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Clean Install of Win 8 and No Product Key Recognized
I had to do a clean install of Win 8 from the Dell Win 8 Disc I received with the replacement hard drive and Win 8 still needs to be activated with a key. What do I need to do to get a key? I was told my key was embedded into the motherboard and would be recognized during re-installation.
Edited to add: In the Windows Activation Box it says this that the activation key has been exceeded because it's being used on another computer.
MsGems
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July 10th, 2013 23:00
I just chatted with a Dell tech support agent, they took control of my computer and said since my key isn't being recognized that I need a new motherboard. The key is recognized as shown in the screenshot above but says it's exceeded how many times it can be used. I don't have time for anyone to come out to replace the motherboard.
I just went ahead and did the contact Microsoft support thing, called the toll free number (all automated), entered the installation id, it gave me a code to put in all those boxes and got the activation thing taken care of. I had completely forgotten that I had to do this once before a few years ago with a previous Dell because the code on the sticker at bottom of that laptop had worn off and the product key did too.
Once my Mom has her surgery next week to remove the masses on her kidneys next week and we're back home I'll get a couple USB drives. I have a portable hard drive and will make a backup image. The previous Win 8 installation had something wrong where flash was all screwed up but I did backup all my files, videos, music and etc. that I wanted before attempting to re-install Win 8.
DELL-Sujatha K
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July 10th, 2013 23:00
Hi MsGems,
Yes, the product key is encrypted on the motherboard and the system should not prompt you to enter or to activate the product key. Please send me a private message with the system service tag to check the system details. Please click on my name and click Start Conversation to send me a private message.
DELL-Sujatha K
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July 15th, 2013 03:00
Hi MsGems,
My prayers are with your mother.
Good to know the product key issue is resolved. Please reply to this post or start a new thread in case you need any help.