Can I install Windows 8 onto a new hard drive through my current hard drive?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
3

34545Allan

Reputable
Jun 1, 2014
11
0
4,510
OK, so I built a new computer and plan to put Windows 8 64 bit onto my new hdd and was wondering if I could do this through my old hard drive with Windows Vista 32 bit. I want to do this so I don't have to buy a disc. Is this possible or do I have to do it through a flash drive/disc?
 
Solution
photonboy
1) Buy the Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM disc (roughly $90 through pcpartpicker)

2) Use the Microsoft tool to create a USB stick if you don't have a DVD drive (done on another PC of course):
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

3) Before installing, make sure to backup any data you need and do a fresh install. It's possible to keep data, but you can't keep any programs. I suggest just copying any data to a USB drive, then simply DELETE the entire partition on installation start so you're doing a complete install

4) After Windows 8.1 installs, there may be an "OLD_C" folder taking up space. You can delete that. Google for how.

5) Install drivers, programs etc. (main chipset driver, video driver etc)

6)...
Sort by date Sort by votes
3

34545Allan

Reputable
Jun 1, 2014
11
0
4,510
Not yet since I want to know if I should just buy the disc or the download file from Microsoft. However, if I can install windows 8 onto my new hdd through my old hdd then I will definitely buy the download file, otherwise I will buy the disc. Either way, I am buying Win8 licence.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
21,567
13
85,015
1) Buy the Windows 8.1 64-bit OEM disc (roughly $90 through pcpartpicker)

2) Use the Microsoft tool to create a USB stick if you don't have a DVD drive (done on another PC of course):
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

3) Before installing, make sure to backup any data you need and do a fresh install. It's possible to keep data, but you can't keep any programs. I suggest just copying any data to a USB drive, then simply DELETE the entire partition on installation start so you're doing a complete install

4) After Windows 8.1 installs, there may be an "OLD_C" folder taking up space. You can delete that. Google for how.

5) Install drivers, programs etc. (main chipset driver, video driver etc)

6) Use Acronis True Image or a similar tool later to create a BACKUP IMAGE so you can restore it in case of problems. Periodically make a new one.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom