Sony Windows 8 key using OEM disks

Colbaker · 20 Dec 2014 at 22:17

Hi All,

Due to some issue with my Sony Vaio and when it upgraded to Windows 8.1 it now means the recovery partition is corrupt and therefore I cannot recover it and the recovery media also does not work.

if I can get a copy of a Windows 8 disk will I be able to use the sony product key with it?

Thanks

malachi · 21 Dec 2014 at 10:22

Yes but unless this Sony laptop is different. All laptops with Windows 8 the activation key is embedded in the BIOS. So you will need to use Windows 8 Product Key Viewer to find the key.
http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-retrieve-windows-8-oem-product-key-from-bios/

KIA · 21 Dec 2014 at 11:48

^ Yes.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18635934

tickedon · 22 Dec 2014 at 11:16

Assuming Windows 8 was installed by Sony at the factory and not an upgrade, you shouldn't need the product key at all for the installation.

My understanding is all Windows 8.x discs will check the BIOS for a key first, and only if they can't find a key there, does it prompt. So just insert the disc and sit back!

malachi · 22 Dec 2014 at 14:43

tickedon said:
Assuming Windows 8 was installed by Sony at the factory and not an upgrade, you shouldn't need the product key at all for the installation.

My understanding is all Windows 8.x discs will check the BIOS for a key first, and only if they can't find a key there, does it prompt. So just insert the disc and sit back!

Only works if laptops had Windows 8 pre-installed. If its Windows 8.1 pre-installed then the Windows 8 Product Key Viewer will need to be used for finding the key from the BIOS to activate.