will we be able to download 8.1 iso that can clean install

dirtyvu

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I'd rather download an 8.1 ISO so I don't have to first install Windows 8 then install the 8.1 upgrade. Is this going to be possible? Will Microsoft allow us to download the ISO? Or is this through the normal update process? I don't know how the preview went because I didn't go through with the preview (didn't want to reinstall everything).
 

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One does need the 8 RTM to qualify for the free upgrade. Haven't heard any word on an ISO for the general public for upgrade as of yet. Hopefully they will so as to fresh install.

If not a MSDN or Technet subscriber, one can purchase it through the MS online store. In fact they are now taking pre-release orders. It is a separate edition in its own right.
 

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so windows 8 owners are only entitled to an upgrade version?

Yes. A free upgrade, otherwise you have to buy the edition.
 

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alright, thanks for the info. I tried to give you a thumbs up but it says I must spread the love first... :p
 

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Lol! Thanks for the effort on that. Go spread the love then. :)
 

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Hi there

Sorry to be the "5th player in a String Quartet" but I think those who want the ISO as an upgrade are going to be disappointed since the FREE upgrade will only work via the "wretched Store" app which performs an in place upgrade - I think it will download an installer file and then off you go.

This might also have repercussions as it will insist on a Ms account while installing -- the standard trick is to disconnect from the Internet at install time so you can get a Local account.

I'm a TechNet subscriber so I got the .ISO - however I'm not sure exactly how the store will work but I'm sure it will be different from those wishing to get the full retail copy.

You'll all see next week anyway.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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There is always OEM ISO. Fortunately some of us qualify as System Builders.
I will not be dragged in to the registration stuff if I can avoid it.

Not for me, not for my work.
 

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I contacted Microsoft today asking about this, I was told that the preview version was an upgrade through the store, but as of today they had no info on whether there was going to be an iso available for download, she said we'd have to wait till it was released to find out. Was no great help in the long run.
 

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I contacted Microsoft today asking about this, I was told that the preview version was an upgrade through the store, but as of today they had no info on whether there was going to be an iso available for download, she said we'd have to wait till it was released to find out. Was no great help in the long run.

I went that route as well via online chat with the MS store early last week. The same old pat answers. They're not allowed to give out much information.
 

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    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
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    2GB (max upgrade)
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    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
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    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
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    Acer AL1917W A LCD
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    1440 X 900
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    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
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    Standard 250 watt
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    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
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    Dual case fans + CPU fan
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I hate this concept that this will be a major OS update offered with NO install disk, it's dangerous. I hope there will eventually BE an actual disk, having access to an install disk has been the main way to repair Windows for over 20 years. MS's "Fixits" only work 20% of the time. They want to force us to be tethered to online fixits, there is no consideration for major OS repair.
 

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    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
This might also have repercussions as it will insist on a Ms account while installing -- the standard trick is to disconnect from the Internet at install time so you can get a Local account.

Cheers
jimbo

The latest from MS is you can do the upgrade from the Store with a Local Account.
We will find out next week.

Jim
 

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It's that soon?

I went through the rigamarole of installing that thingy from MS that allows the Preview to be installed through the Store, but I still don't see it in the store, what am I not doing right? I guess the Preview is gone by now- I downloaded an Iso from MS.
 

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    AMD 4400+/4200+
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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
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    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
I've never understood the logic behind Microsoft being so stingy with the ISO files? Those that want to pirate Windows are going to find a way to get them anyway. The TechNet images are always leaked to bit torrent sites. Unfortunately some of those images are modified in a bad way. What's the harm in letting someone that already has a legal product code obtain clean unmodified install media? I had quit a hassle reinstalling Windows on my laptop after swapping in an SSD. I didn't have my TechNet account at that time so it was quit an adventure trying to find clean unmodified install media to do a clean install. I didn't need a product code, just install media. There are countless others in the same boat too. With all the negative press going around lately this would be a good way to get some positive press for Microsoft.
 

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It's that soon?

I went through the rigamarole of installing that thingy from MS that allows the Preview to be installed through the Store, but I still don't see it in the store, what am I not doing right? I guess the Preview is gone by now- I downloaded an Iso from MS.

8.1 RTM update should be available at 4AM Oct 17 in California.

Jim :dinesh:
 

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    ASUS M5A99X EVO
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    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
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having access to an install disk has been the main way to repair Windows for over 20 years
I agree but things may be changing...

FYI: Windows 8.1 RTM has removed the option to create a rescue disc and replaced it with an option to create a USB recovery drive. I found this out when I did a System Image backup and it never stopped to prompt me to create a rescue disk. It went straight thru to completion. BTW, I have created and tested my newly created USB recovery drive (up to a point) and it seems like it will work well.
 
Last edited:

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    57/11
In Windows 8 you had both options; it's a step backwards in 8.1

Hi David Y,

Yes, it does seem like a step backward but I somehow feel it was necessary but can't pinpoint specifically why. However, I do know that I could not ever get my rescue disk to boot under Windows 8 because it never displayed the UEFI boot option for me (at least on my rig) when I was trying to restore a system image so I always ended up using my retail installation disc to initiate a recovery. Again, this is only my experience and it could have been due to an error on my part. Anyway, it seems like a lot of trade offs are in the works for those who decide to make the move to 8.1. With that said, here are some of my observations thus far. Now, please understand that many of my observations are questionable because they are related to my perception only; however, some are for real and will apply to all:


Things I've Noticed With Win 8.1 RTM
default theme too bright
secure boot watermark warning (desktop) if not enabled
better overall transparency
improved text quality
better gamma correction
'0' errors on boot (that's a first)
only a handful of win updates
all drivers provided during installation or win update (and they work)
win 7 recovery replaced by system image
no more "create rescue disc"
rescue disc replaced by recovery drive option
intel driver update utility will not install (no biggie)
wei still available via "winsat formal" command
can't optimzize SSD recovery partition (reason unknown and don't care)
built-in skype app now
metro tutorial running in backgound w/occasional FYIs (don't care)
slight performance boost (may be my imagination)

FYI

act.jpg
 

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I've never understood the logic behind Microsoft being so stingy with the ISO files? Those that want to pirate Windows are going to find a way to get them anyway. The TechNet images are always leaked to bit torrent sites. Unfortunately some of those images are modified in a bad way. What's the harm in letting someone that already has a legal product code obtain clean unmodified install media? I had quit a hassle reinstalling Windows on my laptop after swapping in an SSD. I didn't have my TechNet account at that time so it was quit an adventure trying to find clean unmodified install media to do a clean install. I didn't need a product code, just install media. There are countless others in the same boat too. With all the negative press going around lately this would be a good way to get some positive press for Microsoft.

Actually unmodified ISO's are more highly sought after than ones that have been futzed with, but even if they are marked "Unmodified" I check them to make sure. I've never had any trouble finding them when I needed them, it was usually when I needed an install disk for Windows 7 that I didn't have a disk for, for In-Place installs.

PhoneMan said:
8.1 RTM update should be available at 4AM Oct 17 in California.

Thanx.
 

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    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
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