Notebooks & Netbooks

[megsat]

Sent my laptop in for warranty repair. Upon retrun, Windows 8.1 will no longer activate. I used EZ Keyfinder to extract my key. Microsoft says this is not a valid key - CONTACT Acer. Try to contact Acer and they say the laptop is no longer under warranty (I just got it returned 6 weeks agao!) and willl not help.

So what do I do? Make it a door stop and never by from Acer again.

Not a happy camper!!!

Megan

[finlux]

Hi Megan

Microsoft have embedded the product key in the BIOS/UEFI. This is standard for all Windows 8 machines whether they're from Acer or not!

Try re-installing Windows again from the recovery partition or recovery disks/USB drive. It should automatically activate.

[megsat]

I did finally get Windows 8 restored from factory condition.

Windows 8 DOES NOT auto activate.

Easy Key Finder revealed a key.

Tried to use it.

Failed.

Still left with a doorstop.

I do not understand why Acer did not activated when you restored the system? Not I have to pay a techcian to fix something covered under warranty.

Very sad.

Megan

[finlux]

I'm sorry that you're still having problems. As I have said, all OEMs, Acer or otherwise should not need activation. Obviously, you have a problem. As it is Microsoft that supply Acer with product keys, I suggest you contact your regional Microsoft office and speak to a customer support rep.

[megsat]

But what are the acutal steps to Activation.

Are you saying after a factory restore it should not ask to be activated?

Is the Key in the BIOS?

How do I access it?

Megan

[finlux]

What I am saying is:

No OEM preinstalled version of Windows needs activating - it is already activated by Acer (or by whatever the manufacturer of your PC is). After any factory restore, Windows should not ask to be activated.

With Windows 8 machines, there is no need for a product key COA sticker anymore - as you correctly assume - it is locked away in the UEFI/BIOS. If you wish to discover it see this Microsoft article on how to do so. It refers to a Samsung laptop, but the information also applies to Acer (and other OEM's).

The only time WIndows 8 will need activating, will be if you have bought a disk, and it is an earlier Windows machine you're updating (IE - Windows 7 to 8).

If your PC is STILL asking to be activated contact Microsoft to see if they can help.

[megsat]

Thank you.

You understand this was a Warranty Repiar by Acer.

Acer returned it to me without checking Activation

Can I just return it to you and have you repair it correctly?

If the system is unusable why do I have a warranty?

Megan

[finlux]

Try ringing Microsoft first - they should be able to help.

If there is any problem, call Acer support for your region, and explain the situation.

[megsat]

Microsoft was no help. The 'key' is reported as being 'blocked'. THey say that is a Acer problem. I still have a 'door stop'. I call ed support, gave them my serial number, and now they say I am out of warranty. But you all just fixed it In November and is has not worked since. How can I get support?

[finlux]

Let me see if I can get you some help....