Windows 8 OEM
Windows 8 OEM
Unfortunately, the situation is not allowed. The OEM license applies only to system builders, which means you’ve violated the Windows license terms. You’re also not allowed to share or transfer this license since it’s an OEM product. Discussing ways to circumvent this is prohibited and illegal. For proper installation, obtain the retail version of Windows if you need it on a pre-built system (even in a virtual environment).
I think it relates to the main discussion. I faced a similar scenario like OP. a hardware update nullified the OEM license, which in OP's case meant a fresh computer. I reached out to Microsoft and they declined to help, pushing me toward contacting the manufacturer. I'm not recommending piracy; just highlighting the challenge of reactivating an OEM key. If they claim it's not genuine because they searched for it, I'd definitely have a point.
EDIT: He installed it on a MacBook using VM, so luck should be on Microsoft to act on it.