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18159
July 20th, 2015 16:00
Can't access Windows 8.1 product key
Hi
My hdd in my Inspiron 7537 decided to fail in a bad way, I can't boot from it anymore as my pc does not find it.
I have plugged it into the USB via a hdd cradle and I can access the 'chose an option' screen. Issue is nothing will work!
I have accepted that I need a new hdd but I need to get a recovery iso of Windows 8.1. I understand this is embedded in the hdd somewhere but it is unreadable so I need another way of getting the product key. Win 8.1 came with my pc.
Thanks in advance.
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Leonardlee
1 Message
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July 20th, 2015 18:00
U need a third-party software such as ProduKey X64.
download.cnet.com/.../3000-2094_4-10457063.html
psbaker82
3 Posts
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July 20th, 2015 23:00
I can't run these third party programs as I can't boot windows.
Philip_Yip
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July 21st, 2015 00:00
See my instructions here to download a .iso and prepare installation media for a UEFI BIOS with Secure Boot. Your UEFI BIOS embedded system locked preinstallation key will be automatically input by Windows 8.1 installation media. If it is not, you have selected the incorrect edition. You may have Windows 8.1 Single Language instead of Windows 8.1:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/
psbaker82
3 Posts
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July 21st, 2015 00:00
Thanks for the reply Philip.
Your guide for installing windows 8.1 is assuming you can access your product key through the embedded system. I can't boot windows so can't access this.
Philip_Yip
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July 21st, 2015 10:00
You will need to use another PC with Windows 7 or later to download the Windows 8.1 .iso and make the FAT32 GPT Scheme USB for UEFI BIOS and SecureBoot.