Reinstalling Windows 8.1 when no media?

Zascar · 11-11-2013 04:58PM #1

Just a quick one, I have a Dell XPS pc with Windows 8 – which I recently downloaded the 8.1 upgrade.

I just bought an SSD so want to do a clean install – my pc did not come with any media. I think I can use some sort of Dell backup utility to make me a USB key to boot from – is that the best thing to do – or am I better off finding an oem iso on the web and installing using my serial? I just want to make sure it’s the most up to date clean and stable install – or is there any difference?
Thanks

Overheal · 11-11-2013 07:03PM

run prompt,

recoverydrive.exe

cgarrad · 12-11-2013 12:53AM

I have a 8.1 clean install iso on google drive if you want. You just need your 25 digit key to install. And a google account...

You can use the usb download tool to create a bootable usb installer. 3.1gb it think

It was downloaded directly from Microsoft.

yoyo · 12-11-2013 12:01PM

cgarrad wrote: »

I have a 8.1 clean install iso on google drive if you want. You just need your 25 digit key to install. And a google account...

You can use the usb download tool to create a bootable usb installer. 3.1gb it think

It was downloaded directly from Microsoft.

8.1 install media won't take an 8 product key unfortunately.. You would need to use recoverydrive.exe to make a backup & restore the OS or else clean install Windows 8 and do all the updates, store upgrade to 8.1

Nick

cgarrad · 12-11-2013 12:12PM

You are dead right, use this KMS key:

GCRJD-8NW9H-F2CDX-CCM8D-9D6T9

from

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx

then activate with you key from within windows.

Totally forgot ;-)

Zascar · 12-11-2013 08:02PM

Nice one thanks for that guys.

Quick question, so I'm installing on a new SSD I just bought - and I'll be using my current 2tb hard drive as my Data drive. However currently Windows is installed on that along with my data. So when I put this drive back in, will it get confused with two OS's at the same time? How can I clean up the other drive to delete windows and just have my files on there?

kearneybobs · 24-11-2013 03:36PM

You ever get this sorted? I'm going to be installing Windows 8.1 on my new computer in my SSD and plan to reuse my 2TB drive from my current one in there too. What way did you do it?

I'm going to be using my (non OEM) copy of Win7 that I'm currently using on this computer which had been upgraded to 8.1.

Can I reinstall Win8.1 without media since I only have the Win 7 disc? Can I use the cd-key associated with my current install of 8.1 (which is actually different from my original Win7 cd-key I entered)

Zascar · 24-11-2013 09:28PM

I did but I have a lot of problems, some due to the USB drive I think. I ended up downloading a different iso from online but cannot activate it, so not sure what I'll do. Either find the right one and reinstall or find an activator

Reinstalling Windows 8.1 when no media?

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