Cannot install different version of Windows 8 on Aspire s7-391

sspak9
sspak9 Member Posts: 19 New User

Is there way to install retail version, and not the OEM version of Windows 8 on S7-391?

 

I can't get Aspire to recognize new product key despite of installing different versions of Windows 8 .  Some how the product key is already set with "OEM" version and does not provide opportunity for me to enter the retail version key for windows 8 pro.

 

Here's what I did:

After making backup of the OS, drivers, and apps to a USB stick, I prepared another stick with Windows 8 64bit.

 

First issue:

- Bios setting will not allow me to boot off the USB stick if I do not change the boot setting to Legacy.

 

Second Issue

- After finishing installation and I go to Control/System to enter the key, the product key is already set to OEM, and will not let me enter the new retail key.

 

Different issue:

Cannot get acer bluetooth mouse to connect.  It will see the mouse but fail trying to connect. Bluetooth is working as  I can pair my phone to the computer.

 

Update: 1/26/2013.

Nice to know - if you reinstall with BIOS set to legacy mode (because that was the only way to recognize bootable USB drive),  and when you change back to UEFI boot mode, the installation will not be recognized.  Not a big deal for me, but nice to know.

 

Strange, but when I installed Windows 8 Enterprise version, it automatically activated OK without me providing a valid product key.. I nevertheless changed the key to what I had using slmgr.vbs /ipk xxxx  method.  I'll revert back later to  factory default, but this was a strange experience.  Could some key be kept somewhere with system flash ROM ?

 

As to wireless, S7-391 works fine at home and at Starbucks after fresh install of retail version of Windows 8 and installing the latest atheros driver from the Acer download site.  Before the re-install, if you Fn-Q button to turn on/off the wi-fi did not work properly. It would trun off but failed to turn on.  I had to use "troubleshoot" to initialize the wireless.  

 

With the new install, the Fn-Q button worked and wireless did not get dropped.  I did hower kept the wireless power to maximum in the power options and disabled the check box that allow the system to turn off the device.

 

Finally, I gave up trying to find a fix to have Acer bluetooth mouse get connected.  I know bluetooth works on the laptop because I can pair my phone, but the mouse, it can "see" it but cannot connect to it.   Little bit disapointed...

 

 

Answers

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