As TheFlash said, the Product Key is "injected" onto the computer motherboard at the factory, and the installation and activation processes refer to the BIOS of the computer to verify authenticity and activate Windows. No Windows Product Key is otherwise provided or needed. You will not require a product key to reinstall the operating system using the OEM media shipped/ created for your system. There are various third party applications that provide system information; however Dell does not endorse use of third party applications. For more details, see Where is my Windows 8 Product Key, and How Can I Tell That My Windows 8 Installation Is Genuine?
Starting with Windows 8, the Product Key is no longer included printed on the COA; it is embedded/coded in the BIOS. You might try something like Magic Jelly Bean or Belarc to retrieve the key.
I read that the Key was in the Bios but later I read that to install Win 8.1 you would have to type in the Product Key, It showed how the Key is designed with X's and said this Key should be furnished to you on papers with the computer or by email. This information came from this forum. Can get the link if you need it, I also read on another forum that people were upgrading their win8 to win8.1 and the upgrade required the Key.
This is the info and link: " If you need to reinstall Windows 8.1 or you want to install it on a partition and you don't have installation media, you can create it using the Windows 8.1 Setup program. To create media you need to use a PC running Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7, and it must have the same architecture (32 or 64-bit) as the PC you want to install Windows 8.1 on. You'll also need your Windows 8.1 product key."
You can usually find your product key in your online order info, in the confirmation email for your purchase, or on the DVD packaging. The product key will look something like this: XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX.
That should be for the retail version and not for the OEM (preinstalled by Dell version).
Retail versions come with a product key.
In theory the installation media should automatically pickup the Windows 8 key within the Dell system BIOS and bypass the screen which asks for the product key.
In cases it doesn't a generic key may be used for installation and removed when activation is required (I have not tested the latter part).
I found this website very helpful: http://www.microsoftlivesupport.com
You need not sit and search for the fixes. Most of the issues are resolved for free and they don't push you for sales unless a maintenance is required.
You can chat with them by clicking on the chat button and they resolve the issues in minutes by taking your computer remotely.
They are my local technicians as they charge you very less than other local technicians and remote support services.
You will not require a product key to reinstall the operating system using the OEM media shipped/ created for your system. In case the motherboard needs to be replaced and if you get it replaced from Dell, you will get a new Product Key for Windows 8 with the motherboard.
Dell computers that are factory-installed with Windows 8 carry one of the following logos on the palmrest, which verifies that the computer is a Genuine Windows 8 system and has a factory "injected" Product Key on the motherboard.
Figure 1 - Windows 8 Professional Genuine Microsoft Label
Figure 2 - Windows 8 Home Genuine Microsoft Label
For more on specific labels that Microsoft uses on computer hardware, refer to Microsoft's How to Tell website. Click on the What to look for tab at the top of the page for images and information
DELL-Allan D
4 Operator
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2.6K Posts
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October 18th, 2013 13:00
Hello Toots22,
As TheFlash said, the Product Key is "injected" onto the computer motherboard at the factory, and the installation and activation processes refer to the BIOS of the computer to verify authenticity and activate Windows. No Windows Product Key is otherwise provided or needed. You will not require a product key to reinstall the operating system using the OEM media shipped/ created for your system. There are various third party applications that provide system information; however Dell does not endorse use of third party applications. For more details, see Where is my Windows 8 Product Key, and How Can I Tell That My Windows 8 Installation Is Genuine?
Please refer the video on how to create Recovery Media: http://dell.to/154ZeSE
Hope this helps!
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
October 18th, 2013 13:00
Starting with Windows 8, the Product Key is no longer included printed on the COA; it is embedded/coded in the BIOS. You might try something like Magic Jelly Bean or Belarc to retrieve the key.
Toots22
7 Posts
0
October 18th, 2013 15:00
I read that the Key was in the Bios but later I read that to install Win 8.1 you would have to type in the Product Key, It showed how the Key is designed with X's and said this Key should be furnished to you on papers with the computer or by email. This information came from this forum. Can get the link if you need it, I also read on another forum that people were upgrading their win8 to win8.1 and the upgrade required the Key.
So I am confused.
Toots22
Toots22
7 Posts
0
October 19th, 2013 12:00
This is the info and link: " If you need to reinstall Windows 8.1 or you want to install it on a partition and you don't have installation media, you can create it using the Windows 8.1 Setup program. To create media you need to use a PC running Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7, and it must have the same architecture (32 or 64-bit) as the PC you want to install Windows 8.1 on. You'll also need your Windows 8.1 product key."
You can usually find your product key in your online order info, in the confirmation email for your purchase, or on the DVD packaging. The product key will look something like this: XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX- XXXXX.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
Please advise.
Toots22
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
0
October 20th, 2013 05:00
That should be for the retail version and not for the OEM (preinstalled by Dell version).
Retail versions come with a product key.
In theory the installation media should automatically pickup the Windows 8 key within the Dell system BIOS and bypass the screen which asks for the product key.
In cases it doesn't a generic key may be used for installation and removed when activation is required (I have not tested the latter part).
msjohnmathew
7 Posts
0
October 20th, 2013 09:00
Hey,
I found this website very helpful:
http://www.microsoftlivesupport.com
You need not sit and search for the fixes. Most of the issues are resolved for free and they don't push you for sales unless a maintenance is required.
You can chat with them by clicking on the chat button and they resolve the issues in minutes by taking your computer remotely.
They are my local technicians as they charge you very less than other local technicians and remote support services.
Thomas
Toots22
7 Posts
0
October 20th, 2013 12:00
Retail instead of OEM is probably correct.
Thanks for the information, this is new to me. After having over 11 computers, this is the first time without a key. Just hope I never need it.
Toots
DELL-Allan D
4 Operator
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2.6K Posts
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October 23rd, 2013 07:00
Hello Toots,
You will not require a product key to reinstall the operating system using the OEM media shipped/ created for your system. In case the motherboard needs to be replaced and if you get it replaced from Dell, you will get a new Product Key for Windows 8 with the motherboard.
Hope this helps!
speedstep
9 Legend
•
47K Posts
0
October 28th, 2013 15:00
Dell computers that are factory-installed with Windows 8 carry one of the following logos on the palmrest, which verifies that the computer is a Genuine Windows 8 system and has a factory "injected" Product Key on the motherboard.
Figure 1 - Windows 8 Professional Genuine Microsoft Label
Figure 2 - Windows 8 Home Genuine Microsoft Label
For more on specific labels that Microsoft uses on computer hardware, refer to Microsoft's How to Tell website. Click on the What to look for tab at the top of the page for images and information