Need help formatted genuine windows 8 in lenovo

**anas55** · 05 Jan 2014

i was unaware that by making partitions in my ideapad z500 it will destroy the one key recovery. i made partitions in my hdd and my OKR was gone. After a while my windows start chrashing i guess it was some problem in registry. i formatted my system and with the help of rufus(which made my usb UFEI) i was able to install windows 8 from a pirated iso i got from my friend, but in the process i had to format OEM AND MSR partitions which were factory made. know when i try activating it, it wont ask me about the key(i had noted down the key of my windows before formatting it thanks to bellarch) and also the product id mentioned is not the same as it was earlier. i tried downloading windows 8 from microsoft website but when i provide the product key again it wont download. please seek help i can make my windows genuine.

**theog** · 05 Jan 2014

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD. (Windows 8 only)
Recovery Drive - Create with USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 (Windows 8 only)

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
How to make Lenovo Windows 8 Recovery DVD
Lenovo Solution Center shows CD/DVD recovery media for Microsoft Windows 8 - ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, ThinkPad, IdeaPad, IdeaCentre

or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - Home (US)
Click on Parts & Accessories.

**caperjack** · 05 Jan 2014

pirated iso used to install windows /partitions deleted ,so a little late to make recovery's I think

**anas55** · 07 Jan 2014

Originally Posted by theog

Have you made the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD. (Windows 8 only)
Recovery Drive - Create with USB Flash Drive in Windows 8
System Repair Disc - Create in Windows 8 (Windows 8 only)

I would recommend you making the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
How to make Lenovo Windows 8 Recovery DVD
Lenovo Solution Center shows CD/DVD recovery media for Microsoft Windows 8 - ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, ThinkPad, IdeaPad, IdeaCentre

or
You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
You can Order Lenovo Recovery Disks from here:
Lenovo Support - Home (US)
Click on Parts & Accessories.

is there any method which let me install windows and let me put my windows key that i had...

**bassfisher6522** · 07 Jan 2014

How old is your Lenovo? I would contact Lenovo and explain your situation and see if they would send you your winodws media isntall disk for free. If not you could purchase a copy for a small fee.

https://www.lenovorecovery.com/Extranet/Home.aspx

**alphanumeric** · 07 Jan 2014

You could try this, Product Key Number - Change in Windows 8 . That will only work though if your key matches the installed version. If your key is for Core and Pro is installed you are SOL. The reality is though that you don't know what was modified on that pirated version, so you are at a big risk that your system is compromised in a very bad way. It could be infected with a key logger or other nasty. Do you know anybody that has a Retail Windows 8 DVD? All you need is the DVD or ISO. Official Windows 8.0 install media will read your embedded OEM key automatically and install the matching version, Core or Pro.

**anas55** · 16 Jan 2014

Originally Posted by alphanumeric

You could try this, Product Key Number - Change in Windows 8 . That will only work though if your key matches the installed version. If your key is for Core and Pro is installed you are SOL. The reality is though that you don't know what was modified on that pirated version, so you are at a big risk that your system is compromised in a very bad way. It could be infected with a key logger or other nasty. Do you know anybody that has a Retail Windows 8 DVD? All you need is the DVD or ISO. Official Windows 8.0 install media will read your embedded OEM key automatically and install the matching version, Core or Pro.

can i please get information about windows 8 type and version that comes with lenovo z500 laptop. And if possible to please get me the link of same windows version .iso file

**genet** · 16 Jan 2014

Tip

The free Windows 10 upgrade offer expires after July 29th, 2016.

How to directly clean install Windows 10 without having to upgrade first.

If you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key, the Windows 10 installer should automatically detect product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and you will be taken straight to the License Agreement screen. When installation is finished, Windows 10 will be activated automatically, if your internet connection is up and running.

But if you are being prompted for a product key, it means that you have the wrong installation media and that's when the Windows 10 installer can't detect Windows 8/8.1 product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS). Note: Do not select the "I don't have a product key" option, because activation is not successful. You need to download the correct installation media of Windows 10.

How to create a bootable Windows 10 USB flash drive or DVD. -> link

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key.

For example, if you want to get rid of the bloatware apps or if Refresh/Reset does not work. Or if you switch to a new hard drive to your computer and if the Windows 8/8.1 recovery USB flash drive is not able to install Windows 8/8.1 to a blank hard drive (see this link for help).

Note: This Windows 8.1 installation media accepts Windows 8/8.1 product keys, both OEM and retail (for example, "Windows 8 Pro $15/$40 Upgrade Offer" product key).

1. Create installation media for Windows 8.1

- The Windows Installation Media Creation Tool works on Windows 7/8/8.1/10.
- The download succeeds without product key.
- Both the 64-bit installation media (USB flash drive and DVD) can be booted in both UEFI and Legacy BIOS boot mode. Both the 64-bit installation media are also compatible with Secure Boot.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...nload/windows8
-or-
Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

Note: You need to download the correct version of Windows 8.1 that matches your UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key.

Select the language for the installation media (see screenshot below). You can choose any language you like, if you want to perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1.

- If you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 preinstalled, you need to download Windows 8.1.
- If you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 Pro preinstalled, you need to download Windows 8.1 Pro.

- If you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 Single Language preinstalled, you need to download Windows 8.1 Single Language. In Windows 8/8.1 Single Language you can change your keyboard layout language, but you can't change your Windows display language.

Note: You will not find the correct installation media, if you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8.1 with Bing or Windows 8.1 Single Language with Bing preinstalled.

- If you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 32-bit preinstalled, you need to download Windows 8.1 32-bit.
- If you have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 64-bit preinstalled, you need to download Windows 8.1 64-bit.

Select either USB flash drive or ISO file (see screenshot below).

Note: You need at least 8 GB USB flash drive (if you select option "USB flash drive").

If you previously selected the ISO file option and once the ISO file is created, select the Open DVD burner option (see screenshot below).

2. Clean install Windows 8.1 from USB/DVD.

Normally, you do not need to change the UEFI firmware (BIOS) settings. For example, you do not need to change the boot order of drives, or disable Secure Boot, or enable Legacy BIOS (aka CSM) boot mode. But on some computers, you may need to enable the boot menu before you can access it.

- Connect your Windows 8.1 USB flash drive or insert your Windows 8.1 DVD.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the correct key to enter the boot menu (see this link for help). Or, if you have a Lenovo laptop, you can also press the NOVO button when the computer is turned off and then select "Boot Menu".
- Select your USB/DVD from the boot menu (see screenshots below).

Tip

Select the Repair your computer option (see screenshot below) if you want to repair your computer, for example, "Reset your PC" or "System Restore".

-or-

Press SHIFT+F10 to bring up the command prompt if you want to manually repair your computer, for example, you want to repair by using the bcdboot command.

After you have selected the Install now option (see screenshot above).

Note: If you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key, the Windows 8.1 installer should automatically detect product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS) and you will be taken straight to the License Agreement screen.

Note: If you are being prompted for a product key, it means that you have the wrong installation media and that's when the Windows 8.1 installer can't detect Windows 8/8.1 product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS).

On the Which type of installation do you want? screen, select the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option (see screenshot below).

Warning

Do not delete the partitions on your hard drive, if you have important files on your hard drive and you will not be able to backup your important files.

- Select the partition on which Windows is installed (see screenshot below).
- Click on the "Next" button.

- You will receive the following message (see screenshot below): If the partition you've chosen contains files from a previous Windows installation, these files and folders will be moved to a folder named Windows.old. You'll be able to access Windows.old, but you won't be able to use your previous version of Windows.

- Click on the "OK" button.
- The installation of Windows will begin.

Be sure to copy any files that you may want out of the Windows.old folder before you delete it.

Windows.old Folder - Delete in Windows 8

If you want to do a complete clean install and if you have backed up your important files.

On the Where do you want to install Windows? screen, you'll need to delete all of the partitions (see screenshot below). Select a partition and click on the "Delete" option for each partition.

Once you have deleted all of the partitions, you only see Drive 0 Unallocated Space (see screenshot below).

Click on the "Next" button. The installation of Windows will begin. All the required partitions are created automatically during the install.

Or, if you know what you're doing, you can click on the "New" button and create a separate data partition.

3. When installation is finished.

- Right click on the Start button and select the "System" option.

Note: When installation is finished, Windows 8.1 will be activated automatically, if your internet connection is up and running (see screenshot below).

Other instructions.

- Here is info about UEFI Boot Mode (installing using the GPT partition style) and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (installing using the MBR partition style). -> link
- How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you don't have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 preinstalled. -> link
- How to transfer Windows 8/8.1 license to new computer. -> link
- How to split the system partition to two partitions. -> link
- How to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 8/10. -> link

How to view Windows 8/8.1 OEM product key from UEFI firmware (BIOS).

Open the command prompt and type (or copy and paste) the following command.

Code:

WMIC Path SoftwareLicensingService Get OA3xOriginalProductKey

-or-

https://www.tenforums.com/software-ap...tml#post160472

**theog** · 16 Jan 2014

Originally Posted by anas55

Originally Posted by alphanumeric

You could try this, Product Key Number - Change in Windows 8 . That will only work though if your key matches the installed version. If your key is for Core and Pro is installed you are SOL. The reality is though that you don't know what was modified on that pirated version, so you are at a big risk that your system is compromised in a very bad way. It could be infected with a key logger or other nasty. Do you know anybody that has a Retail Windows 8 DVD? All you need is the DVD or ISO. Official Windows 8.0 install media will read your embedded OEM key automatically and install the matching version, Core or Pro.

can i please get information about windows 8 type and version that comes with lenovo z500 laptop. And if possible to please get me the link of same windows version .iso file

https://www.lenovorecovery.com/Extranet/Home.aspx

**alphanumeric** · 16 Jan 2014

I can't link you to an official ISO download, there isn't any other than TechNet and MSDN and those are subscription services. The only other way to get it legally is this, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create. You need a Retail key to download though. As far as what version was installed check for a COA sticker on the bottom of your laptop. If it says 8 Pro it was Pro if it just says Windows 8 it's likely just Core. Other than that your looking at getting recovery media from the manufacturer.