How can I install windows 8 on a new system with no operating system?

8shaky1

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Dec 28, 2013
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Ok, so I can't quite believe i'm asking this as it seem as though there should be a really simple solution to this but i have been searching for days to no avail. I have recently a purchased a new PC from scratch with no operating system or anything. I have also purchased the windows 8.1 pro student edition. Unfortunately, I feel the product was poorly listed as it did not specify that it was a digital download with no disc. This means I have had a product key for windows 8.1 emailed to me, but i have no disc or way of installing it onto my new PC. My question is, what can I do? Am i going to have to ask for a refund and have to fork out over £100 on Amazon just to get a copy of windows on a disc? I can't really understand why it is so difficult to get a physical copy of windows 8.1 through Microsoft! Am I missing something? Is there a way of using my product key for a clean installation windows 8.1 on my new PC?

Any help is hugely appreciated because I am losing the will to live at the moment!
 
Solution
On a PC of the same architecture (64bit or 32bit), start the install process. Early, it will give you the option of 'Install now' or 'Install later with media'. You can then create a DVD or bootable USB to install on your new PC.

USAFRet

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On a PC of the same architecture (64bit or 32bit), start the install process. Early, it will give you the option of 'Install now' or 'Install later with media'. You can then create a DVD or bootable USB to install on your new PC.
 
Solution

8shaky1

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Thanks, didn't realize I could use any windows 8 disc that's really helpful and I will have to try and get one off someone! If not though, could you elaborate a little on the first bit? I don't really understand how i can install it without a current os? sorry, i'm pretty bad at this kind of stuff haha!
 

8shaky1

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Unfortunately the only PC I have at the moment runs on windows vista. I did try this but when i go to start the installation process it says it isn't possible as i need to be on something like windows 7.
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


Yes. The Student version is upgrade, only from 7. Can you use a friends PC?

And I'm not sure using a friends disk to install will work. The Student upgrade license wants to see a running version of 7 before it will activate. I think that key will say "invalid" if you try to do it that way.
 

8shaky1

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Yeah I might be able to if its the only way :/ thanks for the help!