Asus X502C booting problem?

[mikehende]

Getting an error code 0x0000001 at startup. It will not go into Safe mode [F8] just keeps looping over and over, this unit runs windows 8. Also no sticker with the product key so I can't reload the OS, help?

I was able to get the recovery process by Pressing f9 at the right time but after the recovery was done, it back to the same looping process, I am guessing my only hope now is to do an OS install? If so, how can I tell which version of windows 8.1 was originally installed on this unit and also since there isn't a product key anywhere on this unit, how will I license it when it goes to the net?

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

Hi Mike,

The OEM license for Windows 8 has changed. Now when you buy a computer with Windows 8 pre-installed, you will no longer see a coa sticker on the machine. The key is now embedded in the BIOS. Windows 8 will use a automatic activation process during the install. During the Windows Installation, you wont be asked for a key to activate your machine. For this process to work, you will need the right copy of Windows 8 installation DVD.

 

[mikehende]

Thanks Cindy but how to know which version of 8.1 is on that machine?

 

[mikehende]

I am trying to install a copy of win8 Pro but since this unit does not come with a DVD drive, only boot option I am seeing in the Bios is the HDD, I tried connecting a USB DVD but can't get that option to show in the boot order in the bios?

 

[mikehende]

I am trying to install win7 on this unit but it's not allowing it, if I were to change the HDD would that work?

 

[Rich-M]

No now you are living some of the delightful experience of Windows 8 Mike.
You have to enter the bios and change the bootup to legacy first and disallow secure boot to then install Windows 7.
Windows 8 you still have to change to legacy boot but then you don't have to worry about "secure boot".
http://superuser.com/questions/701609/how-to-access-bios-on-an-asus-laptop
However I would not be so anxious to reinstall Windows when a simple run of "checkdsk /r" should fix this.
http://superuser.com/questions/701609/how-to-access-bios-on-an-asus-laptop
Get to cmd prompt in "Repair Your Computer" to do this.

 

[mikehende]

Ok, thanks but I am still getting different views on why my win8 Pro disc did not work, I have 2 techs telling me I need the specific version of win8 which was installed on that unit and 2 other techs tell me it makes no difference?

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

It does make a difference, Mike. You need the exact version of Windows 8.

 

[Rich-M]

I think there is some confusion and it has to do with 8.1 I believe. Microsoft has done away with oem vs retail version but I think that is from Windows 8.1 and up. I may be wrong it may actually be with 8 but I don't think so.
No it is 8.1:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/26...-builder-and-upgrade-editions-of-windows.html
There are also disks which contain all the versions and the coa determines what version is installed aqnd that has been true since Vista actually.

 

[mikehende]

So if I understand this correctly, best bet would be to get a disc with all versions of win8 and the laptop in question would choose the correct version?

 

[Rich-M]

Well you can make a disc with all versions but I am not sure you can buy one. The Refurbishers and oem mfgrs have them but I don't know how easy they are to buy Mike.
http://www.howtogeek.com/126093/how-to-get-all-the-windows-8-editions-on-one-install-disk/

 

[mikehende]

Well, would this do the job?

http://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/download-windows-8-pro/

 

[Rich-M]

That appears to be only Pro Mike.

 

[mikehende]

Ok, I'll see about getting all versions of win8 on one disk but before I move on from this thread, can anyone confirm this question I had asked before please so next time I will know what the deal is?

"So if I understand this correctly, best bet would be to get a disc with all versions of win8 and any unit which had any version of win8 installed would automatically choose the correct version to reinstall?"

 

[Rich-M]

It should because the COA is actually in the bios so since the version of Windows could be determined by the Coa if all versions were present, then that would make sense Mike.

 

[allheart55 (Cindy E)]

I agree, that should be the case.

 

[mikehende]

Ok, one final question guys, I am guessing I will be needing all versions of win8 and also 8.1?

 

[Rich-M]

Yes but you probably don't need Enterprise for 8 and remember that is 2 different disks. Also remember you cannot use the coa for 8.0 on 8.1 either. For now the only way to get to 8.1 from 8 is to upgrade through the "Store" on the Metro desktop, or buy 8.1 dvd with a new coa.

 

[mikehende]

Noted, ok guys, really appreciate the help and knowledge!

 

[Rich-M]

Glad to help.