Last night I e'd the Belarc company. Got an e requesting the file that holds the data. I can't see any 25 digit number other than the W7 key and I'm wondering if the existing copy of W7 on there masks the BIOS code or even overwrites it. (shudder) I suggested that, but no reply yet.
Called BestBuy. Same Geek, same answer. They put in a Shop-floor copy of 8 and it just goes. Careful questioning made me think there were a lot of holes in his knowledge.
Driven by the same mischief that got me a new telly, I phoned Asus again today. A charming young lady was certain that an ordinary W8 disc would not be recognized by the system. I questioned her very carefully, and she was solid on the middle ground, that if a recovery takes place, there's no need for the Key, but in all other cases, you have to put in a new key. i.e. pay for new soft. I felt like I was talking to someone that was knowledgeable.
I guess now I need to attend to other things. Master cylinder to change now the temps are back in the 20s. I await Belarc's input with considerable interest.