Windows 8 image?

[Terbinator]

I've got an Acer E1-571 and plan on sticking an SSD in it instead, however, there is no serial key on the laptop/in the box for it, so i can't just re-install Windows 8 and then use the Acer key.

What's the best and free way just to image the installation across?

[Terbinator]

Okay, i tried using Acer's built-in Cloning thing and the bios just threw up a load of UEFI errors when i tried it >

There must be a way surely?

[Jonj1611]

Hi mate,

This might be a good read for you :-

http://lifehacker.com/5837543/how-to...alling-windows

Though you may have to connect your ssd externally if you can :/

[eltel]

? how old's the pc if its from the last six months why not go back to the retailer and ask for the key as it should have been supplied with the pc when you bought it, and should make you lige a bit easier aslo if the ssd you buy has all the leads and cloaning software you should be good to go

[Jonj1611]

Apparently the Windows 8 key is actually embedded in the mainboard. Have you tried putting the SSD in and then installing Windows 8 onto it from a disc if you have one and seeing what happens when it comes to activation?

[Terbinator]

Apparently the Windows 8 key is actually embedded in the mainboard. Have you tried putting the SSD in and then installing Windows 8 onto it from a disc if you have one and seeing what happens when it comes to activation?

This method won't work as the Windows 8 installation says its the wrong key and won't give me the toption to input mine

Absolute nightmare.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Pob had a similar issue:

http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-reader...-failtops.html

[Terbinator]

I literally have no idea what my options are.

[shaithis]

There are apps that show you your ms serials.....I haven't tried any of them on win8 yet though

[Terbinator]

There are apps that show you your ms serials.....I haven't tried any of them on win8 yet though

I used one and got the serial - the Windows installer rules out any chance of me inputting it though because the installation version varies from whatever version (retail vs OEM i imagine) the laptop is aligned to. I even tried a 'workaround' suggested on a website which should offer up which version of windows 8 you wanted to install (OEM etc) yet i got he same message.

I know this gets said a lot by companies goofs, but when did they ever really consider this a good idea? They can't consider Linux that much of a threat, surely?

[Rob_B]

Try installing 7/Vista then 'upgrading' to 8? Assuming you have discs of course, I bet you do though

[Terbinator]

Try installing 7/Vista then 'upgrading' to 8? Assuming you have discs of course, I bet you do though

About to try this now, but i already 'upgraded' my Windows 7 to 8 on my PC so i'm not hopeful of it working. Extremely annoying given everything i've got is legitimate and perhaps critically, i don't even think a new Windows 8 key from MS would get roun dit as it's failing at the installation screen with my current 8 ISO!

[Agent]

There are apps that show you your ms serials.....I haven't tried any of them on win8 yet though

On W7 this would only end up showing you the same OEM SLP Key as everyone else, so not much use even then. On W8 it's an entirely different, complex beast that's a bit of a nightmare if you have a non-standard system from your OEM

[shaithis]

Have you tried installing from VLK media? I know my key will not work with retail media. I use the image:

en_windows_8_pro_vl_x64_dvd_917699.iso

[Terbinator]

Have you tried installing from VLK media? I know my key will not work with retail media. I use the image:

en_windows_8_pro_vl_x64_dvd_917699.iso

I managed to acquire a Windows 8 (non-Pro) iso and it didn't ask for my key and began to install before firing up an error about the install media (was running from USB).

[TheAnimus]

surely if it wants VLK media, it's not going to be a properly licensed key?