How do I install Windows 8 using BIOS OEM Key?

Recently when my laptop started up it gave me the 3F0 error and said that it couldn't boot the Operating System.

I then decided to take my laptop to the shop, and the repairman downloaded Windows 8.1 Pro on it. The problem with this is when I try to factory reset my laptop it says that some files are missing and that " Your Windows installation or recovery media will provide these files." I don't have the disk or whatever the repairman used to install Windows 8.1 Pro on my laptop.

What I want to do is download Windows 8 using my laptop's BIOS OEM Key but I don't know how I should go about doing this. I have a USB if that's needed and I know the BIOS OEM Key. Would any of you know how I would go about getting rid of this Windows 8.1 Pro and download Windows 8 using my laptops BIOS OEM Key?

I would really appreciate the help. It's been bothering me all day.

I've never used this for an OEM key, so not sure if it will work.

Let us know though.

Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

It will read the Bios key during install and uses a Windows 8 or 8.1 key as long as the version (core or Pro) is the same as the key.
Read Option One in this tutorial

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Jim

Phone Man said:

It will read the Bios key during install and uses a Windows 8 or 8.1 key as long as the version (core or Pro) is the same as the key.
Read Option One in this tutorial

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Jim

Click to expand...

Thanks for the input! I'm currently following these steps from genet (8th post on the thread linked below)

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...tted-genuine-windows-8-lenovo.html#post330277

According to the thread you linked and the one I'm following it should work. I'll post the results once I finish all the steps.

3F0 - is usually a failing hard drive error code..

With that said a lot of times it turns out to be the connection between the hard drive and PC (cable, imposer, adapter, etc)

Phone Man said:

It will read the Bios key during install and uses a Windows 8 or 8.1 key as long as the version (core or Pro) is the same as the key.
Read Option One in this tutorial

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Jim

Click to expand...

Yes, a OEM key will be activated by the uefi, but he needs a Windows 8.1 image, which requires the key to download the ISO.

Edit:

Ahhh, so the bios even bypasses the key activation on the site.

Still getting used to this uefi nonsense

MS finally update the windows 8.1 software to be able to read both windows 8 and windows 8.1 OEM and Retail product keys -
No more of the prior BS required to install 8.1 on a 8 machine

electrotune1200 said:

I've never used this for an OEM key, so not sure if it will work.

Let us know though.

Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

Click to expand...

Hey all, just an update. I followed the steps last night and yes I was able to download Windows 8 using the BIOS OEM Key. The key was auto detected when I downloaded Windows 8 from my USB. Thank you all for your advice and input.

electrotune1200 said:

Phone Man said:

It will read the Bios key during install and uses a Windows 8 or 8.1 key as long as the version (core or Pro) is the same as the key.
Read Option One in this tutorial

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Jim

Click to expand...

Yes, a OEM key will be activated by the uefi, but he needs a Windows 8.1 image, which requires the key to download the ISO.

Edit:

Ahhh, so the bios even bypasses the key activation on the site.

Still getting used to this uefi nonsense

Click to expand...

That "Media Creation Tool" pulls from a MS site and does not require a key to download. During install it will look for a key in the Bios and if not found it will ask for a key. It will take W8 or W8.1 keys. You can also install it using MBR or UEFI. I think MS did this to give customers an easy way to update from W8 to W8.1 but can be used for clean installs of W8.1 also.

Jim