reinstalling Windows 8.1 from HP OEM Disk asks for key.

[catskinner1]

Trying to reinstall Win 8.1 from HP oem disk and it still asks for key - I was under the impression that it is supposed to get it automatically from the bios - if I enter a key to get past this it installs - but it will not activate nor will it let me change the key to the one stored in the bios.  

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @catskinner1 

Welcome back!

Depending on your Windows edition (Home/Pro), you may enter a generic key during the installation - one of these

Windows 8.1 standard/non-Pro edition   334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Windows 8.1 Pro   XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Windows 8 Pro with Media Center   GBFNG-2X3TC-8R27F-RMKYB-JK7QT

Windows 8 RTM standard/non-Pro edition   FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3

Windows 8 RTM Pro   XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH

Windows 8 Pro RTM with Media Center   RR3BN-3YY9P-9D7FC-7J4YF-QGJXW

Once you enter Desktop, here are instructions to follow to change the key >> https://www.petri.com/how-to-change-product-key-in-windows-8

In order to obtain the key from the BIOS/UEFI, you can download ProduKey from Nirsoft >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

x86 Windows >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey.zip

x64 Windows >> http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey-x64.zip

Extract the archive and run the program.

It will open and show you the available keys it detects. Does it detect your BIOS and Windows key(s) ? Does it says Windows version ?  Take a picture of the codes and write them down. Do not post them here, just keep them for yourself.

Let me know how it goes

[catskinner1]

Yep, used an install key but ... it won't let me change it to the bios key - all I can think is maybe I'm using the wrong oem disk ... it does show a HP logo on the desktop and login pic is HP logo so the OS does think its an HP laptop ... it just says key cannot be used to activate this edition of windows

[IT_WinSec]

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@catskinner1 wrote:

Yep, used an install key but ... it won't let me change it to the bios key - all I can think is maybe I'm using the wrong oem disk ... it does show a HP logo on the desktop and login pic is HP logo so the OS does think its an HP laptop ... it just says key cannot be used to activate this edition of windows

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Well, this is different. It actually allows you to change the key but does not allow you to activate it.

• Have you performed any changes to this PC ?
  Any hardware change or upgrades, even small ones ?

[IT_WinSec]

Have you tried activating Windows via phone call to Microsoft and Microsoft automated system ?

To start the Product Activation Wizard in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, open the Charms bar > Settings> Change PC Settings > Activate Windows > Activate by phone.

>> https://www.thewindowsclub.com/activate-windows-8-by-phone

If asked by the system, reply this is the only PC you use it on and this is first (re-)activation

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @catskinner1 

Us the free utility that I zipped up and attached below to see what version of W8.1 the product key is good for.

Post the description of W8.1, so we can take a look at it.  Do not post the key.

This is a copy and paste of the report from my PC without the key...

OEM Edition: Win 8.1 RTM Professional OEM:DM

[catskinner1]

Doesn't let me change the key - I enter it and it says can't be used for this version  - The hard drive (WD blue) failed so I replaced it with an SSD (Samsung 750 evo I had lying around. which is why I'm reinstalling win 8.1.  

[catskinner1]

apparently Showkeyplus says its an -

OEM Edition: Win 8.1 RTM CoreConnected OEM:DM

one suggestion I have found is - "You have a Single Language licence - download and install that edition." seriously does that make a difference ??? I think the disk I have is multi-language ... so I'll try this -  https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows8ISO?irgwc=1&OCID=AID2000142_aff_7794_12464... hopefully its not language specific ... I'll try English/English first.

nope that didn't work ... still asking for key

next ... International English ...

nope that didn't work either

running out of options

[catskinner1]

not sure if phone activation would work as the key is one for activation only - the problem is that the oem key remains in the bios and it will not let me put this key into the OS 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

The problem you have is that the Product key in your notebook's BIOS is for W8.1 with Bing, for which Microsoft has no ISO files for download.

You have two options...call HP at 1-800-334-5144, and order W8.1 w/Bing recovery media.

Try making your own W8.1 w/Bing installation media by reading the info at the link below, toward the bottom of the page.

https://www.pcsteps.com/210-download-windows-8-1/