Is Windows serial number embeded in my Pavilian G4 laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Glad you were able to make the bootable file.

That is correct.  You definitely cannot just copy and paste the iso file to a USB flash drive or a DVD.

That is why I attached the Microsoft tool.

[gwoiler]

Checking that in Programs would have been the easiest solution.  Rufus was my next try.  In the past, I used NERO to copy an ISO file, and all worked well.  But, no NERO for me since 64bit.  It was a handy program.  Thanks again for your help!  Now, to get through the installation tomorrow.  I got all the HP drivers and programs for WIN 8.0 and 8.1 - was guessing to install first the 8.0 because there are a few more, or is that not a wise move?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Since you are clean installing W8.1 and not W8, you will only need to install the W8.1 drivers.

If you need any help with finding an elusive driver, I will be happy to assist with that.

[gwoiler]

Hello Paul

An update....  W8.1 installed fine - after I realized after the third boot, that I needed to change the boot order to the HD first.  The first instructions DID say, there would be some re-starts.  I did not notice it was doing the same thing over and over at one point.  The activation, other than pressing a button, did not require any input from me.  Evidently it found the key in the bios.  I installed all the HP drivers and utilities.  There were 2 however, that would not install - Software can only be installed in authorized machine.  One was a photo program, and the other was Power Director - 2 programs I would have wished to work.  You have an idea what could be done so my system looks like an authorized machine?  Other than that, it looks fine, and runs clean.  Now to upgrade it from 4 gigs to 8 gigs - something I always thought about doing for too many years.  It's cheap enough, and 4 gigs is really not enough for any windows machine.  Thanks again for your help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Unfortunately, I don't have a workaround for those programs.

That happens sometimes on a clean install of Windows and a new hard drive.

Because it is not a HP factory image, the software thinks it is being installed on a non-HP PC.

Sometimes the software will work from another HP model.  It is hit or miss.

You can try these two from a newer model notebook that also came with W8.1.

This package provides the Cyberlink PhotoDirector Software for supported notebook models running a supported operating system. Cyberlink PhotoDirector provides complete tools to edit and store photographic images.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp71501-72000/sp71739.exe

CyberLink PowerDirector is a video editing software application that transforms video footage into HD movies to enjoy or share with others. This package is provided for supported notebook models running a supported operating system.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp77501-78000/sp77573.exe