Dell bios based Windows 8 product key re-installation problem

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strive2trade

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Dec 9, 2013
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NOTE: This question is aimed at Dell users/experts.
I recently purchased a Windows 8 Dell Inspiron and i've been a victim of a special type of virus that block me from booting windows 8. I can't even get to the windows login page. I tried to reinstall using a bootable windows 8 ISO file which i found on the net.
During the install process it asks me to enter a product key, but given dell bios based embedded product key how come it doesn't retrieve it automatically?

Do i need a specific dell recovery/ install disk which will retrieve the product key or am i doing something wrong??
 
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Dragonburn

Dragonburn

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if it is a dell system, then the product key should be on a sticker, normally on the base of the laptop or the side of the tower casing... the sticker will have the OS product key listed on it... now, it doesn't matter if you install using the software dell provided or a disc you borrowed from a friend or a iso you downloaded from the internet, the key will work with it. So have a look for the sticker, and that should solve your issues.
 
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strive2trade

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Unfortunately for Windows 8, there is no longer any COA sticker on the outside of the machine, the product key is embedded inside Bios…cannot retrieve unless you use a special software, but even if i could, i can't even boot windows 8.
 
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Dragonburn

Dragonburn

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that is really stupid, cause the sticker I have on my Alienware system, which is pretty much the same as Dell, also have the codes for quick service etc... for the website to identify the build. I would suggest contacting Dell then and requesting access to the required software for your system or at least the code for the OS
 
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Dragonburn

Dragonburn

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the windows portion of the recovery dvd is just a standard windows installation set, the only thing that is generally different on the discs is the drivers associated with your particular model of system, but with Dell, they normally issue an OS disc and a resource disc that contains the drivers... so in essence, no, there is no different between the version, with the exception being that Dell might have included an unattend file to put the product key in during installation, seeing as they haven't provided it to you...
 
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PinchedNerve

PinchedNerve

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Just a shot in the dark here. I would imagine your machine has a factory recovery partition (Most do these days) that you will need to use. These are usually OEM specific and would most likely either fill in the key automatically or just skip the key fill altogether.

Usually to access this partition you need to pay attention to the POST/OEM Splash Screen to see the the F key that needs to be used. Also sometimes to access this area it takes a key combination. Your user manual may be of help and if not you should contact Dell.

If you've deleted that partition then you may need to purchase a new Win 8/8.1 key or Dell may offer to sell you a recovery Disk.

OEM disks are becoming a thing of the past, most OEM's are using partitions. If you didn't get a recovery disk with your Dell then its about a 100% bet that you have or had a recovery partition.


 
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strive2trade

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But right now i can't even access anything in windows since i am locked out. Cant even access the login page, so obviously i can't access POST/OEM Splash Screen right?
 
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PinchedNerve

PinchedNerve

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POST/OEM Splash Screen is the first thing you see when you turn on the machine and is the time you need to hit your keys, before windows tries to load.


Edit: Your recovery partition access is most likely in the Boot Order list.

 
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strive2trade

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When you refer to splash and Post screen, is it the same as the bios(pressing F2 or F12) . Because i can go as far as going in the setup menu to choose bootable options.
 
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