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

 

[theog]

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

:thumb:

 

[popeye]

Local guys don't build laptops, at least not around here.

Been 10 years since I had a desktop.

 

[adamf]

Totally disagree, you have options to buy OEM manufacturer's PC's with clean install DVD's Windows 7 & 8 (8.1)

It is all about doing your homework.

Some OEM manufacturer's are now install Windows 7.

Your grammar is a bit odd but the point is fair. I bought a HP laptop last week (a 14 inch zbook yet to be delivered). Pre-installed with 7. Their choice not mine.

 

[theog]

Totally disagree, you have options to buy OEM manufacturer's PC's with clean install DVD's Windows 7 & 8 (8.1)

It is all about doing your homework.

Some OEM manufacturer's are now install Windows 7.

Your grammar is a bit odd but the point is fair. I bought a HP laptop last week (a 14 inch zbook yet to be delivered). Pre-installed with 7. Their choice not mine.

Most likly will come a option to upgrade to Windows 8.1.

 

[theog]

Local guys don't build laptops, at least not around here.

Been 10 years since I had a desktop.

You can in the UK, mostly the bigger Local guys.
PC Components, Desktop PCs, Laptops, LCD TVs & Computer Hardware

 

[David Bailey]

I posted how to find the key in the other thread. What are you going to do with it once you find it though? http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html

Out of the options in the link, I use version 3 of the vbs by Superfly.
Many thanks to him for writing it.

 

[basher]

Anyway, just buy pc without any os, because it really is bad to buy windows os like 10 times .... Why should i buy it, when i already bought it with my first laptop ?

 

[adamf]

Most likly will come a option to upgrade to Windows 8.1.

It certainly does and it will be the first thing I do

 

[adamf]

Anyway, just buy pc without any os, because it really is bad to buy windows os like 10 times .... Why should i buy it, when i already bought it with my first laptop ?

You didn't buy it mate, you licensed it for use on that specific machine. If you had bought a transferable retail license you would probably remember as you would have paid more (about double) and have to have explicitly purchased it not just got the OEM version delivered with your PC.

 

[Superfly]

I posted how to find the key in the other thread. What are you going to do with it once you find it though? http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html

Out of the options in the link, I use version 3 of the vbs by Superfly.
Many thanks to him for writing it.

You are welcome, David

Anyway, just buy pc without any os, because it really is bad to buy windows os like 10 times .... Why should i buy it, when i already bought it with my first laptop ?

You didn't buy it mate, you licensed it for use on that specific machine. If you had bought a transferable retail license you would probably remember as you would have paid more (about double) and have to have explicitly purchased it not just got the OEM version delivered with your PC.

Agreed.. also regarding retail transfer, it would be great if there was a slmgr command to deactivate (on M$ server) the current install and reactivate the new online, when upgrading PC's...instead of having to jump through hoops with telephone activaton...

 

[adamf]

Agreed.. also regarding retail transfer, it would be great if there was a slmgr command to deactivate (on M$ server) the current install and reactivate the new online, when upgrading PC's...instead of having to jump through hoops with telephone activaton...

doesn't slmgr.vbs -upk do that? I haven't got the confidence to try it personally in case I'm wrong.

 

[Superfly]

Nope, just uninstalls the key locally -(the opposite of slmgr /ipk) - I was thinking something like the opposite of slmgr /ato.

 

[RBS]

I have 3 Windows 8 units... and have had to re-install all of them several times, for various reasons. Every time it is a nightmare, and have had to call Microsoft for verification every time, and the problem persists, because you have to have the identical product key for each machine.


We use Media center, which forces you to upgrade to Windows pro and then install Media Center and each install changes your product key. I hate, HATE, HATE Microsoft for making it so damned hard to use your own legal machine. So even if you do a factory update, you have to make sure you have the identical Pro disk and/or key that you used for that machine. I can't remember if media center key are separate or if you have to use the same key, I think you do.

I have 2 tablets I won't upgrade to 8.1, because it is just to difficult to re-install, if something goes awry.

 

[David Bailey]

I have 3 Windows 8 units... and have had to re-install all of them several times, for various reasons. Every time it is a nightmare, and have had to call Microsoft for verification every time, and the problem persists, because you have to have the identical product key for key machine.


We use Media center, which forces you to upgrade to Windows pro and then install Media Center and each install changes your product key. I hate, HATE, HATE Microsoft for making it so damned hard to use your own legal machine.

I have 2 tablets I won't upgrade to 8.1, because it is just to difficult to re-install, if something goes awry.

Try---

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

{Standard Version}

Restoring an image is easier than restoring an OS from scratch.

 

[popeye]

I have 3 Windows 8 units... and have had to re-install all of them several times, for various reasons. Every time it is a nightmare, and have had to call Microsoft for verification every time, and the problem persists, because you have to have the identical product key for key machine.


We use Media center, which forces you to upgrade to Windows pro and then install Media Center and each install changes your product key. I hate, HATE, HATE Microsoft for making it so damned hard to use your own legal machine.

I have 2 tablets I won't upgrade to 8.1, because it is just to difficult to re-install, if something goes awry.

Try---

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

{Standard Version}

Restoring an image is easier than restoring an OS from scratch.

Amen brother David, amen!

Thanks for the reminder, time to image.

 

[alphanumeric]

I have 3 Windows 8 units... and have had to re-install all of them several times, for various reasons. Every time it is a nightmare, and have had to call Microsoft for verification every time, and the problem persists, because you have to have the identical product key for each machine.


We use Media center, which forces you to upgrade to Windows pro and then install Media Center and each install changes your product key. I hate, HATE, HATE Microsoft for making it so damned hard to use your own legal machine. So even if you do a factory update, you have to make sure you have the identical Pro disk and/or key that you used for that machine. I can't remember if media center key are separate or if you have to use the same key, I think you do.

I have 2 tablets I won't upgrade to 8.1, because it is just to difficult to re-install, if something goes awry.

I've reinstalled Windows 8/8.1 on all my various PC's many times and had no issues. Clean installs, not factory restores. I keep track of what keys were used on what PC. Media Center keys once used are tied to the PC they were used on so I note which key was used on which PC. I only ever had to call Microsoft once for a phone activation of Media Center. I transferred that one key from one dead retired PC to its replacement. Even then it was all automated without having to talk to an actual person. If your not keeping track of what key was used on what PC that could be your issue. You also can not use the same key on more than one PC, if you are doing that then you are going to have activation issues for sure. Are your Pro keys full retail keys or Pro Pack keys? If they are full retail keys you can skip installing Core and then upgrading to Pro. Adding a PID.txt file to the sources folder of your install media will let you bypass using the embedded OEM BIOS key and install Pro from a clean install. You can't do that with Media Center though. You can't install with a Media center key.

 

[RBS]

I have 3 Windows 8 units... and have had to re-install all of them several times, for various reasons. Every time it is a nightmare, and have had to call Microsoft for verification every time, and the problem persists, because you have to have the identical product key for each machine.


We use Media center, which forces you to upgrade to Windows pro and then install Media Center and each install changes your product key. I hate, HATE, HATE Microsoft for making it so damned hard to use your own legal machine. So even if you do a factory update, you have to make sure you have the identical Pro disk and/or key that you used for that machine. I can't remember if media center key are separate or if you have to use the same key, I think you do.

It is total BS.

I have 2 tablets I won't upgrade to 8.1, because it is just to difficult to re-install, if something goes awry.

I've reinstalled Windows 8/8.1 on all my various PC's many times and had no issues. Clean installs, not factory restores. I keep track of what keys were used on what PC. Media Center keys once used are tied to the PC they were used on so I note which key was used on which PC. I only ever had to call Microsoft once for a phone activation of Media Center. I transferred that one key from one dead retired PC to its replacement. Even then it was all automated without having to talk to an actual person. If your not keeping track of what key was used on what PC that could be your issue. You also can not use the same key on more than one PC, if you are doing that then you are going to have activation issues for sure. Are your Pro keys full retail keys or Pro Pack keys? If they are full retail keys you can skip installing Core and then upgrading to Pro. Adding a PID.txt file to the sources folder of your install media will let you bypass using the embedded OEM BIOS key and install Pro from a clean install. You can't do that with Media Center though. You can't install with a Media center key.

They are Pro full retail keys, but, i prefer to keep some programs that came pre-installed with the machine, I lose those if I do an over write. All I know is, that I have never had the issues with Windows 7, Vista, XP when it came to installing, I could reinstall to any unit I wanted. And not to give you the retail key from the manufacturer is garbage too. At least if I lost a had disk before I had the original manufacturer key I could use to install. We pay extra to have Windows pre-installed on a machine, I want the key to be able to use it where ever I want. I paid for it.

It is total BS

 

[basher]

Anyway, just buy pc without any os, because it really is bad to buy windows os like 10 times .... Why should i buy it, when i already bought it with my first laptop ?

You didn't buy it mate, you licensed it for use on that specific machine. If you had bought a transferable retail license you would probably remember as you would have paid more (about double) and have to have explicitly purchased it not just got the OEM version delivered with your PC.

Even more so, if i have bought just windows, then it is a real pain in the ass trying to find a good laptop without os. Anyway, all those very confusing licenses are bulls***, and it doesnt work on me, so i do whatever i want

 

[Superfly]

There is talk the activation and upgrade process in Windows 9 will be a lot easier.... let's wait and see

 

[alphanumeric]

Embedded, OEM keys do have advantages. For one, you'll never lose it. Or have to worry about the number being rubbed off of a worn COA sticker to where you can't read it. If you have legit official install media you normally don't need to even know what it is. Microsoft install media will read and use it automatically. The one big drawback, at this time, is the OEM's not supplying real install media with a new PC. This isn't anything new though. They did it with Windows 7 too. And even when you got disks a lot of the time they were recovery disks not Windows install Media. The embedded keys actually make life easier. With Windows 7 and earlier, to use the OEM BIOS SLIC table you had to nave custom install media from that OEM, Normal Windows Retail disks won't use the SLIC table. If you had one of those disks you had to use the code on the COA sticker, if you could read it that is. If it was missing or worn so you couldn't read it you were SOL and had to buy a new Windows License. With the embedded key, it always going to be there and always usable.