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Original Windows 8 version (ASUS notebook)

Anonymous
2017-04-18T10:05:49+00:00

Hi,

I've received a second-hand ASUS PC as a gift.

There's another OS installed, so I would like to recover the factory Windows 8 system. I have the license product key, but neither I nor the previous owner know which version was the original. I've downloaded the media creation tool to create an ISO for the system recovery, but as first step the tool requires which edition I would like to download (8.1, 8.1 N, 8.1 Pro or 81 Pro N).

How can I get the exact system version associated to the license?

Thanks in advance.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-04-18T10:35:23+00:00

    Hi,

    Contact Asus and ask them what edition.

    Support and downloads for 8 has ended.

    If the Asus recovery partition does not work you will have to download the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 was, after you find out which is the edition.

    Or trial and error for a reinstall.

    @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

    This is how to use the Asus Recovery process.

    http://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1006133/

    ________________________________________________

    Or download the Windows 8.1 ISO.

    This should assist you.

    "Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

    A similar Tutorial which may also assist you.

    "Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

    http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

    In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

    Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

    Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

    Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

    _______________________________________

    "How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

       Warning

    This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

    UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

    _____________________________________

    How to clean install:

    "How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

    _____________________________________

    With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

    When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

    If it does not, follow these steps:

    "How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

    "Get help with activation errors"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

    "How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

    _______________________________________________

    This information may interest you if you do wish to keep a record of it:

    "Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

    https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

    "We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

    Cheers.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-04-20T13:16:02+00:00

    That's good news if you guessed the right one then.

    Cheers.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-20T12:59:55+00:00

    Hi and thanks for the answer.

    The ASUS support hasn't been helpful. I've created the Win8.1 ISO with the media creation tool on a usb flash drive and then installed the OS. Now the license results activated without having to do nothing, so I guess I've took the right edition.

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