Solved embeded windows key a real pain

I have an Asus N550JV Laptop that came with W8.0 which I updated to 8.1 when it came out. Computer did a regular windows update last weekend and afterwards the computer was stuck in recovery mode. reset or refresh would not do anything (drive locked error) or even reloading an old image. Could only get into command prompt. Asus told me to do chkdsk to unlock drive, did not work. They basically said to send them the computer and they'll re-image it and quoted $165. Of course, I thought this was BS and booted the computer with an 8.1 USB stick created with the Microsoft boot disc utility which worked no problem. I was hoping it would grab the embedded key and all would be good, nope. Asus explained that since the computer originally came with W8.0 installing 8.1 would not grab the key, and there is no utility to easily make a bootable USB to try to boot with the original windows 8; well, there is....but you need a key. kinda of a vicious circle. I long for the good ole days where if you had an OS problem you just grabbed your discs and reloaded it and punch in the key from sticker on the side of the computer. So, now frustrated, I'm left with having to pay Asus to reload the OS image (plus shipping), pay MS $149 for their one year service program where they 'guarantee' to fix my issue.....or just buy some windows 8.1 discs and reload the OS, which is the cheaper option and will actually have the discs and a key that I can hold in my hand rather than buried in the bios. Only other choice now is either hobble along with a non-activated version of 8.1 and buy W10 when it comes out, or get 8.1 and do the free update to W10 MS in offering for a year.

You should be able to get your key with Belarc Advisor

You can download and create windows 8.1 setup media > Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

The new setup media will read both windows 8 and windows 8.1 product keys

What KYHI said - or if that fails use the "get_win8key" tool. It is downloadable off github here: https://github.com/christian-korneck/get_win8key#files

I think Belarc advisor gets the key out of the OS - and if that's corrupt, well you're screwed (correct me if im wrong)

get_win8key actually gets it from the motherboard.
Cheers

I used Belerac to get my key and have it. Windows 8.1 won't accept it. Apparently my windows key is OEM and the 8.1 download won't accept OEM keys. Even tried to use key with the W7/W8 utility that will create bootable media if you have a key, won't accept it there either.

Follow this Tutorial and use Option One. It will use the downloaded 8.1 ISO and will read your OEM 8 key from the Bios and install 8.1.

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

This is what HYHI mentioned in post #3 but this will help guide you through the process.

Jim

I did use this utility to fresh install w8.1 and it did not grab the embedded 8.0 key. Only thing I did different is select the create usb stick instead of download ISO. I'll try it that way and see what happens.

There are several version of windows 8.1 - you have to download the correct version for your windows 8 Key

Thanks guys, it worked! The ONLY thing I did different is select download ISO and make bootable dvd, instead of the first option, create bootable USB. Same windows version used in both cases. Don't know what the difference is, but I'm up and running now, activated.

I just went through this today. Used Brinks tutorial to download and create a Windows 8.1 X64 iso then booted it to clean install a corrupted Windows 8.0 installation. Deleted all partition then let the installer create what it needed. When it was done, 8.1 was installed and activated using the embedded key. Works a treat.

Noob to Windows 8 Forum

Hey all, my issue is mostly related to this topic so hopefully you don't mind me asking this here.

I bought an Acer (late 2013) which came with Win 8.1 installed. Recently I have had some issues and ran chkdsk which informed me of corrupted sector(s). Therefore I purchased a new WD internal HD (not SSD) with intentions of swapping out before something fatal occurs. Problem is that Microsoft will not allow me to download Windows Installation Media using the Windows Key from my system (used Belarc Advisor) as it says it is invalid. I contacted both Microsoft (wants to sell me a Windows Key) and Acer (wants to sell me recovery media). It appears Microsoft has changed the rules since I last purchased a computer as I assumed I paid for a valid Windows Key when I purchased my computer. Am I missing something (i.e. the village idiot) for thinking I paid for Windows 8.1 with my laptop and should have the ability to install it on a new hard drive?

Try downloading the media from here
Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

It doesn't ask you for a product key during the download/creation process and should just read the key from your UEFI firmware when installing. If not entering your key from Belarc during installation will work fine.

Thanks Maltesespace....downloading it now. Will report results.