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Reinstalling a new laptop without system discs

S

ssilvermuk

Junior Member
Can anyone confirm something I have just read? Namely that the WIndows 8.1 product key is burned into the BIOS of a modern laptop, and that this would therefore allow me to install legitimately any copy of the operating system.

I just bought an ASUS notebook for my daughter. Having spent the last decade building my own desktops, and using tablets for portable work, I was surprised to discover that operating system and/or recovery discs are no longer supplied.

Clearly, there are recovery methods available through either Windows 8.1 itself or via ASUS utilities, but my preference would always be to carry out a clean install with a Windows disc and drivers downloaded from the manufacturer.

Many thanks

Steve
 
You can only reinstall the same version and edition of Windows. The Product Key embedded into the motherboard works like a regular Product Key in that respect.

Anyway, I'm not 100% certain, but given the content of my own thread, I'm pretty sure that as long as you use the correct edition's install disc (whether OEM or not), it should work without even prompting you to enter a Key.

Someone confirm this though, because I have a feeling I'm wrong.
 
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