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

Contact Microsoft. Explain the situation.

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?

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.

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!

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.