Upgrading to Windows 8.1

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

So I just built a new PC, put in my buddies Windows Vista 32Bit CD to just make sure everything worked properly and the computer functioned with all the new hardware I put into it. Now I recently bought windows 8.1 64bit, from online. I went to a Microsoft Store to because I ended up needing the CD of Windows 8.1 which they burned and gave to me. Now, Im getting an error saying I cannot instal 8.1 because it is a 64Bit and im running 32bit from Vista. I do not have the Vista CD, how can I cleanly install Windows 8.1 64 BIT?

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

Are you booting from the 8.1 disk or running it within Vista? You need to boot from that disk.

justcallmetom13 · Apr 22, 2014

This would require another computer but try this:

Take the hardrive and connect to another computer via sata cable.

Format that drive and then connect it to the computer you want Win8.1 on.

You're good to go.

Dark Lord of Tech · Apr 22, 2014

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/clean-install

Egitel · Apr 22, 2014

Yep, just as the others mentioned, have to do a clean install. It's impossible to do an in-place upgrade from 32-bit Windows to a 64-bit version, has to be a clean install.

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

I have Vista Installed and I now have a 64Bit Windows 8.1 in hand but unable to do so because my Vista is a 32Bit

photonboy · Apr 22, 2014

Malfunkshun :

You MUST do a clean-install as said. You required a 64-bit version of Vista, but it wouldn't have kept your programs anyway (only files in Documents etc).

Save any data from Vista you might need, then start the Install and DELETE the previous partition, continue the installation, drivers, etc.

knight_of_baawa · Apr 22, 2014

While it's true that a fresh install is needed, it's also possible that his processor does not support the 3 required 64-bit instructions for 8.1.

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

Is it possible that I boot 8.1 onto lets say my laptop then carry over those files to a Flashdrive plug the flashdrive into my new PC with vista 32 bit and that will override to windows 8.1?

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

knight_of_baawa :

my processor is a R9 AMD chip... Just running into an issue of not having my vista 32 bit CD to do a fresh install. So im stuck trying to upgrade to Windows 8.1 64 bit.

Egitel · Apr 22, 2014

Malfunkshun :

No, we're not saying do a fresh install of Vista 32-bit. You have to do a fresh install of Windows 8.1 64-bit. It is literally impossible to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit ever. Have to do a fresh install of the 64-bit OS, which will wipe out the old OS. Have to do this by booting from the 64-bit disc from the boot menu before the OS loads, usually by pressing F8.

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

Egitel :

Malfunkshun :

No, we're not saying do a fresh install of Vista 32-bit. You have to do a fresh install of Windows 8.1 64-bit. It is literally impossible to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit ever. Have to do a fresh install of the 64-bit OS, which will wipe out the old OS. Have to do this by booting from the 64-bit disc from the boot menu before the OS loads, usually by pressing F8.

Im not understanding what I have to do. How do i boot from the 64-bit disc that got burned for me?

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

Malfunkshun :

Put it in the DVD drive, start the PC and press whichever F-key is required to get to the boot menu. When you start the PC some systems give a hint on startup (Press xx for Boot Menu), otherwise,

ASUS = F8
AsRock = F11
Gigabyte = F12

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

Alright so i get there and it gives me a list of options such as boot debugging, and start windows normally. A black and white screen full of commands to run. I insert my burned copy of window 8.1 64 bit and nothing happens.

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

What is your model of motherboard? What you see is a Windows boot options screen. You need to start pressing the key as soon as the PC starts.

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

MSI

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

Try the F11 key for that

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

Let me see where it takes me, i'll get back to you, thank you

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

After hitting F11 I was taken to my MSI board, I already had my burned 8,1 disc in the drive and no luck

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

What exactly do you mean "I was taken to my MSI board?" If you entered the BIOS setup, you can navigate to the section that has the default boot order and make the DVD drive first, ahead of the HDD.

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

So I just need to make the DVD drive first then what? Insert disc and go from there?

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

If the DVD is set first, it will look for a bootable DVD before it looks on the HDD. You should see a message "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD" - press a key within 5 seconds and it will boot into the Windows disk (after 5 seconds it moves on to the HDD). In Windows setup, enter your product key when prompted and when you get to this screen

GO to "drive options (advanced)" to delete the partition, then click New, and next after it formats

Malfunkshun · Apr 22, 2014

SchizTech :

Im pretty sure I just got this to work! System type: 64-Bit OS, x64 based processor. Even fixed all my problems with old drivers im assuming because of windows vista. Thank you so much this worked like a charm

SchizTech · Apr 22, 2014

Glad it worked

Upgrading to Windows 8.1

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