New hard drive, downloaded new windows system and product key doesn't work

[angiecallow]

I had to have a new hard drive installed on my Advent Monza T200 laptop and I now don't have a Windows system.
The original system was preinstalled but not sure whether it was 8 and upgraded to 8.1 Pro or whether it came with 8.1 Pro. I don't have a disc and after several hours, did manage to find a product key.
I installed Window 8.1 Pro from the Microsoft website and the product key I had worked. I then did the important updates and left it running. When I restarted the laptop, it said it needed activating to which the product key did not work.
I installed Belarc Advisor which says there is no key activated. I am at a complete loss as to how to restore Windows on my laptop.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Laptop_Nerd]

Hi,

Most of the time the product key of your laptop should be located on a Microsoft sticker on your laptop and it should also tell you what Operating system came with it. I would suggest getting a Recovery Disc from the manufacturer so you won't come across any problem with activation.

Here's a link: http/www.adventrecoverymedia.com/default.aspx

 

[1shado1]

Hi,

Most of the time the product key of your laptop should be located on a Microsoft sticker on your laptop and it should also tell you what Operating system came with it. I would suggest getting a Recovery Disc from the manufacturer so you won't come across any problem with activation.

Here's a link: http/www.adventrecoverymedia.com/default.aspx

On laptops with Windows 8 or 8.1 pre-installed, there is no sticker. I believe the product key is embedded in the registry.

EDIT: http/www.howtogeek.com/206329/how-to-find-your-lost-windows-or-office-product-keys/

 

[angiecallow]

Hi, thank you both for answering. Unfortunately, I checked on the Advent website and they don't do a recovery disc for this model.
I have got the product key, as rightly suggested, it was embedded in the registry. The product key worked fine when I installed Windows 8.1 Pro system but as soon as I did the updates, it asked for the product key again. For some reason, it didn't work.
I know I can buy a new Windows system but happily admit, I do begrudge it as the laptop wasn't cheap when I brought it.