Getting Win8 Activation Code and Downloading Win8

Just got an Acer Aspire V7 with Win8 and am thinking about doing a clean install of the OS. With Win7 I have a downloaded copy of the OS on a USB stick that I can use withe activation code that came with my old laptop. However there was no card or any kind of sticker that came with my new one that that has the Win8 activation code.

Is there somewhere I can download Win8 to put it on a stick and is there some way I can get the activation code for my existing install?

Its annoying enough they don't include the OS, but now they are not even including the activation code.

 

The activation code is buried in the BIOS. If you need to extract it, use this
Windows 8 Product Key Viewer

You can create recovery DVDs that will automatically activate detecting the license in the BIOS.

See if you can use this to create a Windows 8 setup file. Scroll down to the appropriate section.
Windows 8 Direct Download Links

When you try and install Windows 7, get into the BIOS and disable SECURE BOOT and enable Legacy ROMS (or CSM).

 

Thanks! It looks like those links will get the job done.

 

Thanks again idiot101, but it appears there is no way to get a Win8 iso without paying for an extra copy. The activation code that you can extract from the laptop is just an OEM version that allows manufacturers to install Windows on multiple machines during the manufacturing process. If you try using Windows Setup from the links above, it just gives you an error saying you are not allowed to use that key for a "retail" version of windows. The only other way to get Win8 iso's is through services like MSDN or Technet. Of course, those cost large $ to subscribe, so it defeats the purpose. Of course, I can always try the torrent route, but I won't. I'd be too suspicious of getting a cracked copy that may be corrupted, when I all want is a legitimate copy to use for a clean install on a machine where I have paid for the OS that came with the computer.

 

the Windows 8 product key is built into the BIOS so in order for you to install the OS, you need to get the OEM Version of Windows 8 Single Language.

what you need to do is insert the product key via a PID.txt in the sources folder on the Windows 8 Disc and boot from a UEFI/GPT disk such as a USB WITH SECURE BOOT ENABLED and FAST BOOT ENABLED

To do this, here is what you will have to do:

1) Ensure the original SSD/HDD that has the original factory installed OS

2) Download and install Belarc Advisor

3) Run Belarc Advisor, then look towards the end of the page, you will find your product key there, note it down

4) on your desktop, create a text file and name it PID.txt

5) Open the PID Text file and paste this

[PID]
Value=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Obviously you have to replace the XXX with your actual product key that is built into the BIOS which you extracted from Belarc Advisor

6) Create an ISO Image of your Windows 8 DVD (should be Single Language Windows 8 DVD not Pro or Retail). You can download the untouched Windows 8 Single Language OEM DVD from HERE or HERE

7) Using UltraISO or any other ISO Editor, copy the PID.txt file to the sources folder which is in the root of the ISO

8) Save your ISO again

9) Download RUFUS

10) Insert a 4 GB USB stick (or more)

11) Run Rufus then follow this image to create a GPT/UEFI disk



where it says ISO, browse to the ISO you just saved

12) let Rufus create your bootable USB

13) Reboot your laptop and boot from the USB then Install Windows 8

The Windows 8 DVD will not ask you for a product key since it will match the PID.txt file with the product key built into your BIOS and if they match the setup will continue

I know this is a hassle, but it's worth every minute! I did that to keep my fast boot / UEFI partitions

My notebook boots in less than 12 seconds from a complete shut down state to the Windows

 

Thanks! I'll give this a shot.