If a system that came with an OEM copy of Windows 8 had a hard drive failure, or you decided to change your disc drive and you need to reinstall Windows, it may be easier to do than you think.
Windows 8 uses the new SLIC 3.0 standard for OEMs to preinstall system with Windows 8.
With the old SLIC 2.0 which used the master serial system, once you got our hands on a OEM Windows install disc, it would automagically work on any other PC made by that OEM.
The SLIC 3.0 gets rid of the Master Serial and instead, takes the serial that use to come on your Genuine Windows sticker, and embeds it in your motherboards firmware.
The upside, you can now use any Windows 8 install disc (retail or RTM) to reinstall windows. Just be sure to use the disc with the version of Win 8 that came with your system (Win 8 Core x86/x64 or Win 8 Pro x86/x64)
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Here is a post on the
digital life forums providing torrents to download the official ISOs
Download, put them on a DVD/USB then boot and follow along. At no point will it ask your for a serial (if it does, you used the wrong ISO). It will automatically read it off the motherboard and enter it for you.
Once installation is complete, check the system properties under the activation status. The last 5 digits of the windows serial displayed will be yours.
Once you connect to the internet, it will automatically activate.
PS: Remember to use a program like
Magic Jellybean KeyFinder to locate and backup your Windows 8 Serial in case you ever need it.
