I run a busy IT workshop aimed at the home market. Windows computers flow in every day. Some are so messed up by infections, or the hard drive has failed, that we need to reinstall Windows from scratch.

In previous version of Windows that was easy. We have all the disks for all the versions and the activation code is on a sticker on the machine.

With Windows 8, no more sticker, I understand the activation code is now baked into the UEFI and the install media should read it directly. 

The problem is, what install media to use? Clearly we cannot use the recovery partition if the hard drive has failed, nor can we use it if the machine is badly infected, because it cannot be trusted. I have a generic set of Windows 8 OEM disks that I purchased on Amazon. If I try these it does not use the key in the BIOS, but prompts me for one instead. 

Don't tell me the client should have made a recovery disk, they never do and it's far too late by the time we see it.

I believe the accepted procedure it to call the company who made the computer and purchase a recovery disk. I did that with the first machine (Lenovo), it did not work, it still asks to type in or purchase a code.

The second machine the manufacturer wanted $75 for a set of recovery disks (Packard Bell). I have been told that the recovery disks are specific to the manufacturer, I cannot get a disk from Dell and use it on a Sony. So the manufacturers can and do charge whatever the hell they want for these things, regardless of their actual value.

At $75 a pop, plus the labour to fix it, this puts many of these machines beyond economic repair. It's easier to send them to landfill than to fix them. I can't even sell them on eBay because they are not in a working state. Is that the intension of this policy? Doesn't seem very green.

Is there some way out of this mess? Is there someway to get a Windows 8 install disk that will read the key in the BIOS and use that? Do the recovery disks have to be tied to one particular manufacturer?

Please tell me there is a better way than binning these machines.

There is activation key in BIOS.

http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-8-moves-to-bios-based-product-keys/

M.

you need to find another CD OS or ISO if HDD failed, make sure its the same OS version installed on old HDD, just installed and activate. If installation process prompt you to enter SN, means the version is not the same. 

If the version is Single Language Windows 8/8.1 then is hard to find, mostly this type of OS have extra or less feature and build in software included other than retail Windows 8/8.1. You need contact OEM

You also can create master recovery CD start from now from the PC which HDD still in good condition

• Edited by britishdhez 2 hours 44 minutes ago

Hi,

Since regarding to OEM license, all copyrights belong to OEM Manufacturer, it is beyond the capability of us and it is illegal to work on this from Microsoft. As mentioned by britishdhez, I am afraid that the only way is to contact with OEM Manufacturers. Your understanding is highly appreciated.

Regards,

D. Wu

you need to find another CD OS or ISO if HDD failed, make sure its the same OS version installed on old HDD, just installed and activate. If installation process prompt you to enter SN, means the version is not the same. 

If the version is Single Language Windows 8/8.1 then is hard to find, mostly this type of OS have extra or less feature and build in software included other than retail Windows 8/8.1. You need contact OEM

You also can create master recovery CD start from now from the PC which HDD still in good condition

• Edited by britishdhez Wednesday, July 29, 2015 4:39 AM

you need to find another CD OS or ISO if HDD failed, make sure its the same OS version installed on old HDD, just installed and activate. If installation process prompt you to enter SN, means the version is not the same. 

If the version is Single Language Windows 8/8.1 then is hard to find, mostly this type of OS have extra or less feature and build in software included other than retail Windows 8/8.1. You need contact OEM

You also can create master recovery CD start from now from the PC which HDD still in good condition

• Edited by britishdhez Wednesday, July 29, 2015 4:39 AM

I have just scene reference to a system builders version of the Windows 8 install. I think my disks are the normal version.

If I had the system builders version would it read the key in the BIOS? Could I use this on PCs from any manufacturer? So I dont have to go back and a pay for a different recovery disk for each manufacturer?

I have just seen reference to a system builders version of the Windows 8 install. I think my disks are the normal version.

If I had the system builders version would it read the key in the BIOS? Could I use this on PCs from any manufacturer? So I dont have to go back and a pay for a different recovery disk for each manufacturer?

• Edited by Neil Hutton 23 hours 6 minutes ago Typo

you can try it, BIOS should read it if it is same version (Windows 8/8.1, RT, Pro or enterprise)

but like I told you before, OEM with Windows 8/8.1 SL or Windows 8.1 with Bing based on my experience only accept original OEM Recovery disk, you can use recovery CD from different model but same manufactured, it might worked.

• Edited by britishdhez 5 hours 7 minutes ago

you can try it, BIOS should read it if it is same version (Windows 8/8.1, RT, Pro or enterprise)

but like I told you before, OEM with Windows 8/8.1 SL or Windows 8.1 with Bing based on my experience only accept original OEM Recovery disk, you can use recovery CD from different model but same manufactured, it might worked.

• Edited by britishdhez Thursday, July 30, 2015 2:16 AM