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Question

Windows 8 OEM key for Windows 8 retail

Dec 19, 2013 10:40PM PST

I have a copy of Windows 8 Pro from DreamSpark as part of my uni. I also get a key with it. HOwever, my laptop comes with OEM embedded into the BIOS. Can I use the Windows 8 Pro from DreamSpark to use on my laptop? And maybe use the OEM key to activate it?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
You could try.
Dec 19, 2013 10:43PM PST

The DreamSpark from what I've seen has it's own activation so why would we use and OEM key?

That is, the OEM license is less than the DreamSpark so if it worked right you would have a lesser OS without any hope of support.

-> What Windows 8 Pro is embedded in the BIOS? So far none have done that!

I wonder if you have one of those Windows 8 RT tablets and didn't tell.
Bob

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Reply
Dec 19, 2013 11:06PM PST

I just recently got a new laptop, and I want to install a brand new, fresh copy of Windows 8 on it so that it doesn't have any bloatware from the producers.

The one I have right now on the laptop is just Windows 8, and I was told that the OEM versions have Windows 8 key built in into the BIOS.

I don't have a windows 8 RT tablet.

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Re: key
Dec 20, 2013 12:33AM PST

Certainly not in the BIOS. It should be on the sticker, and that's all.

Three things to be sure of before you start, just in case it doesn't work:
- I'm able to go back to factory conditions from the recovery media I made.
- I have downloaded all necessary drivers and utility programs for Windows 8 for my laptop and safely stored them on a USB-stick.
- I know the right sequence to install those drivers and utilities.

It might be easier to just uninstall that bloatware.

Kees

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Dec 20, 2013 2:30AM PST

Yep I've done everythign. Since I'm swapping out hard drives I don't need to make recovery media. Uninstalling it might still leave some residual files behind.

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Your comment about bloatware.
Dec 20, 2013 1:51AM PST

Once in a while I find a client that wants a clean install but they often burn out as they discover it's not that easy.

For example, many laptops have "helper apps" that some newer folk would call bloatware. But it's required apps to turn on/off WiFi or provide a 3 times longer battery life span.

Unless you are a seasoned Windows installer on laptops, the clean install is usually a trial by fire and does tend to send folk screaming away in flames.

Be sure you can restore the PC to its factory condition before you start. Also, you may find no support in doing this. Unless you pay.
Bob

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Dec 20, 2013 2:26AM PST

I've done this quite a lot, from my old HP to my old Macbook. I just got a new laptop so I want to install a fresh copy. Uninstalling bloatwares might still leave some files behind.

Since I'm swapping out the whole hard drive (Replacing a normal one with a 1 tb SSD), I can always revert back later if something goes wrong haha.

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Then it should be fun.
Dec 20, 2013 2:41AM PST

Just to repeat, I find folk going down in flames looking for drivers when it's in some app. Another common oversight is the Intel RST app. Folk do a clean install, end up with worse performance over not knowing about the apps you install after the OS and drivers.
Bob

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Dec 20, 2013 8:14AM PST

The MSI website conveniently gives me all the drivers I need, so I think I got it all. Thanks a lot for your advice. I'll install and hopefully update in the future Happy

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No when you buy a computer now
Dec 24, 2013 10:57PM PST

the vendor activates windows before you buy it. That means they enter the key when they install and activate.

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Answer
Re: key
Dec 19, 2013 10:43PM PST

If your laptop already has Windows 8, why use another Windows 8?
It's quite doubtful if you can use the same key for different versions.

Kees

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Reply
Dec 19, 2013 11:06PM PST

I want to install a fresh copy of Windows 8 so there are no bloatware.

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Just to to Programs in
Dec 24, 2013 10:59PM PST

Control Panel and remove the programs you don't want. That's easier then reinstalling the OS then reinstalling all the drivers.