Solved no licence key on windows 8 laptops

[alphanumeric]

From what I read with OA 2.1, that Windows 7 uses, it does not activate online. It looks like the new OA 3.0, that Windows 8 uses, does though. cluberti obviously knows a lot more about it than I do. Times they are a changing.

Thanks for the detail (I now know it's called OA 3.0).
I just tried to describe how it all went the first day of usage.
The good news is that it went pretty well. The only time for long faces was when I compared the procedure with the one Win7 was using (OA 2.1).

The only PC with Windows 8 preinstalled on it that I have had my hands on has been on display at Staples. And that one was tethered to the desk. It doesn't surprise me much though, to find out that even preinstalled OEM versions now activate online too.
I'm sure the 40$ limited time offer is an attempt to sway some of those that would otherwise try to pirate Windows 8.

 

[Hopachi]

From what I read with OA 2.1, that Windows 7 uses, it does not activate online. It looks like the new OA 3.0, that Windows 8 uses, does though. cluberti obviously knows a lot more about it than I do. Times they are a changing.

Thanks for the detail (I now know it's called OA 3.0).
I just tried to describe how it all went the first day of usage.
The good news is that it went pretty well. The only time for long faces was when I compared the procedure with the one Win7 was using (OA 2.1).

The only PC with Windows 8 preinstalled on it that I have had my hands on has been on display at Staples. And that one was tethered to the desk. It doesn't surprise me much though, to find out that even preinstalled OEM versions now activate online too.
I'm sure the 40$ limited time offer is an attempt to sway some of those that would otherwise try to pirate Windows 8.

Sounds logic, the thing with the 40$. And the new key-stuff procedure seems simpler.

I now see it:

Note that OA3 doesn't use SLIC tables anymore, although only Windows 8 uses OA3 - Windows Server 2012 can still be activated using the older OA2.x methodology. And there's no more requirement to ship a CoA sticker on the PC itself, although I do believe they still have to provide recovery media or a DVD and some proof of purchase. I haven't acquired an OEM machine with Windows 8 yet, so I'm not sure what should ship, but there's still a requirement for those at the least I believe.

And the other thread too:
http://www.eightforums.com/vip-lounge/11228-no-coas-oem-pcs.html#post131004

Nice work guys!

 

[gazz9496]

yeah it certainly looks like the key is just bound to the machine.

so it does raise a few concerns, if motherboards need replaced in a laptop outside of the warranty period, and a few other issues.

but nothing end of the world like, will try it tomorrow at work to see how it works for myself anyway.

thank you to everyone that replied, their was a great deal of helpful comments and i'll add rep to you all as you all deserve it