No product key for oem

Question

Hi,

Dell have sent me a new windows 8.1 disk so that I can reinstall windows as the current install is messed up.

Problem is that when I boot from this disk it asks for a product key which I don't have.

I contacted the person who sent me it but got an out of office, wouldn't mind but I'm supposed to have next day service from Dell.

Any ideas?

Philip_Yip · Answer

More than likely the disk contains the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1. What is the model and what is the sticker affixed to the system? What does it say on the disc? (1)(2)(3) (4)(5)

Mary G · Answer

When reinstalling a dell oem version, just skip the key request when it comes up in the beginning and continue with the installation. At the end it will read the embedded key and activation will complete.

Philip_Yip · Answer

When reinstalling a dell oem version, just skip the key request when it comes up in the beginning and continue with the installation. At the end it will read the embedded key and activation will complete.

For a Windows 8.x/10 OEM SLP key doing so will force installation of the wrong Edition. This will result in the inability to activate the product... The correct Edition must be selected at the start and no product will be requested it will be automatically picked up and input by the installation media, taking the end user straight to the license agreement screen.

thedavegray · Answer

I'm not sure I follow you.  I'm booting from a Win 8.1 disk supplied by Dell, there is no way to chose a version, the only choices are locale, language and keyboard then it's on to the product key screen, as I mentioned further up the thread there is no way to bypass this, a product key must be entered.

thedavegray · Answer

This does not work.  There is no way past the product key screen, you have to enter a code and this being an OEM re-install I o not have one.

thedavegray · Answer

The model is a M6800 with a UK spec.  It was purchased in Germany and needs the service tag transferring to the UK, I have a link for this and will does this once I've re-installed and corrected all the Windows issues.

thedavegray · Answer

Hi,

I'm at work now so can't say for sure what the Windows sticker says, however I do think it's either Pro Windows or Pro Windows 8.

Can't recall (apart from 8.1) what the disk says, I will update from home tonight.

Thanks

Philip_Yip · Answer

As I mentioned Dell have likely sent a Disk with the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1...

More than likely the disk contains the wrong Edition of Windows 8.1 hence the reason you are requested to input a product key. The correct Edition would not ask for one.

What is the model and what is the sticker affixed to the system?

What does it say on the disc?

(1)(2)(3)

(4) win10Pro (5)

Philip_Yip · Answer

If the system has a Windows 8.1 Pro sticker and Dell have shipped Windows 8.1 installation media you have the wrong Edition. Download a Windows 8.1 Pro .iso and make your own Bootable USB:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meWKm6lWtmw

Alternatively Download Windows 10 TH2 and Clean Install:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-10-oem-and-retail-iso/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1RkaknDn7v-Ucth4gt0U3BHVSY7oNkWr

Your Windows 8.1 Pro Key will be accepted by Windows 10 (not N or Single Language) installation media. Windows 10 media will automatically pickup your Windows 8.1 Pro key and install Windows 10 Pro.

thedavegray · Answer

The laptop definitely shipped with 8.0 as I recall upgrading it.

thedavegray · Answer

The info definitely shipped with 8.0 as I recall upgrading it.

Thanks for the other links, I will read/view later. Wasn't aware I could have just installed Win10 OEM, in fact I asked Dell support and they said no I would need to upgrade 8.1->10 .

Philip_Yip · Answer

When Windows 8.1 was initially released Microsoft made a mistake, Windows 8.1 was a free upgrade for Windows 8 users but Windows 8.1 installation media rejected Windows 8 keys and vice versa. This was amended with Windows 8.1 with Update 1 installation media which my guides link to. The correct Edition of Windows 8.1 with Update installation media will automatically pickup the Windows 8 or 8.1 product key from the UEFI BIOS bypassing the screen to enter your product key and taking you straight to the license agreement screen.

When Windows 10 TH1 Microsoft made a similar mistake. Windows 10 was a free upgrade but rejected Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 keys. This has been amended in Windows 10 TH2 installation media and the correct Edition of installation media will accept the printed Windows 7 OEM keys on COAs. The correct Edition of Windows 8.1 with Update installation media will automatically pickup the Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 keys it will automatically pickup the product key from the UEFI BIOS bypassing the screen to enter your product key and taking you straight to the license agreement screen.

In your case you have a UEFI BIOS Embedded SLP key so...

(A) For Windows 8/8.1/10 OEM the Windows 10 TH2 installation media will automatically input your UEFI BIOS Embedded System Locked Preinstallation Key during installation provided you have the correct Edition selected.

(B) If you are installing the wrong Edition you will be asked for a key….

Philip_Yip · Answer

b. is better however I advise against using a DVD. A Bootable USB flash drive that is FAT 32 formatted will pass SecureBoot in a UEFI BIOS, in many cases a DVD will be rejected.

thedavegray · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for the info.

Right so as I understand it there are two choices:

a) wait for the correct 8.0 media from Dell (or download)

b) install Windows 10 TH2 which I presume can be downloaded and burned to DVD.

I think option "b" is better as Win10 is where I want to be anyway.

Cheers

Windows General

No product key for oem

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