Windows 8 VAIO laptop - MS support insists on a product key but there isn't one

I have a VAIO SVE17125CDB that has behaved wonky since I first got it so I decided to do a system reset.  Before doing the reset I upgraded the computer's BIOS (often a good idea in a situation like this). The problem is that now I need to redo the Windows' activation.  Microsoft support claims that upgrading the BIOS is what caused this.  They say this is quite normal and all they need is the product key. They (two levels of MS support) insist that the product key MUST be on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.  It is not.  Without the product key they refuse to activate my PC. Sony support says I don't need the product key with Windows 8. So now I have a useless laptop.  I think Sony and MS need to talk to each other.

Centrant,
I am sorry for any mixed information or if this difers from what you've been previously told, but there is no sticker with a Windows product key on the bottom of the VAIO notebook and this is completely normal.  
If someone at Microsoft told you differently, they are completely incorrect.  The Product key is embedded into the motherboard of the notebook and you should not have to enter the product key when you install Windows 8 (if everything is working properly).   Windows should have visibility and be capable of using this key automatically.
If Microsoft repeatedly refuses to assist you beacuse there is no sticker on the Notebook, please obtain the Microsoft Agent's name, Agent ID, and a reference number to your phone call with them and I will provide feedback to Microsoft.
Updating the BIOS does not affect your Windows 8 Product key.  However, changing hardware inside the notebook can.  Have you undergone any repair or any parts replacement on this notebook at all?  Please let me know as this is very important.
Without additional information it is hard to tell, but it is possible that something went wrong when you performed the system Reset.   I would suggest instead performing a Factory Recovery with Sony Recovery Discs to ensure that the software is installed properly to Sony specifications.  Is this something you would be willing to try?  Did you create recovery discs initially when you first got the computer?  If not you can purchase them from Sony Parts.
If you are installing your own copy of Windows 8 and not the copy with the Sony Recovery Discs, then you should still not need to enter the product key because it is embedded into the notebook.

Similar Messages

  • How can I play music on my macbook pro (OSX Lion) through a Pioneer receiver. I've connected them with a mini display port to HDMI cable with audio support bought at the Apple Store, but there's no sound coming through. thanks

    How can I play music on my macbook pro (OSX Lion) through a Pioneer receiver? I've connected them with a mini display port to HDMI cable with audio support bought at the Apple Store, but there's no sound coming through. There are 4 HDMI-in ports on the receiver - BD, DVD, DVR/BDR and audio. In my system preferences for sound, the receiver doesn't show up as an output option. Can anyone please advise. (ps, this is my first time posting a question, so I hope I can find your answers!) thanks, JP downunder

    For sound, try the audio output port and connecting to the RCA  audio input ports on your Pioneer receiver.  Use something like this:
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/PODCONNECTOR/
    Ciao.

  • LR 5.6 on Mac desktop all of a sudden will not read any card from any reader but will work on my laptop. I can work on previous images but not import new ones. Even if I create a catalog on laptop and import to my desktop on a thumb drive, the images are

    LR 5.6 on Mac desktop all of a sudden will not read any card from any reader but will work on my laptop. I can work on previous images but not import new ones. Even if I create a catalog on laptop and import to my desktop on a thumb drive, the images are only accessible as long as the thumb drive is inserted.

    Sounds like you may need to repair the Disk Permissions on your drive where your images are stored.

  • I am not able to transfer emails from outlook 2007 in Windows 8 to outlook 2011 in Mac.  I export .pst file to my hard drive from win 8 and then import in outlook 11 in mac, the folders including subfolders are created but there are hardly one email

    i am not able to transfer emails from outlook 2007 in Windows 8 to outlook 2011 in Mac.  I export .pst file to my hard drive from win 8 and then import in outlook 11 in mac, the folders including subfolders are created but there are hardly one email.  Please help

    Post your question in the MS Mac forums since it's their software you're having issues with:
    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/mac

  • HT5648 After uninstalling and installing several times, Java plug-in is still undetected. Support suggested I open up the control panel and click update but there isn't such an option. The advance tab, there aren't any options to enable or disable plug-in

    After uninstalling and installing several times, Java plug-in is still undetected. Support suggested I open up the control panel and click update but there isn't such an option. The advance tab, there aren't any options to enable or disable plug-ins.

    If you're running Java 7, then in System Preferences > Java > Java Control Panel in the Security tab there is a check box to enable Java in your browser. To check for update go to the Update tab.

  • The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key.

    how do you manage to install windows 7 when the message on the screen is "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key. "

    That's a really helpful answer and not smug at all, thanks Carey.
    I just downloaded a DVD image from my university's MSDN Academic Alliance program, named "Microsoft
    Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 Debug/Checked Build 64-bit (English)", which I wanted to use to install over an existing 32-bit version. I thought the install screen was giving this weird unskippable error described in the OP before I even entered
    a key because the 32-bit key I had used on the HDD was somehow interpreted to be used in an upgrade, but no. Even after I wiped the hard drive, this error persisted.
    Guess I'll go Google some more on how to install my legit copy of Windows, because this self-serving shit sure isn't helping.
    edit: IF YOU GOOGLED THIS AND ARE STILL LOOKING FOR YOUR ANSWER, CHECK HERE:
    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_install/the-product-key-entered-does-not-match-any-of-the/47e6f575-5792-404b-9b7f-2065bdb91011

  • G555 series laptop, pre-installed microsoft publisher 2007-product key

    I would be grateful if someone could kindly inform me whether the aforesaid in the title is a trial version, as the software keeps asking for a product key, but the laptop (bought in the UK) never came with one. I've tried searching on the microsoft website, but it says I need to contact the manufacturer.
    Any help would be much appreciated

    The preinstalled Microsoft programs are Trials unless your purchase shows you have paid for them.
    IT Specialist and Consultant
    Lenovo Tablet Evangelist
    Current Machines: IdeaCentre A300, ThinkPad Tablet, IdeaPad U410, and Yoga 3 Pro Touch
    Deutsche Community   Comunidad en Español
    Lenovo - the latest in DOtabs, DOpads, DOcentre's, DOstations and DOservers!

  • HT1926 I try to download iTunes on my Windows 8-64 computer. It says it's been downloaded but it isn't. Wondering what is going wrong?

    I have been trying to download iTunes on my Windows 8-64 computer. It says iTunes was downloaded, but it isn't. Wondering why I can't get iTunes on my desktop computer?

    Did you manage to get it working mine disappeared after I while I managed to download it but now my laptop/iTunes won't recognise my iPhone!

  • Have Windows OEM Product Key -but key is not accepted when Installing New Windows 8.1 Disk

    I was able to secure the Product Key for what I thought was a Windows 8.1 OS on my Toshiba notebook.  I believe my notebook ORIGINALLY had an OEM version of 8.0 (was pre-loaded when I bought the notebook) but at some point I updated the OS to 8.1.  I
    was able to verify that I was currently using 8.1 via the Bios set-up utility.  After securing the product key, I contacted Microsoft and they agreed to send me 32 and 64 bit versions of Window 8.1 free of charge (so as long as I covered the shipping.)
    When I went to install the  8.1 disk, I received a message stating that the product key didn't work.  I can't help but wonder IF perhaps because my PC originally came with 8.0 that it's product key won't work with 8.1?  When Microsoft asked
    WHICH version I had on my PC, I had advised that I was using 8.1. They never asked what was the ORIGINAL OS?
    Any ideas?

    thanks for replies.  I suppose it would be helpful for me to explain why I needed the product key and the new Microsoft Windows 8.1 discs in the first place.  This was never a matter of merely trying to activate the OS.  Last week- my
    notebook went in to standby mode- a very normal process when I would step away from the notebook for a decent amount of time.  When I tried touched the power button to release it from stand by, I received a message that the OS was not able to start up
    due to TWO (very specific) files that were either missing or had been corrupted.  The message recommended re-installing the OS in order to re-insalll or otherwise correct the file errors.  I spent a good 3-4 hours researching this on a number of
    Microsoft/ IT sites, and it appeared this was a very common error -stemming from "boot disk error" -or "errors with hard drive/ partitions".  I then began my trek to a) locate the product key (of which I was able to secure from the BIOS) and b) have Microsoft
    send me the Windows 8.1 discs.  Hope this helps and thanks again.

  • Windows 8 - Can I upgrade BIOS without loosing embedded product-key?

    On machines with Windows 8 pre-installed, the product-key is embedded in bios.
    So... what happens with the product-key if I upgrade Bios?
    Can I be sure I don't loose the product-key?

    The product key should remain intact.  If it doesn't, it is a bug and Lenovo would need to correct it while the machine is under warranty.
    Updating a BIOS for a machine not under warranty isn't advised.

  • Hi, We are running domino application in windows server 2008r2 machine, we are facing High RAM utilization issue, but there is no such process are running.

    Hi, We are running domino application in windows server 2008r2 standard virtual machine, we are facing High RAM utilization issue, but there is no such process are running. Machine is running in ESXI host, most of the time it shows high RAM utilization.
    We upgraded the ram from 6 to 8 GB, but still facing the issue,
    Where as other  VMs working fine.
    Need a help to find out the issue.

    Hi Sathish sampath,
    You can use Resource monitor and Task Manager->Performance to monitor the RAM memory utilization, I also recommend you to download the
    RAMMap to get more detailed memory information.
    For more detailed information to troubleshoot this issue, please also refer to this thread:
    memory performance problem. Please help.        
    You can also choose to post your monitor picture to help us to troubleshoot.
    I holp this helps.                       

  • Windows 10 technical preview.I have a product key but i can't activate it

    I installed Windows 10 technical preview,i have the activation key but it is not accepted

    this worked for me, as earlier posted by JonRohrich
    1. Open Administrative command prompt (Windows key+x > A)
    2. Type: SLUI 3
    3. Enter the product key Microsoft provided for recovery scenarios: PBHCJ-Q2NYD-2PX34-T2TD6-233PK

  • TS3212 I cannot install iTunes onto my Windows 8 Vaio laptop

    Hey Guys!!
    I have spent the last five hours scanning every single forum, Apple or not to try and find the solution to my problem but thus far have been unsuccessful.
    I have recently bought a Sony Vaio with Windows 8 operating system. Initially my computer would not download any iTunes file however with some tinkering I eventually managed to get it to fully complete the download however it then would not allow me to start the installation. The Windows Smartscreen told me that the file was unsafe and could not be verified even though my Norton Anti-Virus informed me that the file was perfectly safe to open.
    I then decided to disable, only temporary, the Smartscreen function so that I might be able to then just open it up to install the file but now it asks me to verify the file and then it does nothing.
    I have tried writing the file to discs, I would try another browser other than IE9 however the same problem is happening to my Mozilla Firefox download! I have tried USBing to another PC and then copying across. I have even tried getting a set up file from my older laptop and seeing if that would work but nothing does.
    I would really appreciate some input and potentially a solution!
    Many Thanks,
    Jade

    Hello there JadeMB,
    From what you are describing here, it sounds like you may have the 64 Bit version of Windows 8 so the 32 Bit installer for iTunes will not work.
    Here is the download for the 64 bit version of iTunes:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1615
    All the best,
    Sterling

  • My laptop says the hp c309a printer is offline, but it isn't.. i can print from my hubby's laptop.

    I have rebooted printer, pc and even wireless network.  Why won't my Windows 7 PC recognize the printer is online.  I verified the IP address was the same.

    As odd as this may seem, setting a manual (or static) IP address has been known to help in similar scenarios.
    First, print a network configuration page.
    1.  Select Setup
    2.  Network
    3.  Print a network configuration page
    This should print a page that has the current settings assigned to it by DHCP (automatic IP settings).
    Locate the printer's IP address.
    1.  On a computer that can print to it, enter the IP address in the address field of the web browser to view the printer's page.
    The resulting page should look similar to this.
    2.  Click on Networking.
    3.  It appears the printer is connected wirelessly.  Select Wireless (802.11).
    4.  Click on Advanced and scroll down.  There should be three check boxes.  Putting a check next to In an ad hoc network act connected evenw hen others are not present.  While you are using an inftrastructure setup, this option has been known to help in certain network enviornments.
    5.  Click on IPv4 Configuration at the top.
    6.  Change it to Manual IP.
    7.  Enter the printer's current IP address into the Manual IP Address field, but change the last number to a number that is outside the range of your router's DHCP.  If you do not know what range it is, you can change the last number to something between 250 and 254.  Most routers do not start assigning nubmers from the end, so this should avoid any conflicts on the network.
    Enter the subnet mask from the configuration page into Manual Subnet Mask.
    Enter the default gateway fromt he configuration page into Manual Default Gateway
    Enter 8.8.8.8 for Manual Preferred DNS Server.
    Enter 8.8.4.4 for Manual Alternate DNS Server.
    These are Google's DNS servers, but they are good place holders and work just as well as other DNS servers in my experience.
    8.  Click Apply.
    9.  Once the settings are saved, power off the printer for at least 30 seconds.
    10.  Shutdown the computer that was having the offline issue.
    11.  Power on the printer.
    12.  Boot the computer back up.
    At this point, the manual IP settings should create a stable network connection.
    ↙-----------How do I give Kudos?| How do I mark a post as Solved? ----------------↓

  • Firefox window is not shown and not even in the tasks bar, but there is a process running in the task manager

    Clicked on the Firefox icon , but window did not appeared, checked in the Task manager, there is a process running with firefox.exe, and could not see any icon in the task bar adjacent to start button

    I discovered that when the "Firefox is already running . . . ." message pops up I can fix it by doing the following [note: I get the same message for the Thunderbird e-mail program too] : 1. I open 'TASK MANAGER" and click on the "Processes" tab. 2. Next I scroll down until I see Firefox.exe *32 in the leftmost column (or Thunderbird. exe *32 if the message came up there), highlight that line by clicking on it and then click on the "end process" button on the right side on the bottom. 4. A pop-up window will come up but ignore its message and click on the "end process" button in the pop-up window. The program should then start the next time you click on the icon..
    While that saves the need to restart your PC to fix the problem, I have yet to find any information as to the reasons for those two processes to show up in the first place. I'm running the 64 bit Win 7 Professional and do not know if that has something to do with those two processes running from time to time or not. The message comes up often but not all the time and I haven't been able to pinpoint any action on my part where the message comes up if I do '''X '''or the message never comes up when I do '''Y''' before closing Firefox or Thunderbird.

Maybe you are looking for