Solved Did a clean Install of win 7 trying to get back to win 8

Hey everyone, so a while ago I decided I didn't like windows 8 as it was causing my computer to crash so I used an old windows 7 key I had to get windows 7. My friend has the exact same computer and has no problems at all so I'm looking to get back to windows 8 now without buying anything. I have my oem key but no recovery disk, so my question is can I make a recovery partition on my external hdd from his computer and use that with my key to get windows 8 back?

thanks for any help!

With this VBS script you can find both OEM & Installed keys.
If the Installed key would be of any help.

View attachment ShowKey v1.3.vbs

Did your computer come with 7 or 8 installed ?

edit--- You could get recovery disks from the manufacturer.
Free or at low cost.
I paid $20 for mine from Gateway.

edit--- You might be able to download 8 here--- Downloads - Microsoft Windows --- & then use one of your keys to activate it.

edit3--- There are people here who know where you can get a 8 ISO to use, I think.

The problem isn't me not having the key, it's not being able to use it with microsoft's downloader which you linked because it's an oem key rather than a retail or downloaded key. Windows 8 came pre loaded and ya I know about the recovery disk option but I'm trying to avoid that as I am rather low on money right now. Thanks though!

I know how it is to be lacking in funds.

I had to save money for a year to be able to pay cash for my latest computer.

Ya it sucks but I'm really hoping I can just make a recovery partition from my friend's laptop and hopefully use that with my key

There is a new option 1 here, http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html? , that will let you download a Windows 8.1 ISO without having to enter a product key. This new download will also let you install 8.1 with an 8.0 key. I downloaded 8.1 Core and did a clean install on my ASUS laptop as a test. This laptop came with Windows 8.0 Core. The new ISO read and used the embedded OEM key automatically. Activated online within seconds with no issues. In the past I would have had to install with a generic 8.1 key and then activate with my OEM 8.0 key. You need to know what version was originally installed on the PC if you want to use the OEM key.

Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help << this is where option one takes you.

That worked, thanks!

:thumb: