1

I bought a notebook that came with windows 7, so I used the $15 offer to upgrade to windows 8. I didn't save the product key I got.

Then I did the free upgrade to Media Center pack, which got me a new product key. This one was also sent to my email.

A month later I bought and installed another windows 8, for my desktop, using the same email address. This time I saved the key in a file. Later I upgraded this machine to Media Center too, because it was still a free upgrade.

When the upgrade was finished, my Windows was no longer activated. This happened because I got the same product key than my other WMC instalation. I got the same one because I used the same email address, even though they were different windows installations. I researched and it seems that the WMC key was also tied to my email address.

The only solution is to reinstall windows 8 pro on top of the WMC install. This is a PITA, but something I can do.

The thing is, now I have two WMC installations with the same product key. I have one W8 pro key from my second buy, because I saved it on a file. I need the W8 pro key from my first buy. I want it because I paid for it, and I have no idea where to get it.

So where can I get it?

Luciano
  • 133
  • 5

1 Answers1

-3

It is embedded with your BIOS once you activate it. Here is some info privided by dell support when we asked at work for a key.

"Factory-installed Windows 8 computers differ from previous versions of Windows. Previously, the Product Key for Windows was attached as a label on the computer so that, in the event that the computer required reinstallation, the key could be referenced for activation.For Windows 8, the Product Key is "injected" onto the computer motherboard at the factory, and the installation and activation processes refer to the BIOS of the computer to verify authenticity and activate Windows. No Windows Product Key is otherwise provided or needed by the customer"

Your best bet is to contact Microsoft support with your valid account and have them walk you through until is activated like Shakehar suggested.

Juan Carlos
  • 146