How do I get a Windows 8 Install disk for blank HDD?

Linux_Geek · Nov 29, 2014

I have gotten fed up with using the non-working Linux drivers provided by just about every major hardware company, so I spent $70 on Windows 8. The purchase included only the product key, and I assumed there would be an ISO to download so that I could add it to my hard drive without needing to have windows previously installed. However, there was no ISO provided and no obvious way on the Microsoft website as to how to obtain a Windows 8 instillation media. The Internet seems very confused as to where on the Microsoft website to find the ISO. I have access to a Windows 7 computer, so it should not be a problem running .exe files if those are needed to create the ISO which can be written to a USB/CD using dd or Braseo. My question is how to obtain the ISO or USB stick which can be booted from and used to install Windows 8 on to a "blank" hard drive(assuming it lets me use GPT and pick partitions).

maestro0428 · Nov 29, 2014

There are ISOs on Microsofts site. They are hard to find, but they are there. If I find the link, I will post it. Otherwise contact Microsoft as they can help you find the link you need. Start here. http://www.techverse.net/download-windows-7-iso-x86-x64-microsofts-official-servers/

yoji · Nov 29, 2014

I searched... "windows 8 download". and top hit was this

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/downloads

Which seems offer a download.. sure once downloaded you will get opportunity to use your key

Second on the list was

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

I really don't think you have tried very hard
Is it more complicated that that?

Linux_Geek · Nov 29, 2014

I do NOT have an existing windows instillation on the target computer. I have access to a Windows 7 PC that could be used to create startup media, but the Windows 7 computer is not what I am trying to install the new version of windows to. I am trying to install it to a blank hard drive that has been formatted with other partitions, but NOT windows. The downloads on the Microsoft website upgrade an existing instillation, but they are not for a blank drive with no windows on it. So, if I ran them on the Windows 7 computer, they would upgrade that one but not my gaming computer.

ThatVietGuy · Nov 29, 2014

Where did you buy this key from that didn't come with installation media?

Linux_Geek · Nov 29, 2014

I bought it from the Microsoft store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro-Student/productID.288769600
It comes as a "digital download."

Linux_Geek · Nov 29, 2014

Half an hour of Googling turned up the answer. Method 1 worked for me, and Windows now works.

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How do I get a Windows 8 Install disk for blank HDD?

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