Need Windows 8 Product Key

Re-install, only if you retained the PC makers re-install partition

There is more than one way to do this!

If installing Linux removed the manufacturer's recovery partition, you will have to do a clean install of 8.1, yes 8.1.

I have explained everything for you, including the product key:

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IF you still have Recovery Partition: Here are the Key/s to press at Boot to start the Recovery Process back to Factory Settings (new condition).

Acer – Press Left Alt + F10 Keys.

Asus – Press F9

Dell – Press F8 which will bring up Advanced Boot Options 

Dell Alienware:

What is and How to use AlienRespawn

eMachines: Press Left Alt Key + F10

Fujitsu – Press F8

Gateway: Press Alt + F10 Keys - As Acer owns them: press Left Alt + F10 Keys as per Acer eRecovery

HP – Press F11 repeatedly at Boot.

Lenovo – Press F11

LG – Press F11 at Boot

Packard Bell: Press and hold the ALT key while pressing repeatedly the F10 key. Release the keys when a message displays that Windows is loading files.

Samsung – Press F4 at Boot

Sony Vaio – Tap F10 until the Edit Boot Options screen is displayed

Toshiba – Press 12

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You can contact the Laptop/Computer Manufacturer and order Recovery Media from them for a small cost.

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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.

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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).

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"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

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To access BIOS/UEFI - UEFI/EFI configuration:

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

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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.

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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

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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/

Cheers.