How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

The Product Key on a computer that has Windows 8 pre-installed is embedded in the BIOS on the motherboard. There is no longer any sticker with the product key. When you upgrade to the final version of the free Windows 8.1, the activation will be automatic and use the embedded product key.

With this in mind I went to Microsoft because I was having problems with DMIS and could not down load the update so I figured that I would hit them with the problem. They after several shots at the download got it to install. Next after about an hour they said I would have to download Windows 8 with the key only: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only The key I had would not work, so I contacted them again and they told me if I did not have the Product key I would have to buy a new full blown 8.1 ($199.00) software that mine was an upgrade and if I could get the Product Key for the software that was installed it would work. I told them thanks but no-thanks. I went hunting for a way to get the Key and wound up at http://get.uberdownloads.net/free-download/belarc-advisor/?pk=676219&c=BelarcAdvisor_USA_Phrase and down loaded the software (it has no attack tool bars) and installed, and yes it worked. It gave me a lot of info on my computer as well as all of the software product keys.

I tried to install the windows 8.1 again using the key and it failed “The product key didn’t work, check and try again. I did and tried 3 times. Next I tried windows 8 “This product key cannot be used to install a retail version windows 8”, my software was factory installed by HP. So now what?

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One of the key features of a system image is its ability to do what is known as a "bare metal" recovery, i.e. rebuild onto a blank hard disk. In order to do this you need a bootable operating system that can then detect the image to restore to the drive.

Because Windows 8 supports electronic delivery you could have no such operating system if your drive fails. The Recovery Drive is such a system in that it will boot in order to then load the system image.

The missing files problem is due to the fact that you have a Windows 8.1 system but your reset image is Windows 8.

Hi HairyFool,

It appears you are very knowledgeable on this topic and would appreciate a quick response to this message.

I purchased a computer with Win 7.  I got the upgrade to Win 8 for EUR 15.  I did that and then I got the free upgrade to Win 8.1

As I am working from home I want to make sure my backups are in order.  I run File History and have created a System Image Backup.  Am I covered now?  I understanding people say you need a recovery drive?!?  I tried to make one but got an error about missing files.  Do I really need the recovery drive?  Is my System Image enough?  Please note I also have a Win 7 repair disk but I don't know if that is of any help.

Thank you for your thoughts.

its time to tell the president of the free world that we have us a monopoly here

for the box version, the product key is found on the small card sitted in in the sleeve of windows 8 box (you can find them when you opne the box to find the 32 bit and 64bit DVD)........

an addon message..........