How to Find and Use Your en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso Product Key for Windows 8
How to Activate Windows 8 with en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417 Product Key
If you have downloaded or purchased a copy of Windows 8 with the file name en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso, you might be wondering how to activate it using your product key. In this article, we will explain what this file is, why you need to activate Windows 8, how to find your product key, and three methods of activation that you can use.
en windows 8 x86 dvd 915417 product key
Introduction
What is en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417?
en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso is an ISO file that contains both Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro editions for x86 (32-bit) architecture. It is one of the official ISO files that Microsoft provides for its subscribers and customers. You can use this file to create a bootable DVD or USB drive that you can use to install or reinstall Windows 8 on your computer.
Why do you need to activate Windows 8?
Activation is a process that verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than the license allows. Activation helps prevent software piracy and ensures that you have access to all the features and updates that Windows offers. If you don't activate Windows within a certain period of time, it will enter a reduced functionality mode, where you will see a watermark on your desktop, receive frequent reminders to activate, and lose some features such as personalization and online services.
How to find your product key?
A product key is a 25-character code that is required to activate Windows. It looks something like this: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Depending on how you obtained your copy of Windows, you can find your product key in different places:
If you bought a physical copy of Windows from a retailer, you can find the product key on a label inside the box or on a card that came with it.
If you bought a digital copy of Windows from an online store, you can find the product key in the confirmation email that you received after your purchase or in your account on the store's website.
If you upgraded to Windows 8 from an earlier version of Windows using the Windows Upgrade Assistant, you can find the product key in the confirmation email that you received after your purchase or in your account on the Microsoft Store website.
If you downloaded Windows 8 from MSDN, TechNet, or other subscription services, you can find the product key on the website where you downloaded it.
If your computer came with Windows preinstalled by the manufacturer, you can find the product key on a sticker on the back or bottom of your device or in the documentation that came with it.
If you can't find your product key in any of these places, you can use a third-party tool such as NirSoft's ProduKey or Belarc Advisor to retrieve it from your registry.
Methods of activation
Method 1: Reinstall Windows 8 using the ISO file
This method is suitable if you want to perform a clean install of Windows 8 or if you need to reinstall it due to system issues. You will need a blank DVD or USB drive with at least 4 GB of space and a DVD burner or USB creator tool. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Download the ISO file
If you don't have the en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso file already, you can download it from one of these sources:
Windows (ALL) OEM activation - Super User
Windows (ALL) OEM activation - Super User
Windows (ALL) OEM activation - Super User
Make sure that the file size and hashes match those given on these websites. You can use a tool such as 7-ZIP to calculate the hashes of your file.
Step 2: Burn the ISO file to a DVD or USB drive
Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you need to burn it to a DVD or USB drive using a tool such as Windows USB/DVD Download Tool or Rufus. Follow the instructions on these tools to create a bootable media.
Step 3: Boot from the DVD or USB drive and install Windows 8
After creating the bootable media, insert it into your computer and restart it. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to boot from the DVD or USB drive first. When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" message, press any key. You will then see the Windows Setup screen. Follow the instructions on screen to select your language, keyboard layout, and edition (Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro). When prompted, choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option. Select the drive where you want to install Windows and click Next. Wait for the installation process to complete.
Step 4: Enter your product key when prompted
During the installation process, you will be asked to enter your product key. Type it in carefully and click Next. If your product key is valid, your installation will continue. If not, you will see an error message. Make sure that you entered it correctly and that it matches the edition that you are installing. If you still have problems, contact Microsoft support for assistance.
Method 2: Use the Windows Key Update Tool
This method is suitable if you have already installed Windows using a generic OEM or retail disk and want to change it to match your product key. You will need an internet connection and administrator privileges. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Download and run the Windows Key Update Tool
You can download this tool from here. Save it to your desktop and double-click it to run it. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Step 2: Enter your product key and click Next
Method 3: Use ABR (Activation Backup and Restore)
This method is suitable if you want to backup and restore your OEM activation for Windows Vista or Windows 7. You will need a tool called ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) that you can download from here. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Backup your activation files using ABR before reinstalling Windows 8
Run the ABRbeta.exe file that you downloaded and unzip it to a folder. Go to that folder and run activation_backup.exe. This will create two files: backup-key.txt and backup-cert.xrm-ms. These are your activation files that you need to save somewhere safe, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive.
Step 2: Reinstall Windows 8 using the same edition as your product key
Use the en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso file to reinstall Windows 8 on your computer. Make sure that you choose the same edition (Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro) as your product key. Do not enter any product key during the installation process.
Step 3: Restore your activation files using ABR after reinstalling Windows 8
Copy the backup-key.txt and backup-cert.xrm-ms files from your USB drive or external hard drive to your computer. Go to the folder where you unzipped ABR and run activation_restore.exe. This will restore your OEM activation and show you a confirmation message. Restart your computer and enjoy your activated Windows 8.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to activate Windows 8 with en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417 product key using three different methods: reinstalling Windows 8 using the ISO file, using the Windows Key Update Tool, and using ABR (Activation Backup and Restore). We hope that this article has been helpful for you and that you have successfully activated your copy of Windows 8. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to leave a comment below or contact Microsoft support for assistance.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between x86 and x64?
A: x86 and x64 are two different architectures for processors. x86 refers to 32-bit processors, while x64 refers to 64-bit processors. The main difference is that x64 processors can handle more memory and run faster than x86 processors. However, they also require more disk space and compatible software.
Q: Can I use en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso to install Windows 8 on a x64 processor?
A: Yes, you can. However, you will not be able to take advantage of the full potential of your processor and you may encounter some compatibility issues with some software or drivers. It is recommended that you use en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso instead if you have a x64 processor.
Q: Can I use en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso to upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista?
A: No, you can't. You can only use en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso to perform a clean install of Windows 8 or to reinstall it on a computer that already has Windows 8 installed. If you want to upgrade from Windows XP or Windows Vista, you need to buy a different version of Windows 8 that supports upgrading.
Q: Can I use en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso to install Windows 8 on a Mac?
A: Yes, you can. However, you will need to use a tool such as Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop to create a partition on your Mac's hard drive where you can install Windows 8. You will also need to install some drivers and software to make sure that everything works properly on your Mac.
Q: Can I use en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso to install Windows 8 on a virtual machine?
A: Yes, you can. However, you will need to use a software such as VirtualBox or VMware to create a virtual machine on your computer where you can install Windows 8. You will also need to allocate enough memory and disk space for your virtual machine to run smoothly.