Windows 8 to 7 and now want to go back to 8

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

Let me elaborate on my title.

My mother bought a new PC, she didn't like Windows 8, I am using Linux on my laptop so I just used my Win7 code on the bottom of my laptop to install Win7 on hers. That was 2 years ago.

Now she's looking to sell it, so I need to remove Win7 and reinstall 8. Because the Win8 code is tied to the hardware, is there a way for me to get the Win8 code while still running Win7 on the machine so I will be able to download the Win8 iso from Windows?

Or would there be another source to obtain a Win8 iso, a reliable source and if so, would I then be able to find the hardware tied code once I do install it?

It's confusing I know and I don't want to do anything until I know for sure I'll be able to install the legit Win8.

Thanks in advance,

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

It's against forum rules to post torrents or illegal download sites here, you would have to find the windows version setup .ISO file from somewhere.

If you know the exact version of Windows that was on the laptop when it was bought (example window starter or professional) you need to get the .ISO setup file and burn it to a disc

Boot from this disc and the installation will auto-fill out the serial key (once you've selected the correct version)
This is due to the serial key being embedded in the hardware when you bought it.

You can complete the installation from there. Hope this helps

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

Reyaz123 :

Yes but MS won't let me download it without the Key. Basically what I need to know is, is there a way to get the Key from the BIOS?

And for the record I wasn't seeking an illegal source for the download, I have legit keys, they've just made it very difficult to view them in Win8.

Or is there a way while still running 7 on that machine to pull the Win8 key information off the hardware? That way I can go to the MS site, put the legit 8 key I have, and then it would allow me to make a USB ISO.

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

Sure, give this program a shot.
https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

I'm not too sure if windows has the ISO up on their official website

USAFRet · Sep 23, 2015

You best move would be to contact the manufacturer and obtain the original Recovery DVD set. This may cost money.
Reinstall with that and return it to factory specs.

When it was new, you could have created this yourself for free.
Or possibly...the original Recovery partition still exists. This depends on how you installed the WIndows 7.

USAFRet · Sep 23, 2015

LetsPlayThisBro :

Reyaz123 :

Yes but MS won't let me download it without the Key. Basically what I need to know is, is there a way to get the Key from the BIOS?

And for the record I wasn't seeking an illegal source for the download, I have legit keys, they've just made it very difficult to view them in Win8.

Or is there a way while still running 7 on that machine to pull the Win8 key information off the hardware? That way I can go to the MS site, put the legit 8 key I have, and then it would allow me to make a USB ISO.

And you can't get the download from MS for this. For an OEM install, they expect you to get it from the manufacturer.

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

USAFRet :

Well I'd like to avoid that as well if only to not have to get all the crap/bloatware that comes with it. I like clean versions of the OS anyway.

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

There is a decent risk of virus coming in from illegal ISO OS download but here Google is your friend to find the ISO you are looking for. Sorry, that's all I can say regarding that.

Edit: Don't post your key here, let me know if the program helped you find the key you have in the system.

USAFRet · Sep 23, 2015

LetsPlayThisBro :

You're selling it. Maybe the new owner wants that goop.
In any case, that is probably your best way forward.

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

USAFRet :

Ahh. MS really knows how to drive people to Linux don't they? I mean I can understand their removal of the sticker from the computers, I get that, it's place in a rather public place, but they should include it in the paperwork that comes with the computer in case you even want to do a clean install of the OS. I guess I can blame Dell and HP and the like for that bit of nonsense and their need to force their snooping crapware on us.

Just seems strange to me. People who are going to pirate the thing will do so in spite of these "measures", measures which make it difficult for legit key owners the ability to deal with these issues.

What if the hard drive died and I lost my backup? I have to pay the manufacturer 20 bucks for a 1 dollar disk that can be easily obtained via a download? It's such nonsense.

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

Reyaz123 :

I need to get her laptop in front of me tomorrow and try. I admit I'm a bit suspect of any program that seeks to obtain the key. I'll just make sure it's not connected to the internet after I install it. I wonder if it will pull up both keys, the 7 key that's currently installed and the 8 key that was and is tied to the hardware.

USAFRet · Sep 23, 2015

LetsPlayThisBro :

It's not the disk that costs. It's the license.
So, when you get a new PC, create the factory restore set, AND write down the original license key.

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

It never hurts to have data backed up to 2 hard drives, or even uploaded to cloud storage like Google drive. I know, but many things have their flaws

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

USAFRet :

LetsPlayThisBro :

You're selling it. Maybe the new owner wants that goop.
In any case, that is probably your best way forward.

Thanks for your help, don't mind my venting at how screwed up the way MS does things, it wasn't meant to be aimed at you. *grin*

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

USAFRet :

But the original license key isn't in a place you can write it down on Win8, it's tied to the motherboard. There is no sticker, never was.

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

They recently decided to remove the stickers before windows 8. Or it rarely ever is on the box it came in

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 23, 2015

Reyaz123 :

Oh, also, if you go to that link for that software it says unless I buy the paid version of it, it won't pull a key from the BIOS.

USAFRet · Sep 23, 2015

LetsPlayThisBro :

USAFRet :

But the original license key isn't in a place you can write it down on Win8, it's tied to the motherboard. There is no sticker, never was.

Belarc Advisor will indeed retrieve the license from a preinstalled Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or 10.
Use that and write it down.

Reyaz123 · Sep 23, 2015

It's worked for other people without paying. You should still try (at least get something out of it hopefully)

LetsPlayThisBro · Sep 24, 2015

Just searched through a drawer of thumbdrives, found the recovery USB I made of her Win8. Gonna try that tomorrow even though it's on a Win7 rig presently it should be able to give me a full recovery, I hope.

Thanks for the advice, I'll be back tomorrow after I do the changeover to let you know how it went, might even upgrade it to Win10 after the 8.1 install just for giggles.

Windows 8 to 7 and now want to go back to 8

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