Reinstall Windows

[jayctech]

Anything in particular I need to remember to do before, during, after?

Only thing that comes to mind is drivers.

 

Will I need to "unlicense" my current copy of Windows in order to free up my license key?

 

My OS was originally Windows 8, will I need to reinstall Windows 8 and then upgrade to 8.1 or can I just install 8.1 and use my key?

[JefferyD90]

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

If you need help with getting a Windows 8 key to work on Windows 8.1 you can web search it or message me here and Ill give you the file with a small set of instructions on how to use the file to do what you need to do.

[dragoon20005]

the key that you have is valid for Win 8 only

 

you need to install 8 then update to 8.1

[jayctech]

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

If you need help with getting a Windows 8 key to work on Windows 8.1 you can web search it or message me here and Ill give you the file with a small set of instructions on how to use the file to do what you need to do.

Thx for the guide. Only had a skim through it so far but looks very informative.

Couple of things that I'm wondering that I haven't seen in my skim through:

• Will I need to do anything about my current copy of Windows in regards to its license? Like, I don't want to go through the installation process and then have it pop up and say oh this license is already taken, get a new one, or something to that effect.
• Should I reupgrade to 8.1 before or after doing all of the updates it'll have for Windows 8?
• Could I get that file you mentioned? And how reliable is that method?

[JefferyD90]

Thx for the guide. Only had a skim through it so far but looks very informative.

Couple of things that I'm wondering that I haven't seen in my skim through:

• Will I need to do anything about my current copy of Windows in regards to its license? Like, I don't want to go through the installation process and then have it pop up and say oh this license is already taken, get a new one, or something to that effect.
• Should I reupgrade to 8.1 before or after doing all of the updates it'll have for Windows 8?
• Could I get that file you mentioned? And how reliable is that method?

Okay so how the license works...

Microsoft can look at this license and see how many BIOS's have been used with that license. Microsoft has a "leniency" policy where you can install it on up to 3 different BIOS's before they start making you call their phone service to activate. Reason why they do this is NOT so you can run it on 3 different machines at the same time, but instead so you can change your motherboard out or something to that effect when you upgrade/repair your system. To cut this off a little short, as long as it is ALWAYS the same exact computer Microsoft wont freak out and everything will be fine. If you change computers Microsoft WILL start to require you to call them to get it activated. There is no way to "deactivate" a license, although I wished I could go in and manage my licenses or something (but I'm just dreaming).

I HIGHLY do not recommend installing Windows 8, then upgrading to Windows 8.1. This is, in my humble opinion, the absolute worst thing Microsoft has ever done for their customers. What happens in the background is fairly simple. Windows will download a ISO in the form of their WIN installer (the type of file they use for Windows Updates), unpackage the ISO and do a "Self automated" install of the Windows 8.1 OS. This is like a "upgrade" install, not a clean install. So all your previous programs will be there, but they will be installed in a Windows 8 configuration, not a 8.1. All your drivers will be there, but the registry will be clean, and none of the drivers will have any purpose. Basically, installing Windows 8 then upgrading to 8.1 just is a all around bad option just asking for trouble.

The method is reliable, I can give you links to several sources with this info. All I will send you is the file needed (which you can make on your own if it makes you feel better) and tell you where to put the file. (Ill give 2 sources right now, if you want more they are a web search away) {side point, OMFG I FOUND A GREAT LITTLE PIECE OF SOFTWARE MICROSOFT MADE IN DOING THIS RESEARCH AND THIS EXACT POST MADE MY LIFE 10234123765688333384954658653 TIMES EASIER}

http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean-install-windows-81-without-windows-8-retail-key/

https://www.techmesto.com/install-windows-8-1-without-product-key/

[jayctech]

Okay so how the license works...

Microsoft can look at this license and see how many BIOS's have been used with that license. Microsoft has a "leniency" policy where you can install it on up to 3 different BIOS's before they start making you call their phone service to activate. Reason why they do this is NOT so you can run it on 3 different machines at the same time, but instead so you can change your motherboard out or something to that effect when you upgrade/repair your system. To cut this off a little short, as long as it is ALWAYS the same exact computer Microsoft wont freak out and everything will be fine. If you change computers Microsoft WILL start to require you to call them to get it activated. There is no way to "deactivate" a license, although I wished I could go in and manage my licenses or something (but I'm just dreaming).

I HIGHLY do not recommend installing Windows 8, then upgrading to Windows 8.1. This is, in my humble opinion, the absolute worst thing Microsoft has ever done for their customers. What happens in the background is fairly simple. Windows will download a ISO in the form of their WIN installer (the type of file they use for Windows Updates), unpackage the ISO and do a "Self automated" install of the Windows 8.1 OS. This is like a "upgrade" install, not a clean install. So all your previous programs will be there, but they will be installed in a Windows 8 configuration, not a 8.1. All your drivers will be there, but the registry will be clean, and none of the drivers will have any purpose. Basically, installing Windows 8 then upgrading to 8.1 just is a all around bad option just asking for trouble.

The method is reliable, I can give you links to several sources with this info. All I will send you is the file needed (which you can make on your own if it makes you feel better) and tell you where to put the file. (Ill give 2 sources right now, if you want more they are a web search away) {side point, OMFG I FOUND A GREAT LITTLE PIECE OF SOFTWARE MICROSOFT MADE IN DOING THIS RESEARCH AND THIS EXACT POST MADE MY LIFE 10234123765688333384954658653 TIMES EASIER}

http://pureinfotech.com/2013/10/21/clean-install-windows-81-without-windows-8-retail-key/

https://www.techmesto.com/install-windows-8-1-without-product-key/

Okay - tyvm for all your help.

[techguru]

what you do is download the 8.1 iso with updates

install it

use the install key

then once installed change the key to yours

[jayctech]

what you do is download the 8.1 iso with updates

install it

use the install key

then once installed change the key to yours

Install key?