How do I find the product key for Windows 8.1

I would doubt it.

In much the same way as the factory build keys will only work on the right hardware for Windows 7 I would expect the BIOS keys to be locked in some way.

Windows 7 Manufacturer builds are pre-activated in that they don't have to connect to the Activation servers. Windows 7 DVDs are not and must be activated on line. If you enter one of the build keys in the setup dialogue when it then tries to activate it fails even if on the correct hardware. We have lists of the OEM keys but they are mostly used to identify hacked systems, as it can be seen when the hacking fails.

To be honest you are trying to discuss bypassing Microsoft licensing on a Microsoft site but they have the system fairly well locked down so its not going to be so simple as to read the BIOS key, something we have been able to do for some time. You are trying to run two systems having only bought one license, the fact that the Acer is an upgrade so has a licence is irrelevant as it would be the wrong one. You may now have two keys for your HP, the Windows 7 off the disk and Windows 8 from the BIOS but they are under either/or terms.

Being able to read the key in the BIOS is fine but personally I never found a use for it. I use the utility primarily to get the OEM Office key before a reload as most users have lost the keycard with it on.

Do you have a link to the process to make the recovery partition, and the the recovery drive?

You don't! If you have installed Windows 8 using its own key and then upgraded to Windows 8.1 from the Store the only key you have is the Windows 8 key.

If in the future you need to reinstall you cannot load Windows 8.1 directly but have to go through the same process of installing Windows 8 and then upgrading. If you want to avoid that make sure you create and save a system image. A system image recovery onto the same computer will not require the key to be entered, neither will a refresh or reset install on an OEM system.

This has been discussed many times on here and there is no shortcut. Microsoft will not issue a key to allow direct install as this would then be a free license to install it on a second computer.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/create-usb-recovery-drive  Enjoy

If you are taking advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 8.1 it must be download and installed from the Store. If I understand you correctly you downloaded or are trying to download from a Microsoft Web site. That download is for those that have to purchase Windows 8.1. Hope this helps and if you need further assistance post and we will be glad to assist you.

The above opinion is mine and mine alone and doesn't necessarily reflect that of Microsoft, it's employees, or any other member of this forum.

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir

Edit: No key needed when you download from the store