Building a pc with 8.1 Issues

Sourcream

Hey all, As a pc builder, I build for quite a few different people, but have come across one small problem with 8.1.

You MUST log in with a windows live ID to even get the to operating system frontend. So essentially when building custom pcs you cant even install proper chipset/graphics etc drivers until you register your operating system to a live ID.

Which usually would be fine, except with the problem that I am building for other people who I cant ask for their live user id and password. And therefore cant pre-install their drivers.

Anyone know a workaround? Or possible slipstream methods?

Any and all input much appreciated!

srsly78

Nope you can use a local account.

Sourcream

Yes you could in windows 8, however 8.1 forces a live account

johnmcdnl

Make yourself a live account specifically for this.
When you finish the job just get the end user to set up a live admin account and delete yours from the system?
Have this account for only this job just for security purposes.

Should work I think?

Is safe mode an option either?

Or final option - don't connect to Internet, I'm assuming if it's not connected to the Internet it can't force you to use a live account.

I'm out of ideas after that.

Sourcream

Safe mode is a no go, and yes it forces an internet connection, an internet connection is one of the installation requirements. Its a bit ridiculous.

But yes, your solution seems the only way to do things. Although this is messy, as deleting the originally setup account can also be tricky.

I'll give it a go and report back!

Thanks for all the input!

Tij da feen

I don't have a Live ID associated with my installation and it didn't force me to when I installed it last week. I installed from a Windows 8.1 iso.

Sourcream

I would definitely like to know how you did that! Was it an OEM disc?

Tij da feen

Got is off of Dreamspark. When installing it will ask for your live account but if you select Create new account then you can cancel creating a Live account and create a local account.

srsly78

Yes, they just hide the local account option somewhat. They really want people to use the online market etc.

smacl

Maybe worth posting on MSDN to see if they have a solution for builders such as yourself, must be a lot of people in your situation. For work, I use open value licensing which comes as part of my MSDN subscription, and works out cheaper and easier than individual licensing on enterprise versions of the OS. That said, I haven't used 8.1 at all as yet.

Moon54

There is a easy way to fool 8.1.... and that is to not connect the internet when installing.
It'll complain a few times, but eventually it'll give you the option to create a local account.

There is also this method;
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/HowToSignIntoWindows8Or81WithoutAMicrosoftAccountMakeALocalUser.aspx