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Windows 8 Notebook without key

I have just purchased a win8 Asus notebook. I have a SSD drive to put in but the Acronis fails to image the HDD. Asus refuse to give up the key, is there anyway I can find it?
Also, has anyone had success in imagining a Win8 (on a Asus), if so can I ask what product?

Thanks for any help in advance.
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smgoncalves

Make an image works fine with ACRONIS.

Verify on BIOS to change the HDD settings, like EFI.

-smgoncalves
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smgoncalves,
 
Does the Bios automatically pick up any changes?
No, you need to change the settings on BIOS. Problably the HDD setting is not correct to use with ACRONIS to make backups.

What's the error on ACRONIS?

-smgoncalves
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Acronis hasnt given an error. The system just hangs on bootup.
Do you know if there is anyway I can find the Win8Key?
I don't understand... Why do you need Win8 key to boot? Do you have a screenshot?

-smgoncalves
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Not to boot, to reload win8 from scratch, can I get the key?
Probably you have it on botton of your computer.

-smgoncalves
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Spoke to Asus, apparently dont ship with stickers with the key on the bottom of Laptops any more.
Do you know anyway to extract a Win8 key.
But windows boot to desktop? I don't understand what is the problem. Can you explain more detailed?

-smgoncalves
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Windows does boot with 7200 SATA drive it was shipped with.
I want to run the laptop with a SSD drive.
Windows will not boot on the SSD (After cloning it).

Asus wont tell me my product key (infuriating to say the least).
So I am wondering:
     a) The best cloning tool for Win8?
     b) Has anyone extracted a Win8 key from a new Asus notebook?

I hope this clarifies
Cheers.
Try this:

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/networking/how-to-use-image-backup-for-windows-8/5985

Paragon Software’s Image Backup for Windows 8 (free tool)
I would call Microsoft - If ASUS provided a Microsoft key with this device, it should have a COA (Certificate of Authority) sticker on it and the serial number sticker cant be too far...

That being said, I used to use a program called "Magical Jellybean Keyfinder" which was a GREAT little free utility to find keys for tons of different software.  Up to XP, I think the free version would work, but I think they now charge for it, but it is one that I would trust, or at least try first, given my past experience with it  (YMMV - Like I said, I've never used w/ Win8)
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For imaging, this works with 8, too: http://www.drivesnapshot.de/en/down.htm
A free trial does the job.

However, when changing the hard drive, you will often need to reactivate. Maybe this tool could retrieve your key, heard so: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ekeyfinder/
I just went and re-checked on the MagicalJellybean, and my memory is correct - It works up to XP, but you'll need their program called "KeyFinder" to do Win8..  (http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/)

At least in this genre of utilities, this would give you a lead on one that I would trust not to be full of spyware - The MagicalJellyBean program has never let me down, and I'd trust their keyfinder...

good luck!
Did you try cloning the drive using the Acronis cloning tool? I have successfully cloned a drive(s) using it, to an SSD and traditional drives. You will need to remove the Asus drive and replace it with the new one in the system when finished. The computer has secure boot, and as such, the key for your Windows 8 is embedded in the firmware of the system.

If you should have access to a copy of Windows 8, OEM or pro, you could also install the new drive, and boot from the Win 8 disc and you are on your way. This will install a "clean" activated copy of Windows, so you may have to go to the Asus site, download and install the features of your particular computer.
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lachtech,

Have you cloned a win 8?
Unfortunately I don't have win8 media.
Any way to extract the key that's embedded in firmware?
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I ended up using Storage Craft to backup and restore the drive. I turned off the secure boot.
Was a bit of a drama to get the optical drive to boot. Asus technical phone support are as good as useless! Storage craft gave me the incorrect support, I ended up playing around till it worked.

I used Belarc Advisor to get the Win Key. Asus didnt put key sticker on the back of the notebook.

Thank everyone for your help :)
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Cheers for the great advice
mac30:

Glad your issue is straightened out!! great news. I do not think you will find a "key" or "certificate of authenticity" on any Win 8 OEM system. They "keys" are embedded in the firmware of the system.

Enjoy your Asus system.

lachtech
Mac30, one last question, did you try my advice? If yes, I would like to know if the ekeyfinder was able to extract the key.