Reinstallation of windows 8.1

[Bawatandon]

Hi

Harjeet here, 

I have been using this laptop for last 5 to 6 years with no problems.

Last week laptop's harddrive crupted, got hdd from outside source and he installed windows 8 pro. I want genuine 8.1 back and had no recovery media.

What should I do? Please help me

Harjeet

[private information removed]

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Make your own genuine W8.1 installation media.

Download the plain W8.1 64 bit ISO file from the link below.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

Use the Microsoft tool that I zipped up and attached below that you will need to transfer the ISO file to a USB flash drive or DVD so that it is bootable, or you can use a different free utility such as Rufus.

After W8.1 has completed installing you can install the drivers and available software from your notebook's support page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-15-Notebook-PC-series/7771404/model/8326128

[Bawatandon]

Thanks for your help.

Thing is that how will I get windows original key?

Harjeet

[Bawatandon]

Thanks for your help.

Thing is that how will I get windows original key?

Harjeet

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Harjeet.

The nice thing is you don't need the Windows key as it is in the BIOS.

W8.1 won't even ask for a product key.

If it does, then go back and download the W8.1 64 bit Single Language ISO file and you should be fine.

The product specs and the parts list for your notebook indicate that it came with the plain W8.1 64 bit version, but in some countries HP installs W8.1 single language and the plain ISO file will not work with the W8.1 Single Language product key in the BIOS.

[Bawatandon]

Thanks again for responding.

 I had made usb bootable drive with windows 8.1 single language hope will not ask for key?

One thing more the person who changed the HDD, installed windows 8 pro by himself hope this will not effect BIOS settings in regards to encrypting the key when I install 8.1 iso single language from bootable usb?

See you, thanks again

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If you know the PC originally came with W8.1 SL, then it will install just fine without the need of entering a product key.

I don't know of any way to erase the product key in the BIOS.  You can't even see it listed in the BIOS.

Again...if it asks for a key, then you have installed the wrong version of W8.1.

[Bawatandon]

Hey there,

I tried installing windows through bootable USB, it asks about my ms account, but I don't remember what it was, as it more than 6 7 years ago when I may or may not signed in ms account.

What should I do?

Thanks

Harjeet

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately, I have no idea.

You would have to contact Microsoft for how to find that information.

I also don't know why MS would ask for your account when installing Windows.

You should be able to create an offline user account and not have to go through Microsoft.

How to sign into Windows 8 or 8.1 without a Microsoft account - make a local user - Scott Hanselman'...

[Bawatandon]

Thanks for responding.

Actually I had ms account, but don't remember I linked this account or not.

Can this account can be used for activation of windows 8.1.

Harjeet