BIOS-embedded Windows 8 product keys - reinstall troubles?

Those purchasing Windows 8 PCs are noticing that the small "Certificate of Authenticity" that is normally home to the product key is missing, and instead a "Genuine Microsoft" label has replaced it.

This seems to be a cause of concern, and is prompting a number of questions.

Rather than using a sticker, PC manufacturers are instead embedding the product key -- associated with a fingerprint of the hardware -- into the BIOS/UEFI firmware on the motherboard. This is part of Microsoft new OEM Activation 3.0 (OA 3.0) mechanism and has been designed to combat piracy and, according to my OEM contacts, makes it easier for OEMs to order new keys from Microsoft, and even return unused keys back to Microsoft.

But what does it mean to the end user?

Read more at source:
Will BIOS-embedded Windows 8 product keys cause reinstall troubles? | ZDNet
 
I would imagine that there shouldn't be any issues with re-installations as long as the user is using recovery media that came with the unit. Embedding the product key into the BIOS shouldn't have any issues as long as any firmware upgrades from the manufacturer take into account that the key needs to be migrated some how.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Professional 64b
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z68AP
    Memory
    8GB Patriot G2 DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Cyclone R6850
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    Integrated
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    32in Samsung HDTV (LCD)
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    1360x768
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    2x OCZ Vertex 3 (RAID 0)
    3x Seagate Barracuda 2TB (RAID 5)
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    Corsair TX 750 W
    Case
    Corsair 600T (Graphite)
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 (Push-Pull), 2x200MM fans (w/ case) Rear 120mm
I would imagine that there shouldn't be any issues with re-installations as long as the user is using recovery media that came with the unit. Embedding the product key into the BIOS shouldn't have any issues as long as any firmware upgrades from the manufacturer take into account that the key needs to be migrated some how.
1. What if you want to do a clean install?

2. Is it really possible for a bad firmware upgrade to wipe the key?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
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    Intel i5-4210U
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    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
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    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
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    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
1. What if you want to do a clean install?
Should not be an issue since Win8 can do a clean install on itself.

2. Is it really possible for a bad firmware upgrade to wipe the key?

Yes, which is why I would check that the mobo has Dual Bios for a backup.
imo, that should be standard by now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
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    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
1. What if you want to do a clean install?
Should not be an issue since Win8 can do a clean install on itself.

2. Is it really possible for a bad firmware upgrade to wipe the key?

Yes, which is why I would check that the mobo has Dual Bios for a backup.
imo, that should be standard by now.

Is there a way to visually read the key if it's embedded in the BIOS? Usually if I want to do a fresh install on a machine and I can't see the key on the machine, I'll just use ProduKey or something along those lines to pull the key out of the OS
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Professional 64b
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z68AP
    Memory
    8GB Patriot G2 DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Cyclone R6850
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32in Samsung HDTV (LCD)
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2x OCZ Vertex 3 (RAID 0)
    3x Seagate Barracuda 2TB (RAID 5)
    PSU
    Corsair TX 750 W
    Case
    Corsair 600T (Graphite)
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 (Push-Pull), 2x200MM fans (w/ case) Rear 120mm
1. What if you want to do a clean install?
Should not be an issue since Win8 can do a clean install on itself.

2. Is it really possible for a bad firmware upgrade to wipe the key?

Yes, which is why I would check that the mobo has Dual Bios for a backup.
imo, that should be standard by now.

Is there a way to visually read the key if it's embedded in the BIOS? Usually if I want to do a fresh install on a machine and I can't see the key on the machine, I'll just use ProduKey or something along those lines to pull the key out of the OS

Can ProduKey reflash the BIOS with the key?

If a manufacturer ****s up your key, they will be obligated to fix it for you and will not provide a reflashing tool for the few people that copied their key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Should not be an issue since Win8 can do a clean install on itself.



Yes, which is why I would check that the mobo has Dual Bios for a backup.
imo, that should be standard by now.

Is there a way to visually read the key if it's embedded in the BIOS? Usually if I want to do a fresh install on a machine and I can't see the key on the machine, I'll just use ProduKey or something along those lines to pull the key out of the OS

Can ProduKey reflash the BIOS with the key?

If a manufacturer ****s up your key, they will be obligated to fix it for you and will not provide a reflashing tool for the few people that copied their key.

I don't pretend to completely understand the Windows authentication process, but if the key is embedded in the BIOS and not stored anywhere in the OS it definitely does pose a problem in terms of retrieval in those types of situations. It might ebb the controversy of there being no warranty on software.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Professional 64b
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z68AP
    Memory
    8GB Patriot G2 DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Cyclone R6850
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32in Samsung HDTV (LCD)
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2x OCZ Vertex 3 (RAID 0)
    3x Seagate Barracuda 2TB (RAID 5)
    PSU
    Corsair TX 750 W
    Case
    Corsair 600T (Graphite)
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 (Push-Pull), 2x200MM fans (w/ case) Rear 120mm

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
I don't like the idea at all, and can foresee major issues being had with it.

And I see no benefit whatsoever for the end-user.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Wouldn't that mean that replacement motherboards would have to ship with their own keys?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Wouldn't that mean that replacement motherboards would have to ship with their own keys?
I don't believe so, I thought each OEM has a specific key, which was then activated by Microsoft, and a unique check scum of the hardware/OS/UEFI was stored in the OS when being activated online or through the phone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro w/ WMC x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-1350dx
    CPU
    AMD A6-3420M APU
    Memory
    4 GiB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6520G
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS547550A9E384 SATA Disk Device (500GiB)
    Mouse
    Synaptics PS/2 Port Touchpad v7.5
    Browser
    IE10/Chrome Beta/Waterfox(64bit)
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/ MalwareByte's Pro
if that is the case then there will be no more finding a clean OEM disk and trying to reinstall without all the factory garbage the OEM's throw in. You will either have to use the disk provided by the OEM, or the clean install method from within Win8 recovery.

However, Buy Barebones and a System Builder OEM Disk. That is the solution.
Or from small shops that won't install garbage.

Stop buying big box OEM PC's and support your local PC Guy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Wouldn't that mean that replacement motherboards would have to ship with their own keys?
I don't believe so, I thought each OEM has a specific key, which was then activated by Microsoft, and a unique check scum of the hardware/OS/UEFI was stored in the OS when being activated online or through the phone.

With the old OA2.1 and windows 7 and lower that was the case. Dell had its key HP had its key etc. With the new OA3.0, that Windows 8 uses, each PC has a unique product key all its own. There isn't any real point in trying to find it as you can't use it anyway. From what I've read, if the install media see the BIOS product code it uses it and installs the matching version of Windows 8. It will then activate online the first chance it gets. If you are trying to install 8 Pro and it installed core by default all you do is go to add features and type in your Pro product code. It will then upgrade and activate with the new key. Same deal to add media center. If its an off the shelf non OEM branded motherboard with a normal BIOS, you'll get asked to enter your product code and it will install what ever version your install media is coded for. That's what I've read, haven't tried any of it myself to prove it one way or the other though.
 
Last edited:

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  • 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
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    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
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    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
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    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
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    Stock heatsink fan
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    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
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    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
if that is the case then there will be no more finding a clean OEM disk and trying to reinstall without all the factory garbage the OEM's throw in. You will either have to use the disk provided by the OEM, or the clean install method from within Win8 recovery.

However, Buy Barebones and a System Builder OEM Disk. That is the solution.
Or from small shops that won't install garbage.

Stop buying big box OEM PC's and support your local PC Guy

I completely agree! Mind you this doesn't really work with laptops.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Professional 64b
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-2700K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-Z68AP
    Memory
    8GB Patriot G2 DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Cyclone R6850
    Sound Card
    Integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32in Samsung HDTV (LCD)
    Screen Resolution
    1360x768
    Hard Drives
    2x OCZ Vertex 3 (RAID 0)
    3x Seagate Barracuda 2TB (RAID 5)
    PSU
    Corsair TX 750 W
    Case
    Corsair 600T (Graphite)
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 (Push-Pull), 2x200MM fans (w/ case) Rear 120mm
Ok! Here's what's happening. If you have a laptop with a bios embedded key you CAN use a OEM disk to install and activate. As long as the disk matches the version of the key embedded. Windows 8 (core) or Windows 8 (Pro).

I get new laptops all the time for setup before they are put into service and I use OEM disk to flush all the OEM add in bloat ware. Then install all required software for the final user.

So the short answer is you just don't have to type a product key when installing. But any Windows 8 disk will work.
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
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    intel
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    Nvidia
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    Dell
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    Too many to count.
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    Antec
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    Climate Change
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    Small and sleek
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    1
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    Fast
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    IE 11
    Antivirus
    ESET
1. What if you want to do a clean install?
It can be done with the provided recovery media but depends on manufacturer.
HP, for example, gives you the choice weather you install all their programs or none of them: leaving the system clean.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
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    Laptop
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    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
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    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
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    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
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    120W adapter
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    small
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    laptop cooling pad
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    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
if that is the case then there will be no more finding a clean OEM disk and trying to reinstall without all the factory garbage the OEM's throw in. You will either have to use the disk provided by the OEM, or the clean install method from within Win8 recovery.

However, Buy Barebones and a System Builder OEM Disk. That is the solution.
Or from small shops that won't install garbage.

Stop buying big box OEM PC's and support your local PC Guy

I completely agree! Mind you this doesn't really work with laptops.

That is not entirely true. It is not as prevalent, but they do exist.
Takes a little more creative hunting, but.....

Amazon.com: MSI Whitebook MS-16F3 - 15.6" - no CPU - no OS - 0: Electronics

Ok, so, I did some searching. And it is unfortunate, but this market has dried up. A few years ago, they really tried very hard to open the path to bare bones laptops. I think there are some still out there, but they are hard to find. so I concede.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
I bought a laptop with windows 8 preinstalled. Never again. HP recovery has 3 options. Can't remember exactly but minimal, factory, and another type. There was no installation that did not put something of HP stuff on computer. One of them appeared to look good until went into system 32 folder and saw some HP files in there. Doing clean instal from windows 8 said need to use installation disks ie recovery disks cause installation files werent good enough. Called Microsoft asking how to do a clean instal. Can't even buy windows 8 yet to do that. Not till january 31st will you get a key to freeh instal windows. On the feedback form I told them way to fight piracy. They lost.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8
I bought a laptop with windows 8 preinstalled. Never again. HP recovery has 3 options. Can't remember exactly but minimal, factory, and another type. There was no installation that did not put something of HP stuff on computer. One of them appeared to look good until went into system 32 folder and saw some HP files in there. Doing clean instal from windows 8 said need to use installation disks ie recovery disks cause installation files werent good enough. Called Microsoft asking how to do a clean instal. Can't even buy windows 8 yet to do that. Not till january 31st will you get a key to freeh instal windows. On the feedback form I told them way to fight piracy. They lost.

Have a look on the web, you can in the UK.
Cheap Operating Systems from Microsoft
 

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
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