How do I install Windows 8 and use the embedded COA?

Sausage

New Member
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6
Hi everyone, quick intro..
I own a small company which recycles IT equipment. Mostly we dismantle laptops and sell the individual parts but occasionally we get something in that's a little too good to cannibalise.
This week we got a nice Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook and all it needed was a hard drive. Now.. here's the problem.. I'm good with a screwdriver or a soldering iron but software isn't my strong point.

It's a genuine Windows 8 machine and as I understand it, it will have the genuine COA embedded in the bios right?
Now I've tried installing Windows 8.0 64bit OEM which I believe is the correct uk ISO, and I've tried the Pro version also but with both, neither seem to pick up the embedded COA and therefor do not activate.

Am I correct in thinking that it might be because I have to use CSM mode in the bios to get it to recognise my installation media? If I had a UEFI version would it make any difference?
Or am I barking up the wrong tree altogether lol :think:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
I own a small company which recycles IT equipment.

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/worldwide/refurb/microsoft_refurbished_pc_licensing_guidelines.pdf

Microsoft Windows Operating System Licensing Guide

Microsoft Windows Operating System Licensing Guide said:
When is a new Windows operating system license required and when is one not required?

A new Windows license is not required for a refurbished PC that has:
1. The original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for a Windows operating system affixed to the PC, and
2. The original recovery media or hard-disk based recovery image associated with the PC.
The operating system identified on the original COA indicates the edition of Windows that was originally licensed for that PC and the refurbisher can
use either:
1. The original recovery media or
2. The original hard-disk based recovery image to reinstall the operating system software specified on the COA.
The original recovery option (described above) used to reinstall the software on a refurbished PC must accompany any distribution of the
refurbished PC. Prior to relinquishing a PC for refurbishment, the end user can contact the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the PC to
obtain the appropriate recovery media for a fee—subject to availability. Second-hand recovery media is sometimes offered for sale by individuals
in various forums and markets. Purchasing media from unknown sources is not recommended as it introduces the risks of copyright infringement,
improper licensing and infected/corrupted or incomplete software.

A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
1. The refurbisher did not obtain the original recovery media along with the system to be refurbished or
2. The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
The refurbisher must purchase a new Windows license in order to
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Are you looking for the Product Key ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Ahhh... so does that mean then that because the hard drive has been removed, that it now needs a new purchase of a license?

This is a new problem for us. We are now beginning to have Windows 8 machines filtering in as ex-lease machines and normally all hard drives are removed or at the very least completely formatted.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Are you looking for the Product Key ?

That would be good. We had a similar problem with one a few weeks ago but ended up dismantling it anyway. I'm sure the retrieved key (using Belarc) came us as being blacklisted when we tried to use it for activation? We haven't tried that method with this one, I had hoped for a solution where the key would automatically be detected.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Why not just use the option to return them to original factory settings instead of removing the hard drives ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Ahhh... so does that mean then that because the hard drive has been removed, that it now needs a new purchase of a license?

This is a new problem for us. We are now beginning to have Windows 8 machines filtering in as ex-lease machines and normally all hard drives are removed or at the very least completely formatted.

If you do not use OEM manufacturer's PC Recovery disk or Recovery Partition, YES you need a new purchase of a license as always with OEM manufacturer's Windows .
but you can sell a PC with no OS installed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Why not just use the option to return them to original factory settings instead of removing the hard drives ?

These are removed or wiped before we get them by paranoid IT companies at the end of the equipment's lease period.

Ok. It seems that we may need to look into the cost of joining the MS refurbisher program if we are to explore the possibility of reselling these as complete machines - although I suspect it will be simpler and possibly more profitable just to carry on breaking them for individual parts..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Are you looking for the Product Key ?

That would be good. We had a similar problem with one a few weeks ago but ended up dismantling it anyway. I'm sure the retrieved key (using Belarc) came us as being blacklisted when we tried to use it for activation? We haven't tried that method with this one, I had hoped for a solution where the key would automatically be detected.

If you have a way to find the key with Belarc, my method would be useless.
I'll provide it anyway.

Crank up the Ultrabook & connect it to the internet & download this vbs script:

View attachment ShowKey.vbs

Right click it & choose Properties & click Unblock & Apply & OK.
{check it with a virus scanner first if you wish}

Then run it.
It should show your Product ID & Key.

Screenshot_109.png

If you still have the original HD in it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
If you still have the original HD in it.

Thanks David, this particular machine came without the original hard drive unfortunately :(

Does anyone know the approximate cost for joining the refurbisher programs? I'm not really sure if we'd have a big enough turnover of machines to make it cost effective.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
@ David Bailey

NO Product key is need when using the OEM manufacturer's PC Recovery disk or Recovery Partition.

MS said:
A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
1. The refurbisher did not obtain the original recovery media along with the system to be refurbished or
2. The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
The refurbisher must purchase a new Windows license in order to
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
"Thank you for your application to join the Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program. We will be in touch shortly to explain the next steps in the application process."

I went through the registration process hoping it would give me some info on pricing but nothing... the contact links for help & more info on the website are broken, lol. Good old MS :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
Ahhh... so does that mean then that because the hard drive has been removed, that it now needs a new purchase of a license?
Nope, not at all. We purchased a handful of Windows 8 devices. We didn't like the performance, so we ripped out the hard drives, tossed them into a box, put in an SSD, and reinstalled Windows from our MSDN media. It immediately picked up on the built-in key, installed without asking me for a key and it activated no problem whatsoever.

Sounds to me like your media doesn't contain the version that matches the key that you have installed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Work rounds for OEM licensing for Company IT Administrators for the Company's PC's.

Tip: Legally Deploying Images Windows To OEM Licensed PCs | Aidan Finn, IT Pro

These finer points are detailed in the licensing brief.

Basically:
•Say you buy 2,000 PCs and want to use their OEM licensing for Windows 7/8 Pro
•You want to deploy a custom build/image to these machines
•You buy a single volume license for Windows 8 Pro (includes downgrade rights)
•You use the MAK/KMS key to create and deploy an image of Windows 7/8 Pro
•You’re legit!

Lenovo Think branded systems shipped with Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Pro preload does not contain a Microsoft Windows 7 COA sticker

Lenovo Think branded systems shipped with Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Pro preload does not contain a Microsoft Windows 7 COA sticker

How to determine if you have Genuine Microsoft Windows 8/8.1

Licensed Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 systems:

A properly licensed Windows 8/8.1 system has a Genuine Microsoft Label (GML). Windows 8 systems do not have a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label.

This includes Windows 8/8.1 Pro systems that have been downgraded to Windows 7.

The GML can be found on the system, under the battery, or on the power adapter of the system.

Microsoft Reimaging Rights:

Customers who purchase OEM licensed versions of Windows may only restore the original factory preload using the Recovery Media provided by the OEM. Customers do not have any rights to create a custom image from the OEM preload and then deploy that image on OEM licensed systems. Customers can customize the preload on a particular system by adding or removing software, as they choose, but that the customized image may not be used on any other system (each system would have to be customized individually). Customers who wish to purchase OEM systems, with a custom image, may do so provided that they are purchasing 25 or more systems over a 12-month period. These systems would be custom models and not generally available in the market.



http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/D/4/3D42BDC2-6725-4B29-B75A-A5B04179958B/Reimaging.pdf

OEM Specific Information
Organizations do not have the right to reimage by using OEM media.
An OEM image can only be preloaded on a PC by the OEM during manufacturing. An image can be individually recovered by the organization (or a service provider it chooses) by using the recovery media. The OEM recovery media should match the product

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rc...1izd0WBG4CtbSiPsGjHMtZA&bvm=bv.62922401,d.d2k

Re-imaging
Re-imaging rights are a benefit granted to Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Microsoft Volume Licensing customers may use Volume Licensing media to re-image software (including OEM Software licenses) under the following conditions: The copies re-imaged from the Volume Licensing media are identical to the originally licensed product (the same product and version, contain the same components, and are in the same language). The customer must purchase at least one unit of the product required to be re-imaged through their Volume Licensing agreement in order to obtain access to the product media and receive a key. Volume Licensing media must be used for re-imaging (OEM media may not be used).

How to Tell ? Hardware

Reinstallation or recovery media

Reinstallation media, sometimes called a recovery disc, is typically included with a new or used PC purchase. Because the software is already preinstalled, the reinstallation or recovery media is provided so that you can reinstall or recover the software if it stops working properly. Recovery discs are not licensed to be sold separately from the PC they were shipped with; if you try to install software from a recovery disc on a PC other than the one it was originally shipped on, you may not be able to activate and/or use it.

Note: For some PCs, the recovery media might be installed on a separate partition on the PC’s hard drive itself. Refer to the documentation that came with your PC to find the appropriate reinstallation/recovery solution.

https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/briefs/reimaging.aspx

OEM Specific Information
Organizations do not have the right to reimage by using OEM media.
An OEM image can only be preloaded on a PC by the OEM during manufacturing. An image can be individually recovered by the organization (or a service provider it chooses) by using the recovery media. The OEM recovery media should match the product version originally preinstalled on the system; no other image can be used to restore the system to its original state.

There are no work rounds for Refurbisher.

http://oem.microsoft.com/public/worldwide/refurb/microsoft_refurbished_pc_licensing_guidelines.pdf

A new Windows license is required for a refurbished PC if:
1. The refurbisher did not obtain the original recovery media along with the system to be refurbished or
2. The PC does not have a hard-disk based recovery image.
The refurbisher must purchase a new Windows license in order to[/quote]
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
One thing to watch out for is that utilities that retrieve your Windows product key from the registry won't always retrieve your embedded BIOS key. My laptop has an embedded OEM Windows 8.0 key. If I run Belarc or showkey.vbs they will read out the Windows 8.1 Enterprise key that is currently in use. That's what is currently installed on it. Other scenarios include upgrading to Pro or adding Media Center. That will replace you OEM key in the registry with a new Pro or MC key. That may be the case with the blacklisted key you mentioned. That PC may have been upgraded illegally. Utilities like RWEverything will actually read it right out of the BIOS so there is no mistaking which key you get. RWEverything | Read & Write Everything

Getting back to my laptop, if I install Windows 8.0 it will read and use the embedded key automatically without me having to enter one. If I install 8.1 though it ignores the 8.0 OEM key and asks me to input one. If you have the right install media it should read and use the key. The ISO's I'm using are TechNet Retail multi edition. If you are not going to resell the PC and keep it for personal use there shouldn't be any issue reinstalling Windows and using the OEM embedded key. The lack of an OEM recovery partition shouldn't be a big deal to you if you have install media to reinstall Windows when needed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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