Hello All,
I am a semi-retired PC and electronics tech from way back - and usually don't need to ask for help - preferring to stumble along and learn, but I have one that is a problem now.
A customers daughter brings me a AXC-603g that had taken a fall off the desk while running. The Hard disk would not fully initialize nor show any hope of rescue - spinning up a bit then shutting back down. I explained to them the data would all be lost, and put in another drive - then started learning about UEFI and Windows8 activation from a BIOS data version of the more familar CD-Key or COA code.
I have installed both 8 and 8.1 at least once each - and can get them in and running using a code I found that is a "royalty code" according to Microsoft. But of course it still needs to activate. Microsoft will not activate it - saying the code must come from ACER. ACER first said they could not and Microsoft would. Then Acer says to buy a $44 USB drive that has the recovery image. From what I am seeing - I think the user may have chosen to reset the factory authentication data in the BIOS setup. No matter what settings I try in BIOS, I can't get Windows to "see" any built in code off the motherboard. Either its been lost or cleared possibly.
Talking to ACER today - they say get the restore USB flash drive, and it will take care of everything - but I ask will this find the Authentication data even if the data was reset? Sure Sure..
Being a bit wary - and knowing the user has little $$ to try something that would be a "maybe" I am asking the folks here.. anyone been in this spot? Any way to get the UEFI data where Windows8 or 8.1 will "see" and use it?
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated very much - Thanks!
