View Full Version : Windows 8 question.
farvaknowsbest
Jan 23, 2014, 11:56 AM
I have an Acer laptop with an OEM version of Windows 8 x64. I accidentally dropped it, and killed the HDD. I will be getting a replacement HDD soon, but I'm wondering how to go about re-installing Windows 8. From the little research I've done they are now embedding the product key on the BIOS. I'm wondering how I can go about obtaining this product key so I can re-install Windows when I get my new HDD?
Thank you,
Farva
ScottGem
Jan 23, 2014, 12:07 PM
Contact Microsoft. Explain the situation.
smearcase
Jan 23, 2014, 08:59 PM
I know very little about this which I will soon prove, probably.
And maybe Scott can shed some light on this. I hope.
I installed a new hard drive in a desktop a year ago, followed the directions and everything went flawlessly.
Then I loaded the windows operating system and a ton of updates since the Windows disk was several years old. I am not sure if the updates loaded automatically or if I started them. But a virus came on and took the computer over. I assumed it got in with the updates but see sentence one above.
I should have turned on or obtained some protection but I am not sure I ever got an opportunity.
Is this a potential problem for farvaknowsbest?
ScottGem
Jan 24, 2014, 05:19 AM
The problem here is the OP does not seem to have the product key for his device. This should have come with the device and may even be on a sticker on the device. If the key is embedded in the BIOS then there should be no problem as Win 8 should just read the BIOS. But the only way to get the key would be to contact Microsoft.
farvaknowsbest
Jan 24, 2014, 08:01 AM
Ok that's what I was wondering if Windows would just automatically pick up the key from the BIOS and activate on it's own. If that's the case then that's what I needed to know.. Thanks!
cdad
Jan 30, 2014, 07:26 PM
If you are the one buying the new HDD I would suggest getting a SSD for your laptop. Just be sure to back up on external drive often so you dont lose anything important or on a cloud.