May 17, 2017 On a laptop that came with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 preinstalled, we never need to enter the Windows 8.1 product key manually. If we reinstall the proper version of Windows 8.1 (Home, Professional, or Windows with Bing), the installation process reads the product key automatically from the BIOS; we don't even get the product key prompt. If you're preparing to reinstall dell Windows 8 or a program, you will need to find your unique product key (CD key) or serial number. Luckily, there is a powerful program available to help.
Hello Lisa,
Does the box contains only the Office 2013 product key or the disk as well?
If you have only the product key then had you registered the product key with the Microsoft Account?
If you have the disk then you may use it to re-install after the factory reset is done.
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In case if have only the product key and registered it with the Microsoft Account then log into www.Office.com/MyAccount website using that account and try to re-install by following the onscreen instructions.
You may also refer to the article mentioned below on how to re-install Office 2013 based on your mode of purchase:
For further queries, reply and we would be happy to assist.
Thank you.
Hello Nayana,
Thank you for the response.
Here are the answers to your questions...
1. The box came only with the key. MS Office 2013 was already installed in the Dell Venue 8 that all I had to do was type in the product key.
2. I have not registerd the product key with the Microsoft Account.
So here are my questions...
1. Might be a silly question...but how do I 'register' with Microsoft Account?
2. Since MS Office was pre-installed already (upon purchase of the product), if I do a 'factory reset' the program will aways be there...so by registering with the Microsoft Account, I can re-use the same product key that came in the box in order to get full access to the MS Office again?
I just want to make sure I follow every instructions accurately in order to not lose MS Office in this device.
Thank you,
Lisa
Active2 years, 7 months ago
This question already has an answer here:
Can you help me with my software licensing issue? 5 answers
We are switching our environment from windows 7 to windows 8.1 and I have a bunch of Dell computers I need to roll out with windows 10 pro keys in the bios that I have to install windows 8.1 pro on. According to these 2 articles from both Dell and Microsoft this is possible:
The instructions in these articles don't work the installation will always ask for a key and when you call Dell to ask how to do it they tell you to follow the instructions in these articles.
What I need is:
A way to cleanly install and activate windows 8.1 on these computers
To automate to process using windows deployment tools
This is not a question about licensing I am trying to figure how to get the windows 8.1 installer to recognize the OEM key in the bios. This isn't a question about if I am in entitled this license or not, I already confirmed with Dell and Microsoft support that I am. I wanted to know I just needed to know how to get the installer to see the license in the bios
TheStarvingGeek
TheStarvingGeekTheStarvingGeek
marked as duplicate by Greg Askew, Iain, mdpc, Tim Brigham, kasperdDec 12 '16 at 22:14
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
2 Answers
Ask Dell for a OEM install's media. Usually they would charge you like 5$ for it, but worth to have it. As those media install come pre-activated for your hardware. (no need to enter the key)
Check step 3 from the first link.
Perform the downgrade process to the eligible downgrade product using the media/key from a genuine, previously licensed OEM or retail product.
KB3044374 is the windows update that allows windows 8.1 to activate with a windows 10 OEM key. (I verified this on 2 computers)
A way to cleanly install and activate windows 8.1 on these computers.
Go to https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx and download KB3044374
Once downloaded install the update and windows should activate automatically
Dell Windows 8 1 Drivers
To automate to process using windows deployment tools
Once you have done that take a windows 8.1 installation media and extract the 'install.wim' and 'boot.wim' files from it and save them somewhere
Then take KB3044374 you downloaded and inject it into install.wim file using these commands:
These commands will mount the wim file, inject KB3044374, and dismount the wim file
Use the updated wim file to install windows 8.1 and it wiil accept the windows 10 OEM key automatically
One final note if you are trying to inject KB3044374 from windows 7 you will need to use the copy of dism included on the windows 8.1 installation media under sources because the version of dism on windows 7 is incorrect
If the above doesn't work simply run windows update after the installation and install all of the updates. Once that is done download this tool: https://github.com/Superfly-Inc/ShowKeyPlus/releases
and use the OEM Key to activate your copy of windows. You may need to enter a product key in order to complete the installation, if you are asked for a product key you can enter one of the ones listed here as a place holder until you are able to install the windows updates and enter the correct one: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx
If you are using WDS to install Windows 8.1 then you can enter the generic product key into the answer file under amd64_Microsoft-Windows-Setup_neutral > UserData > ProductKey
Dell Windows 8.1 Recovery Product Key
You're all welcome
Dell Windows 8 1 Recovery Disk
TheStarvingGeekTheStarvingGeek
Windows 8.1 Activation Key
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