reinstall windows 8 checklist...

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Vitric9

Vitric9

Distinguished
Jan 26, 2014
1,368
1
19,665
This is not a guide but only a inquiry.
I just reinstalled Windows 8 pro OEM on new hardware. I did not really intend on updating to 8.1 but I though i could Download it and just have it. So I notice that the product key is now different, And looking the in the registry i do see two product keys. There is a few ways t do this. There is an option in the metro UI that allows you to refresh your PC with affecting any files, and then there is a complete refresh or "recycle" your PC. Then there is the way I know of which is setting your boot to the Disk drive and just put the windows disk in...If I left out anything let me know
 
Solution
S
Sort by date Sort by votes
S

Suztera

Polypheme
Mar 18, 2014
12,730
0
60,960
Window 8 and 8.1 product keys are different, hence if you updated to 8.1 from 8, you have a different product key from Window 8.
The refresh option is reinstalling Windows but it can keep your personal files, settings, and the apps that came with your PC and apps that you installed from Windows Store if you have a Microsoft account connected.
Essentially it is similar to reinstalling via the disc, both methods will have a folder called Window.old which retains the previous files, and settings.
But updating from a clean Window 8 to 8.1 is a pain especially downloading from the Store.
I had to reinstall Windows twice since i swapped a new motherboard and first installed in Legacy mode instead of UEFI.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Vitric9

Vitric9

Distinguished
Jan 26, 2014
1,368
1
19,665
Yeah, I am sold. There is so many issues that are new and really bugging me. I did not know how this update worked so I asked the basic stuff but i could no know every error to look up before this. I though the the " Download Windows 8.1 free update" meant just that I did not it would restart once finished and install on it's own. The worst one recently( since yesterday) is the Boot time is now almost 1 minute long from 10 seconds before on fresh install of win 8 pro about 2 weeks ago.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Vitric9

Vitric9

Distinguished
Jan 26, 2014
1,368
1
19,665
is there a better alternative to the Win Store.? Maybe a Image that is available for download
Also I have noticed There is things about Windows 8 that have been removed since lats year. I am pretty sure there used to be a Deactivate Account or deactivate product key option...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Suztera

Polypheme
Mar 18, 2014
12,730
0
60,960
Nope only Window Store since every user who downloads it will be different and Microsoft probably won't offer any assistance other than the Store.
I not sure about the deactivate option but i think you can still do it via the cmd.
Any reason why you are looking for this?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Vitric9

Vitric9

Distinguished
Jan 26, 2014
1,368
1
19,665


When I phoned the MS activation number i was not home and I thought they would just deactivate Win 8 Pro OEM SB so I could reinstall on a new MB/CPU/RAM..well newer. The Microsoft Rep I spoke with just had a breakdown when I asked him to deactivate my OS. I actually told him to take a breath and let me explain more clear what I needed and why, Like most reps for Big American Companies English is not his first language, no disrespect intended. It would be nice not to have to deal with Phoning MS just for a reinstall on a different Motherboard. It is in the ELUA that Win 8 OEM is 100% transferable as long the PC belongs to the end user who purchased the copy....I forget where i was going with that....So when I got home I called again but used the automated service
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
S

Suztera

Polypheme
Mar 18, 2014
12,730
0
60,960


Unfortunately, that how Window 8 licensing works. Any major change in hardware will cause you to phone in to a Rep or use the automated service. At least it allows you to transfer across the license.
To be fair the automated service wasn't too bad to use.
 
Upvote 0 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