Recovering an OEM license

[Dannar26]

Friend of mine has an ideapad U430 that has no bootable partitions. It's an ultrabook, with no optical bay.

To make this challenging, how do we go about loading windows 8 on his machine using his product key? They no longer put the keys on the windows stickers. I would like to avoid having to buy an additional license to make a bootable usb stick...

 

[Ketchup]

The key is listed in the BIOS. You may or my not even have to manually enter it, just make sure you use the same version it came with.

 

[Dannar26]

But when I try to make a bootable usb stick, I get asked for the windows license key. Using the one for my desktop doesn't work. I was hoping using the laptop's would...

 

[Ketchup]

But when I try to make a bootable usb stick, I get asked for the windows license key. Using the one for my desktop doesn't work. I was hoping using the laptop's would...

1. Ever since Vista you can install Windows without a product key.
2. An OEM license (the one the computer came with) only work on that one computer.

Sorry, I didn't understand you were trying to use that one license on a second computer.

 

[AnitaPeterson]

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

 

[Dahak]

1. Ever since Vista you can install Windows without a product key.

Actually with Win8 they put back in the need to put in the key at install time, you can no longer skip it.

OP, what version of Windows did you try, if the machine came with Pro you would need Pro media, if it came with Core (Non Pro) you would have to use that

Use Rufus Link to make the bootable stick and it should see the key from the bios and continue.

The only time I seen a need to enter the key to make a bootable media is using the MS tools

 

[Ketchup]

Actually with Win8 they put back in the need to put in the key at install time, you can no longer skip it.

Ah, good to know Dahak, thanks. The only versions I have used are the two evaluation versions from Microsoft, and IIRC they don't require a key,

 

[corkyg]

Lenovo often puts the Windows key on a sticker under the laptop's battery. Also - you can connect an external optical drive to a USB port and use a disk.

 

[chusteczka]

Lenovo often puts the Windows key on a sticker under the laptop's battery. ...

This ^^^

Is there a recovery partition that can be accessed, a recovery disk, or recovery DVD's that can be downloaded or purchased from Lenovo Support?

 

[Dannar26]

When I turn on the system, it says (in this order) :

EFI Network 0 for IPv4 (mac address) boot failed.

EFI Network 0 for IPv6 (mac address) boot failed.

Windows boot manager boot failed

Lenovo recovery system boot failed

Default boot device missing or boot failed. Insert recovery media and hit any key then select 'boot manager' to choose a new boot device or to boot recovery media.

What I'm figuring is that (as stated) I need to give it something to install Windows. But I don't want to buy a copy of windows.

Off of the MS website it says I can make a bootable usb partition. But when I start it, it asks for a key straight away. I am trying to make this on my desktop.

Looks like I can't actually *see* the key in the bios. This ultra book doesn't seem to have a removable battery... Or it's an incredible pain in the ass to do for something with no guarantee.

So is there some way I can put windows, the rightful license that came with the system, back onto this laptop?

 

[chusteczka]

OEM systems, like this Lenovo laptop, typically have imaged Recovery or Restore CD/DVD's that can be used. You do not need (or should not need) a separate copy of Windows to install. The system has its own copy of windows and license.

Assuming the Recovery DVD's were not made by the owner when the system was useable, we then check if the Recovery/Restore partition is available and in good enough condition for a restore. If not, then you might need to contact Lenovo Support for a set of Recovery/Restore DVD's.

This Lenovo Ideapad also has a One-Key Recovery executable but I am not sure how that can be useful without a bootable Windows environment. You may experiment.
http://mobilesupport.lenovo.com/us/...deapad-u430-touch-notebook/downloads/DS035708

Then there is this.
Lenovo Ideapad U430 User Guide
http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/ideapad_u330pu330touchu430pu430touch_ug_english.pdf

Page 23
Chapter 3. Lenovo OneKey Recovery system
Restoring
If Windows cannot be started, follow the steps below to start the Lenovo OneKey Recovery system:

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Press the Novo button. From Novo Button Menu, select System recovery and press Enter.

Regarding the Windows COA License Sticker ...

Lenovo Think branded systems shipped with Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Pro preload does not contain a Microsoft Windows 7 COA sticker
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?LegacyDocID=SF13-D0015

Symptom
Upon attempting to activate a Microsoft Windows 7 retail install on a Lenovo Think branded system with Windows 8/8.1 Pro preload and Windows 7 downgrade rights, the Windows 7 install requires a Windows 7 Product Key. In previous generations of Think branded systems, the Windows 7 Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker was present on the system. With Windows 8/8.1 Pro preloads, the Windows 7 COA sticker is not required for operating system licensing and is not physically present on the computer.

How to recover the system to Factory settings with Recovery Discs
http://mobilesupport.lenovo.com/us/...notebook/documents/HT071861?tabName=Solutions

If you do not have Recovery Discs, please contact your local service provider to obtain. Click here to find the contact information.

To start the total recovery process, follow the steps below: ...

Lenovo Support Phone List
http://mobilesupport.lenovo.com/us/en/contactus/supportphonelist

 

[Blain]

Retail 8.1 OS have loaded for me on Lenovo's without any issues.
I like not having to bother with the product key. A retail ISO allows for a clean install without the Lenovo clutter.
The Lenovo's were original Windows 8 machines to begin with.

 

[Dannar26]

The one key recovery fails, then it moves on to other boot processes which also fail.

Ach, this points to a hard drive issue, no?

 

[stinger608]

The one key recovery fails, then it moves on to other boot processes which also fail.

Ach, this points to a hard drive issue, no?

Could very well be.

Using your desktop, insert the Windows 8/8.1 disk. If/when it prompts you to do something just shut that popup down.

Now, grab yourself NirSoft ProduKey from NirSoft's site here:

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Install and get into the settings. Once in the settings there is a check box that you can click to view external media; IE DVD's, external drives, etc...

Then run the program and it should show you the Windows key for that disk.

 

[Burpo]

When I turn on the system, it says (in this order) :

EFI Network 0 for IPv4 (mac address) boot failed.

EFI Network 0 for IPv6 (mac address) boot failed.

Windows boot manager boot failed

Lenovo recovery system boot failed

Default boot device missing or boot failed. Insert recovery media and hit any key then select 'boot manager' to choose a new boot device or to boot recovery media.

Your drive died, or is disconnected..

 

[XavierMace]

Your drive died, or is disconnected..

Not necessarily. If it had Win 7 installed on it initially it would have been in Legacy mode where as those messages indicate it's currently in UEFI mode.