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February 8th, 2014 15:00
How to reinstall windows 8
I purchased a dell inspiron 5521 a few months back but i didn't get any windows 8 CD with it. I have to reinstall my windows, but when i try to do it with my friend's original windows CD, error says product key entered is different. I dont even know the product key for my windows 8. Please help.
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kirkd
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February 8th, 2014 20:00
Reinstall using the OS recovery partition. Lots of sites will show you how. You won't need the key. The product key is located in the BIOS chip.
You can only reinstall using a Disk from Dell for your model PC so the key is matched.
Philip_Yip
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February 9th, 2014 04:00
First check a few things.
Did your computer come with Windows 8.0 or 8.1 and is the Reinstallation DVD 8.0 or 8.1?
Microsoft for some unknown reason made the updated media with the Service Pack reject 8.0 keys and this has become a common problem when users try to install Windows 8.1 on a Windows 8.0 OEM system.
Also check that the disc isn't locked for Windows 8.0/8.1 Professional and you are trying to install Windows 8.0/8/1 (Core) or vice versa.
If the disc is Windows 8.1 then you should install using a generic key and use the RW-Everything utility to obtain your BIOS embedded system locked preinstallation key (the check for the product key can be done after installation) which you can then use for Microsoft Product Activation. See here fore detailed instructions:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows-8-1/microsoft-product-activation/
Sushantg
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February 18th, 2014 19:00
Can anyone help in reinstalling windows 8 in Inspiron 15R. I contacted dell people, they said you can restore your computer to factory setting with instructions given on webpage. My laptop came with preinstalled windows 8 and I am not able to get any resource to reinstall it.
Thanks
Philip_Yip
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February 19th, 2014 10:00
Contact Dell Technical Support for a Windows 8 Reinstallation DVD or look for a Windows 8.1 .iso download if you or a friend has a Windows 8/8.1 retail license.
If in the US or CA you may fill in the form for the Windows 8.0 Reinstallation DVD or USB:
http://www.dell.com/recoverymedia/
If you are from another region, Dell haven't extended the courtesy of the online media request form to other regions so you must call Dell Technical Support.
Once you have the media (which is the most difficult part) follow my Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows 8.1:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/
If you are clean installing using a Windows 8.1 retail .iso (which I recommend although its harder to obtain) then review the additional notes here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows-8-1/microsoft-product-activation/
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-iso/