Windows boot drive?

[Cactu]

how do I make a flash drive into a windows 8.1 boot drive. I've seen the link on microsofts website and it doesn't work on macs which are the only computers that I have off hand atm. Please help

[Number]

how do I make a flash drive into a windows 8.1 boot drive. I've seen the link on microsofts website and it doesn't work on macs which are the only computers that I have off hand atm. Please help

You need the Windows 8.1 iso that can be retrieved from Microsoft (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only) just plug in a USB flash drive (clear everything off of it) and let the program do its thing. NOTE: You need a product key for this to work,

[Cactu]

You need the Windows 8.1 iso that can be retrieved from Microsoft (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only) just plug in a USB flash drive (clear everything off of it) and let the program do its thing. NOTE: You need a product key for this to work,

You see, I need to make a bootable flash drive for the PC that I am building. This says,"make sure you are on the computer that you want to install windows on" I can't do that without an OS

[thorpj]

EDIT: the below method works with any windows 7+ ISO that you use.

This may work, depending on which version of win8.1 you've got a key for

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

 

 

 

 

This: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

I know it says windows 7, but it works with windows 8,8.1, and 10 TP, which i have just used it for.

 

 

Also, you'll need the windows 8.1 ISO image, you can get that from microsoft as well. Google it.

[Blebekblebek]

rufus

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

[Dabombinable]

rufus

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

I find that this works best, I've even used it with the Win 10 tech preview with no hassles.

[Cactu]

EDIT: the below method works with any windows 7+ ISO that you use.

This may work, depending on which version of win8.1 you've got a key for

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

 

 

 

 

This: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

I know it says windows 7, but it works with windows 8,8.1, and 10 TP, which i have just used it for.

 

 

Also, you'll need the windows 8.1 ISO image, you can get that from microsoft as well. Google it.

I cAnt find the windows 8 ISO, can I get a link

[Cactu]

I find that this works best, I've even used it with the Win 10 tech preview with no hassles.

How could I get a test copy of windows 10 and would you recommend it

[thorpj]

I cAnt find the windows 8 ISO, can I get a link

See the edit in my above comment:

 

Also, how far did you look?

 

[thorpj]

How could I get a test copy of windows 10 and would you recommend it

Don't use win10 unless you want to test it.

 

And again, Googling is great, you should try it.

[Cactu]

rufus

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

Does this include the windows ISO? If not where can I get one

[Cactu]

See the edit in my above comment:

 

Also, how far did you look?

 

I've been on that link and I just gives me an exe that creates a zip file which creates an identical exe. Is there a tutorial somewhere?

[Blebekblebek]

my ISO resources

http://www.drillbell.ro/

 

nice pack with updates so I don't bother to updates windows frequently

[thorpj]

I've been on that link and I just gives me an exe that creates a zip file which creates an identical exe. Is there a tutorial somewhere?

You're using it wrong then.

 

Its literally that easy. Plug in a USB (8GB+), and go through the steps. At the end, you'll have a USB that you can boot into (restart, choose USB as boot device in BIOS, then go through installation, and install onto whatever hard drive you want to)

 

I don't recommend third party windows ISOs, you can never be sure what's going on.

[Cactu]

@thorpj this is not how it works for me , I will just refer to the user above you

[thorpj]

@thorpj this is not how it works for me , I will just refer to the user above you

... Let me remind you: "I don't recommend third party windows ISOs, you can never be sure what's going on." You are instantly compromising the security of your system.

 

go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media, download, and go through it. It will skip the step of putting an ISO onto the USB and making it bootable: it does it for you.

 

If that's not how it works for you, then you have a different version, because there can be no other explanation.

[Cactu]

You're using it wrong then.

 

Its literally that easy. Plug in a USB (8GB+), and go through the steps. At the end, you'll have a USB that you can boot into (restart, choose USB as boot device in BIOS, then go through installation, and install onto whatever hard drive you want to)

 

I don't recommend third party windows ISOs, you can never be sure what's going on.

Ok there I think that problem is happening because I am on a Mac so how could I just download an iso. Is there anyone who has a reliable one and put it on google drive or something?

[tyrz_939]

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/

 

This claims it will work in wine. I use it for windows usb installing and never have trouble.

[thorpj]

Ok there I think that problem is happening because I am on a Mac so how could I just download an iso. Is there anyone who has a reliable one and put it on google drive or something?

its an exe file, which only works on windows. your didn't need to open a new thread for a question that takes 5 seconds of googling.

[JefferyD90]

If you'd like a full and comprehensive guide to installing Windows look here:

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/324871-guide-how-to-install-windows-the-right-way/#entry4412493