Reinstall Win 8

[theonlyBuster]

I just purchased a laptop second hand from a friend. 

It has Windows 8.  I wanted to totally wipe all of his information AND start with a fresh install of the OS.  Half way into it, I got an error that said "This product key cannot be used to install a retail version of Windows 8"

The version of Win8 is RIGHT off the Microsoft website.  And the Key I'm using is the laptop's original key - it's even on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop.

 

I searched the internet and there seem to be 10 different answers.  You guys have never steered me wrong, so I figured I'd reach out to the masses here for help/advice. 

 

OS: Win8

Brand: Asus Laptop

Does not contain factory reformat partition.

**I don't mind re-installing drivers and such. I honestly expect to.

[ZetZet]

Try the generic key install and then change it after install.

[Speedbird]

That's an OEM key, these don't work with that. You can get the official ISO from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0W9PBigPy94aVJWSndyTFNFMzg/preview?pli=1

I have used it, and it worked.

[TriBeard]

For future reference, you can create recovery/reinstall media from any computer running windows 8/8.1 and maybe 7 as well. You download the setup file from microsoft and then just choose "install later from USB" during the setup process. You can also just use the built restore function in windows 8/8.1 to basically take the computer back to day 1 condition.

[theonlyBuster]

That's an OEM key, these don't work with that. You can get the official ISO from https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0W9PBigPy94aVJWSndyTFNFMzg/preview?pli=1

I have used it, and it worked.

Do you by chance have any alternative links? 

I've been trying since yesterday and it constantly says the file has been downloaded too many time within a specific time frame. 

 

For future reference, you can create recovery/reinstall media from any computer running windows 8/8.1 and maybe 7 as well. You download the setup file from microsoft and then just choose "install later from USB" during the setup process. You can also just use the built restore function in windows 8/8.1 to basically take the computer back to day 1 condition.

That's actually the method I'm using as I've typically done with Win7.  But even with Retail keys, this never posed a problem.  Wind8 appears to be different in this aspect. 

[Speedbird]

Do you by chance have any alternative links? 

I've been trying since yesterday and it constantly says the file has been downloaded too many time within a specific time frame. 

 

 

Sorry dude, but that's the best link I found. Just keep trying, eventually you will get it.

[TriBeard]

Do you by chance have any alternative links? 

I've been trying since yesterday and it constantly says the file has been downloaded too many time within a specific time frame. 

 

That's actually the method I'm using as I've typically done with Win7.  But even with Retail keys, this never posed a problem.  Wind8 appears to be different in this aspect. 

You may also be able to contact microsoft or whoever makes the laptop and tell them what the issue is. I've done that with microsoft before, and so long as the original key is a valid one, they've always gotten it taken care of for me.