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Downloading and ReInstalling Windows 8

Anonymous
2021-12-24T17:50:46+00:00

Hi there

I have Windows 10 installed on a very old computer which originally came with Win8 (pre 8.1 Era)

Its kinda old, almost 10y but I've decided to return the PC to its former glory.

I'm starting with replacing this Windows 10 with the original Windows 8 and work my way up.

Right now, I've used ShowKeyPlus app to find out my original windows version and its key, which I'm posting below.

As of now, I'm trying to find out where I can download the ISO for the (according with the app) Win 8 RTM Core OEM:DM and I can't seem to find it anywhere, I'd appreciate anyone's help on the matter.

I'm from Portugal and I can only see the 8.1 Single Language version with Portuguese (Brasil) version, there should be a Portuguese(Portugal) edition of it.

If I'm trying to download the right one through Microsoft website there is :)

I'd appreciate the help.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-12-24T21:40:44+00:00

    Never post product keys online unless you want then stolen.

    Remove it ASAP>

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

    Upgrading to 10 should have removed the original manufacturer's recovery partition, but check.

    That was the only way to go back to the original 8.

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

    Support and downloads for 8 has ended.

    Do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.

    Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft.

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

    IMPORTANT: Read the part about generic keys

    You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

    "Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

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

    "Download Windows 8.1"

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

    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

    Image   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

    _____________________________________

    To access BIOS/UEFI - UEFI/EFI configuration:

    https://neosmart.net/wiki/boot-usb-drive/

    _____________________________________

    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

    Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys

    If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

    If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you are good.*

    If you have an OEM Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

    If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,* Windows 8.1 Enterprise*, or* Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise*, then you would need to change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.

    _____________________________________

    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

    _______________________________________________

    How to find the Windows 8 product key:

    "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."

    You can also use:

    "Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

    http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

    Or:

    "Product KeyFinder"

    https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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