Windows 10: Fresh Install

I have Windows 8.1 it came with my Alienware Laptop. I have recently installed Windows 10 TP accidentally overwriting my install of Windows 8.1. (I have all my personal files saved to other drives connected to the laptop so fresh installs mean nothing is lost). After realizing I installed Windows 10 TP over my windows 8.1 copy, I proceeded to contact Alienware to get a copy of Windows 8.1 for my PC. They didn't know the serial number or whatever and couldn't do jack sh*t because I was out of warranty. So I went off and torrented windows 8.1. Havent torrented an OS since windows 7 back when i had the Vista nightmare.

So, I am asking, if there is a program out there that can get the Serial Key for Windows 8.1, or if I am able to do a fresh install of Windows 10 when that comes out. I do fresh installs for the already know reasons. Upgrading is just blah, an what happens later int he PC's life when I need to do a fresh install anyways.

I just want to know if Windows 10 will come with a Key, because that would be awesome.

:)

 

Fresh Install

You cannot clean install during the upgrade. Clean installs require a custom install (format) and you can only clean install after the hardware has been registered and the qualifying OS validated with the windows store. After that you can
do a clean install when ever you like from the ISO that will be available on or about July 29

 

fresh Install

The Media Creation Tool is not the best way to create a bootable copy. I am going to ask you try creating another bootable copy using Rufus:

Step 1: How
to download official Windows 10 ISO files

Step 2:

• How
  to Prepare Bootable Install Media for Windows 10 - DVD, USB or SD Card

Step 3:

• How to: Perform a clean install of Windows 10

If the problem persists, try the following:

• How to: 10 Tips before installing Windows 10
• How to: 10 things to do if Windows 10 Setup fails.

 

If you install 10 (or 8 come to that) you could run the utility form here and it should pick up your OEM key.

Once you have your key you can download a proper version of 8.1 (but if the SHA is OK for what you have there is no need).

I did a clean install of 10 today and registered it with my 8 pro key and that worked fine (although I had to phone them to activate it).

 

Do you know where to get a legit ISO of 64 bit Windows 8.1?

 

You can download it from MS. Get your key first then look here Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create

 

Awesome, now here's hoping Windows 10 comes with a Serial Key for fresh installs.

 

I doubt it. It might activate with your key in the BIOS though... If not try the link above - you should be able to dig out the key.

 

Okay, with Windows 10, where do I put my 8.1 key? Also, when 10 does come out, will I be able to fresh install it since it automatically installs all the crap (mouse driver programs, usb drive software) that devices come with.

 

Also, why does my version of windows says VOLUME_KMSCLIENT Channel? is this because it is a torrented ISO and not the official one?

Don't buy Dell Products is the moral of my issues.

Edit: all 3 programs Belarc, Produkey and Windows Diagonostics tool are showing me the key for windows 10. How can I find the key attached to the motherboard, OEM one I guess?

 

Did a clean install with 8.1 about a week ago. It'll pick up your key in the BIOS and if it asks for one you're probably not installing the right version. Use the official ISO from MS (post #4).

 

Just called dell so they could tell me this

"We have no concept of a CD key, everything is built into the OS"

what a load of BS, they wanted to purchase windows again. STUPID. So basically pay more money to us or F*** you

 

UGH the Media creation tool is only f0r 8.1, is there one so I can download windows 8 home. I hate Dell NEVER EVER dealing with then EVER again. What kind of BS is no cd key.

 

I feel your pain, I too had an issue with Dell on my new Area 51 desktop PC. But, I was able to get the product key off the system after it got activated. Unfortunately it sounds like you've gone past the point to get it.

Dell embeds the keys in the bios now, not on a label on the back of the PC. I would think that if you installed Win 8, the activation process should pick up the key from the bios.

The only thing that I can offer is: 1-the link to request a backup media from Dell (they sent me a USB with Win 8 on it) Dell Windows Sicherungsmedien und Wiederherstellungsoptionen | Dell DEUTSCHLAND 2- the command you can use to get the key off your system after it has been activated. From an elevated command line type: powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query ‘select * from SoftwareLicensingService’).OA3xOriginalProductKey"

 

Looks like im buying a new copy of windows for 120 CDN, great deal.