How to find the original activation key? Reset the computer and didn't know it would wipe Windows.

[Riothamus0522]

Edit:  I only know I had Windows 10 on the computer, I don't know what edition.

Hello,

Main question:

How can I find out what the Windows 10 product key is for my computer, given the details below?

I reset my computer just to give it a nice fresh start and clear out all of the junk and clutter since it was over four years old.

What I didn't know until it was done, is that it wiped out the Windows 10 Operating System.

I am stuck in BIOS with an error.

I understand that I could download the OS only a flashdrive and boot from there.

However, I do not know what the product key is.

I have checked the entire outside of the computer along with the inside panels and the hard drive, and there are no Windows stickers.  The computer is out of warranty, so hp will not allow me to chat with them, I have to pay to even call them (not knowing an outcome), and same with HP Store option.  This computer was a gift to me.  It was brand new when it was bought, but I am not the original purchaser so I don't have access to an order number or anything like that.

Any help will be appreciated!

Thank you!

[itsmyname]

@Riothamus0522 -- I do not know what the product key is.

when you first obtained the computer, was it running Windows 10? If so, then:

1. the product-key is embedded in the motherboard -- no more need for Microsoft to use a "decal",
2. when you "activated" Windows 10, it "called-home" and sent the product-key to Microsoft. 

So, if you reinstall Windows, click "I do not have a product key".

At that point, the Windows Installer will extract the product-key from the motherboard.

Or, if you have a working Internet connection, the Windows Installer will "call home" to Microsoft, to download the product-key.

So, you really do not need to "know" the product-key.

[Riothamus0522]

So do you mean I should download Windows 10 to a flash drive, jump it to that computer that is stuck in BIOS without Windows, boot from it, and it won't need a product key because it'll give me an option upon booting from the OS freshly downloaded to the flashdrive to select that I don't have a key?

[TheOldMan]

BTW: what is this "I am stuck in BIOS with an error"  Please explain that better.  You might need to fix that error first.

Here is the support page for that model

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-slimline-270-p000-desktop-pc-series/13823526/mod...

If you need any drivers, they are listed there.

Please note that by scrolling down to the "Software-HP Cloud Recovery" you will receive instructions on how to use the tool

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06162205

The product key for Windows is not needed as it will be activated automatically upon connecting to the internet.  If you wish to not return the Windows to the "Factory State" which that Recovery will do, but you can get the latest Windows 10 from here and it also will activate upon completion without using a key.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

With a working PC, scroll down to the "Using the tool to create installation media"
and then follow the directions. You can make either the DVD or USB. Use this new media to install Windows 10.
When the install asks for the product key, click the "I don't have a product key" option to continue,
then the install will continue. It will be activated once it connects to the internet, as it uses a digital key.

[itsmyname]

@Riothamus0522 -- do you mean I should download Windows 10 to a flash drive, jump it to that computer that is stuck in BIOS without Windows, boot from it, and it won't need a product key because it'll give me an option upon booting from the OS freshly downloaded to the flashdrive to select that I don't have a key?

Yes. Start with an 8GB (or larger) USB memory-stick -- 4 GB is too small.

When prompted to enter a product-key, click "I do not have a key".

The Windows installer will retrieve the product-key from the motherboard, or from Microsoft.