Tell me more ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

I bought a Lenovo ideapad y500 with windows 8 pre-installed.

My plan was to format the HDD, install win7 and a fresh win8 with no pre-installed apps etc...

I am now running windows 7 but I can not find a windows 8 ISO to download and I noticed that my laptop is missing a product-key sticker at the bottom.

Since the disk is already reformatted I can not use a product-key registry reader to recover the old windows 8 key.

In short words:

  • windows 8 OEM bought.
  • HDD and SSD are formatted
  • windows7 is running (product-key of my old laptop)
  • windows8 ISO and product key is missing

How do I find what my win 8 key is and where can I get a windows 8 ISO ?

share|improve this question
Have you contacted the vendor who sold you the laptop? Did you buy directly from Lenovo? Their support should be able to help you. – Brad Patton Feb 13 at 20:51
You have to order a Windows 8 installation disc from Lenovo to install Windows 8 – pratnala Feb 14 at 8:53

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote

http://www.ghacks.net/2012/11/10/how-to-re-download-the-windows-8-iso/

Quick internet search brings up an article on how to download the ISO.

The Lack of a product key is more troublesome. Your license key is burned to the BIOS. You'll need customer support to help you get windows 8 installed. Fair warning, it may be a pain in the ass to complete.

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/Windows-8/Buyer-Beware-Don-t-format-your-windows-8-disk/td-p/922487

Hope this helps

share|improve this answer
i know this article, i can't get the product-key with one of these programs. they all show my windows 7 key. i tried to submit a support ticket to lenovo but it seems that this kind of support is only for tp-user. good old times ... i miss them – user198034 Feb 13 at 21:50

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.