HDD Bricked, Replaced It. Do I need to buy Win8 again??

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
K

KrippleKing097

Reputable
Dec 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
So my old HDD is currently a brick. I replaced it, but unfortunately when I bought the PC windows 8 was already installed. That said, there is no recovery CD, so there isn't even a product key for windows.

I haven't done anything on the new one yet, but I was wondering whether or not I would have to buy a key. I really don't want to because, well, it's a lot of money.

I have a Live USB with a windows 8.1 installer on it (the installer needs a key, and I don't have one). As stated earlier, I haven't done anything on the new hard drive yet, haven't even tried to install this. Also, regular windows 8 was installed, not 8.1; so I see a potential problem.

Also, if this matters; BIOS can confirm that "Win8" was factory installed.

Please help, or reply with a link to another thread that has a solution. I tried searching for this problem with no success.

Thanks, I appreciate what you guys do on here.
 
Solution
B
On pre-built systems with Windows 8 pre-installed, the Windows key is usually stored in the BIOS. To retrieve it, you can install Windows to your new hard drive with a "generic" key used for installation, then once you have the computer up and running again, use a program such as RWEverything to locate the Windows key in your BIOS. Once you have retrieved the key you can use it to activate Windows on that machine. You should not need a new license for Windows unless the manufacturer does not have a stored key in your BIOS and you have no other access to your license key.
Sort by date Sort by votes
B

bigpinkdragon286

Splendid
Oct 3, 2012
4,648
35
28,590
On pre-built systems with Windows 8 pre-installed, the Windows key is usually stored in the BIOS. To retrieve it, you can install Windows to your new hard drive with a "generic" key used for installation, then once you have the computer up and running again, use a program such as RWEverything to locate the Windows key in your BIOS. Once you have retrieved the key you can use it to activate Windows on that machine. You should not need a new license for Windows unless the manufacturer does not have a stored key in your BIOS and you have no other access to your license key.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
K

KrippleKing097

Reputable
Dec 27, 2014
23
0
4,510


Would the 8.1 installer work for Win8? Or would I have to find a Win8 installer?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

KrippleKing097

Reputable
Dec 27, 2014
23
0
4,510


Nope, no stickers other than two; QR Code that leads me to HP Support, and a Intel I-3 Inside sticker.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

KrippleKing097

Reputable
Dec 27, 2014
23
0
4,510


I'm about to try it then, I'll post back when I'm done.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

bigpinkdragon286

Splendid
Oct 3, 2012
4,648
35
28,590
If what you have is a Windows 8 key, I recommend installing 8.1 using a generic key and then just activating it with your Windows 8 key. If you start with your Windows 8 key, you'll have to install Windows 8, install a bunch of updates, then download the multi-gigabyte Windows 8.1 update through the Windows store, followed by quite a few more updates.

Starting with 8.1 gets you half-way there and many hours ahead.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

KrippleKing097

Reputable
Dec 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
So I ran the instalation from the 8.1, and it was able to get windows on my hard drive without a key needed. Like at all. Still went ahead and retrieved the key cause I have a feeling I'll need it when I update. You guys are epic, like for real :bounce:. I want to hug you all. I hearby give my luck to you all. Try the lotto! :D
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,452
17,911
184,590


It picked up and used the original embedded key. I had the same situation with a friends laptop last week.
 
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