How do I wipe my computer for resale while keeping windows?

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fryingpan16

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Aug 19, 2013
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Hi i'm looking to sell my current computer with the copy of windows 8 that i have installed on it. When i installed windows 8 i guess i didn't make a recovery partition like i should have so i can't do the windows 8 reset thing. What i'm wondering is if I format the hard drive that windows 8 is on then reinstall it with the disk will the key i used at first still work?
If not is there any other way of completely wiping my computer to factory settings while keeping windows 8 installed?

Thank you
 
Solution
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Then you're not using the correct disc, or it's not being read correctly. I've run the procedure before, and it wanted the same disc I used when I originally installed Windows 8.

If you can't get the automated reset sorted, you can simply boot to a Windows 8 installation disc, delete the current partition and continue with the installation of Windows 8. It will remake whatever drive partitions are necessary, and your data will be effectively erased. Yes, reuse the same license key you used initially for the copy of Windows 8 on that computer for the reinstallation. Provided you have a working internet connection and Windows setup recognizes your networking hardware, your copy of Windows 8 should be activated before setup is even finished.
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aevm

aevm

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May 18, 2007
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Your key should work again if you format the hard drive and reinstall. It works for people whose boot disk died, after all. It should even work on a different computer as long as you uninstall from the first one - the Windows 8 OEM license is friendlier than those from other Windows releases. If it doesn't work, call Microsoft and they will give you another key.
 
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mouse24

mouse24

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Nov 30, 2010
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Mhmm, OEM licenses are tied to the motherboard. (Technically they also have a certain number of changes to the internals of the pc in a set period of time that will also make them require a phone call, but I've never had that happen)
 
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fryingpan16

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Aug 19, 2013
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When i try to use the reset feature it asks to insert the recovery media and i put the installaion disk in it says the media you have chosen is not valid. Not sure what to do..
 
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bigpinkdragon286

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Oct 3, 2012
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Then you're not using the correct disc, or it's not being read correctly. I've run the procedure before, and it wanted the same disc I used when I originally installed Windows 8.

If you can't get the automated reset sorted, you can simply boot to a Windows 8 installation disc, delete the current partition and continue with the installation of Windows 8. It will remake whatever drive partitions are necessary, and your data will be effectively erased. Yes, reuse the same license key you used initially for the copy of Windows 8 on that computer for the reinstallation. Provided you have a working internet connection and Windows setup recognizes your networking hardware, your copy of Windows 8 should be activated before setup is even finished.
 
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Solution
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fryingpan16

Honorable
Aug 19, 2013
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10,510


I'm using the only disk it came with. I got the windows 8 oem version if that makes a difference. I'll try booting to the disk. And another question while i'm here, will i be able to use this same disk and code on my new system im building or will i have to purchase another copy of windows 8?
 
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bigpinkdragon286

Splendid
Oct 3, 2012
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Yes, as aevm pointed out, you need another copy of Windows 8 for your new computer.

Basically, with software, all we have is a license to use the software. We don't own Windows 8, just a license for it, and there are terms to the licensing. When you sell your computer with Windows 8 installed on it, the license is then automatically transferred to the new owner, and you no longer have any claim to that license.
 
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