Solved OS totally destroyed, lost serial, can't afford to rebuy

Windows 8

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Windows 8.1 update 1 not only failed for me, it did so in the worst possible way. My OS is now corrupt beyond any hope of repair. Making things worse, I lost my serials and I can't afford a new license. Windows is the only OS Ithat runs well on my PC.
 
No but can I get it via a Linux boot somehow?

Download a Linux distro.. run it Live (no install) ..open terminal/konsole and type:

sudo cat /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM.

That will give you your OEM key.

Alternatively.. you can backup your licence folder (SPP) from Linux, and replace that folder on a re-installation.

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If it's a factory OEM install your product code is embedded in the BIOS. You may not know what it is, but technically, you can't lose it, it will always be there. ;)
It looks like what Superfly posted should get it for you but I'll post this anyway. http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27129-product-key-find-windows-8-a.html
If you can get your hands on an official unmodified Windows 8.0 ISO/DVD it should read the code automatically during the Windows install. My TechNet 8.0 ISO's read and use the 8.0 code in my laptops BIOS automatically without asking me to enter one.
If you can score an 8.1 ISO you can skip having to install 8.0 and then update. You'll need your 8.0 OEM product code though to do this. http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html
 
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