of the laptop it may be under one of the memory or wifi slots. most vendors uses to put the oem number on a small 4 by 4 foil with the microsoft logo on it. for the windows image itself it on a hidden partion on the hard drive now. you can make a set of disks but your going to get that crap ware on it too. just be care full some vendor oem may or may not work with retail iso.
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Best solution

January 11, 2014 4:16:57 AM

Obviously this is an old thread, but maybe this will help someone else down the road.

The product key is located within the BIOS, belarc advisor(Google it if you need to download) can extract the key for you, however I am not sure how much use it will be.

As far as I know, you do not need the OEM product key during installation, as it will detect it automatically from the BIOS.

There are numerous guides out there regarding a clean install over Windows 8 OEM. The thing to remember is that you have to use the exact same version that came with your computer for it to work. If you just have Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro will not work. You already have the keys, so the hardest part is find a clean Windows 8 ISO, unless you can get Microsoft to let you download one.
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14 minutes ago

johnsoncory89 said:
Obviously this is an old thread, but maybe this will help someone else down the road.

The product key is located within the BIOS, belarc advisor(Google it if you need to download) can extract the key for you, however I am not sure how much use it will be.

As far as I know, you do not need the OEM product key during installation, as it will detect it automatically from the BIOS.

There are numerous guides out there regarding a clean install over Windows 8 OEM. The thing to remember is that you have to use the exact same version that came with your computer for it to work. If you just have Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro will not work. You already have the keys, so the hardest part is find a clean Windows 8 ISO, unless you can get Microsoft to let you download one.


FWIW,

I think if the OP had the OEM version of the Wiindows 8.1 ( I assume that is what the OP installed), then the key issue would not matter (as the OP seems to say):

I repeat: I do not own a product key, I don't even own the Windows DVD. It wasn't in the box. Somehow the system had the product key pre-installed

Installing ANY Windows version (home, Pro, Media Center) should not matter as long as the key is in the BIOs AND the Windows installed is an OEM version.



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