Dell inspiron no original product key sticker on laptop

[chrislaz8592]

I have a Dell Inspiron 5523 that I changed disk to SSD and deleted all recovery drives etc. Now I want to reinstall on the new disk to Windows 8.1. Single Language but it does not accept my product key which is the Pro Pack key and not the original OS from factory settings (did not note down the key when bought it).

Underneath the laptop there is no sticker showing the product key for Windows so how do I install it? I have service tags etc for the laptop any help?

[gjacobse]

Not always - but I have noticed a trend of moving the Windows sticker to under the battery.

I think this is mainly since so many laptops developed key loss - in that the sticker was worn off. I know this is the case with a ASUS NetBook I have - No chance of recovering the COA from the bottom. I can pull the key still as the OS works.. but if the HDD fails - Linux it goes.

That being said,.. I have seen newer systems running Windows 8 have very litte in the way of the COA, even under the battery.

This is I think all I have

[coliver]

@g.jacobse said:

Not always - but I have noticed a trend of moving the Windows sticker to under the battery.

I think this is mainly since so many laptops developed key loss - in that the sticker was worn off. I know this is the case with a ASUS NetBook I have - No chance of recovering the COA from the bottom. I can pull the key still as the OS works.. but if the HDD fails - Linux it goes.

That being said,.. I have seen newer systems running Windows 8 have very litte in the way of the COA, even under the battery.

This is I think all I have

I was just thinking that they should make those stickers into QR codes you can scan to get your key.

[coliver]

There may be a way to get it via Ubuntu querying the BIOS. There was mention of it on another thread. However that may just be for UEFI systems.

[Dashrender]

Why would you need the key? The key is burned into the BIOS/UEFI. The problem is that you can't normally get your hands on the OEM install media if you don't create a recovery disk before you loose the main drive.

The OEM install will pull the key from the BIOS/UEFI. It's been this way since late into Windows 7, if not before.

[Dashrender]

Perhaps you can get a ML'er to create an OEM ISO for you that you could download. What version of Windows 8/8.1 did your laptop originally have on it?

[Dashrender]

I think there is another problem as well. Laptops that came with Windows 8, not 8.1 will require that you install Windows 8 first, then upgrade to 8.1. I say this because by default Windows 8 keys won't activate Windows 8.1 installs. At least that was my experience a few years ago.

[chrislaz8592]

Exactly dashrender. the original OS that came with it was Windows 8.1. Single Language. I upgraded to Pro pack for the domain and have that key but it won't accept it as need the original OS first.