Repairs affect activation of my notebook? Acer Aspire V5-571P-6499 (Win8)

robinp

I bought my Acer Aspire notebook in Jan. 2013, Windows 8 was installed at the factory. However, it would not complete installation of Win8. It was collected & taken to Infoteam International Services in Plymouth. I rec'd the unit back 3 days later, this is what they supposedly did: 'Passed Hitachi hard drive test, memtest & all other hardware tests. Re-imaged hard-drive & performed software recovery. Updated BIOS.

Would these tests be the reason that my product key is being blocked. I obtained the key from the BIOS by downloading a specific site. I have tried to activate on the phone & on the PC Settings window to no avail.  

AppsDev

It seems unlikely to me that the tests themselves would be the cause of product key being blocked.  I experienced a Windows XP product key being blocked after several attempts to install on an SSD (what Microsoft may have automatically considered to be too many attempts).  I found the support from MS useless where I was living at the time, but my problem became mute as I reverted to HDD, so I did not pursue it further.

 

Sorry I can't help more...

 

Clive

padgett

Run SLUI 4.

Select your country

Call the number indicated

Select the automated method

Use your keypad to enter the numbers they request (A Lot the VR is not very good).

Vince53

Robin, I want to help, but I can't understand your post. If Windows 8 was installed at the factory, why would you have a problem completing the installation?

 

Can you get into Windows 8 now? When the operating system has a back-up installed on the hard drive, you cannot get to the key for that operating system, because it is designed for one computer only. This lowers the pirce, and yes, the savings are passed on to you.

robinp

Vince, that's one question I've also had. I bought this Acer Aspire at SimplyAcer.com. I didn't know anything about Win8 at that time. This is what I put down on the info sheet for Acer Support in Plymouth. 'Windows could not complete installation'

 

How can a retail outlet sell a touchscreen unit, ( which is only available for Win8) without Windows already having been installed in the BIOS at the factory. 

 

I initially tried to activate on the telephone, (as per instructions), but it wouldn't work. (I tried 3 times)  

 

I've been using Win8 on this notebook since Jan. with no other problems except the PC Settings-Activation window periodically opens on its own asking me to activate. I just ignored it! But I became scared when somebody on a forum said Windows could shut down completely if I didn't activate soon.

 

I believe you can access the product key from the BIOS with a PK finder, (which I did), but it wouldn't work!

When I typed it on the internet, one website indicated it was a 'Default Product Key'. If that Product key was legitimate why would it show up as a default key, it's supposed to be a unique & private number for my notebook alone. 

robinp

I just got an answer from a post on windowseightforum.com. It's apparently a final set-up rather than an install.

padgett

It looks like you are in the UK. Did you call 0800 018 8354 ? I have not heard of a "default" license key but MS does sell "volume" licenses which can be used up to a certain number of machines.