How do I reactive windows 8 with an OEM license?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510
I was trying to install another operating system on my ASUS notebook to live by windows' 8 side (dual boot) but I selected something wrong and rather than install it on partition apart from windows it did used the entire hard drive space, removing my windows installation which comes from manufacturer.
I tried to put windows back using a genuine windows 8 DVD but right I click on "install" it give me a "invalid key" error, searching on internet I found it's related to windows key in the DVD and the one in my BIOS that mismatch. But I installed successfully it from an USB device using a copy that a friend mine got from internet (in the hope to active later).

My question is: can I use the OEM product key to reative my current windows installation? I read several places around internet like here it is possible (but not how). if so, how do I do this? I get the OEM key using this software (it is this same on the BIOS, isn't?) and then I go to slui 3 to active but it says something like "this product key doesn't work in this edition of windows 8" (in my own words, the error message isn't in english)

(english isn't my native language, sorry for such a poor english)
 
Solution
USAFRet


Contact the manufacturer. They will probably sell you a recovery install for cheap.
Sort by date Sort by votes
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510


I've already tried to active but it give give an error, says something like "this product key doesn't work in this edition of windows 8" (in my own words, the error message isn't in english)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,278
17,808
184,590


A retail install will not activate with an OEM license.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510


So I can't use that license anymore and there's nothing but buy other license to active my windows then?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,278
17,808
184,590


Contact the manufacturer. They will probably sell you a recovery install for cheap.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510


Thanks, I'll do that. So, basically an OEM license is valid per windows installation and no per machine? if somone does have any issue with its OS/hard drive and must but another license every time?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,278
17,808
184,590


No. There should have been a recovery partition on the drive, which would be used to reinstall if necessary.
Some manufacturers give the ability to create a set of DVDs to reinstall in case of a fatal drive fail.

But since..
"I selected something wrong and rather than install it on partition apart from windows it did used the entire hard drive space"

....you wiped out that recovery option.
Your recourse is to get a new set from the manufacturer.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510


There's still a 100 MB system-reserved partition which wasn't deleted, it isn't the one you're talking about, isn't?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,278
17,808
184,590


No, that is merely the boot partition. A recovery partition would be several GB.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
A

AnotherMachineLanguage

Reputable
Oct 10, 2014
6
0
4,510


Thanks again. btw, what's that product key that the software I put link in the question shows? is this the same as key in the from BIOS put by the manufacturer?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom