Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Community

hard drive died ,  , replaced need install windows , manage oem product key laptop , doesn't activate windows 8 can me

hi,

support 8 has ended , not know how got product key laptop failed hard drive; seeing how product key embedded in bios.

you can contact laptop/computer manufacturer , order recovery media them small cost.

you can download , create own windows 8.1 installation media reinstall operating system with..

"create installation media windows 8.1"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

"download windows 8.1"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

a similar tutorial may assist you

"create installation media windows 8.1"

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

in first screen of simple wizard, need choose following:

language. english – en-us if you're in united states.

edition. windows 8.1 (core), windows 8.1 n, windows 8.1 pro, windows 8.1 pro n, or windows 8.1 single language.

architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

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"how create bootable usb or dvd windows 8 or 8.1 iso"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

   warning

this not work install windows 8 or 8.1 uefi. that, see tutorial below instead.

uefi bootable usb flash drive - create in windows

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how clean install:

"how clean install of windows 8 or windows 8.1"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

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with windows 8/8.1 product key on preinstalled operating systems (hp, acer, etc) embedded in bios in motherboard, lost and/or worn c.o.a. sticker problem no more.

when reinstall pick product key , activate system automatically.

if not, follow these steps:

"how activate windows 8 , 8.1 phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"get activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"how activate microsoft product using microsoft product activation center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

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if wish to/need to keep record of after reinstall:

"windows 10 embedded product key tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"we’re proud introduce immediate release of our newest utility windows users: neosmart technologies embedded product key tool. designed users of windows 7, windows 8, , windows 10, our embedded product key tool retrieve , display windows setup product key embedded in bios or efi, allowing store safe-keeping or use reinstall windows official windows setup image."

you can use:

"belarc advisor - free personal pc audit (version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

or:

"product keyfinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

cheers.

Windows / Windows 8.1 / Install, upgrade, & activate / Activate