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I was helping a friend of mine who had a blank password on his Windows 8.1 computer. He recently got an update and since this update he is unable to login to his computer. His computer was not connected to a Microsoft Live account. I tried the Offline NT Password & Registry Editor but this somehow did not work. So I went to using CHNTPW on a Live Ubuntu USB (something I have successfully done in the past). "Trying Ubuntu" wouldn't take me to a GUI(which was strange), so I decided to install it and then later uninstall Ubuntu. Well somehow during installing Ubuntu (which never successfully installed) the paritions somehow got messed up and there isn't a windows parition anymore.

I do have a back up of all the files. My only option is to re-install Windows 8.1. I can't find a product key sticker on the computer and it's a little late for the Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder. I have heard from some places that the Windows 8 Product Key is in the BIOS, is this true? Would it have been deleted?

My question is, after installing Windows 8.1 from an ISO, what are my options? How can I register this computer without purchasing another product key?

user151324
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3 Answers3

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I suggest creating a bootable USB or modifying your disk image to perform the below steps to "bypass" the requirement for a product key.

Within the root structure of the CD navigate to the sources folder.

Create a new file named ei.cfg with the below contents.

[EditionID]
Professional
[Channel]
Retail
[VL]
0

Now when running the Windows 8 setup it will not ask for the product key.

Above CFG switches/options:

  • If you want the setup to ask which edition you want install without entering the product key, leave the [EditionID] blank. I have entered Professional there for you.
  • You can also set [VL] (Volume Licensing) to 1 (for true) and [Channel] to OEM/Retail
Samuel Nicholson
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Favorites to the rescue. Here’s how to get the key with Linux (which need not be installed).

Basically:

sudo hd /sys/firmware/acpi/tables/MSDM

...or any other hexdump-like tool. Alternatively, even cat should do. Alternatively, there are a few tools claiming to do the same on Windows (no problem, since you’ll install with a KMS key), but I cannot verify that.

Windows 8.1 Setup unfortunately will not use Windows 8 keys, neither from an embedded license nor from user input. Instead, install using a KMS key and change the key (Windows 8 keys are accepted there) before activating.

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Community
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user219095
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You must purchase a new product key, but you may be able to retrieve it if it came with your friend's PC pre-installed. You may be able to give your friend's PC barcode to the manufacturer, and they MAY be able to retrieve your code. This is highly unlikely.

I have heard that Microsoft gives a few trial codes for free, but I can't approve that that is true.

You can generate another code, but it is illegal to create generate codes for things you have not purchased. Also, 2/3 of the codes you will get won't work.

EACreator1
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