Windows 8 crashed

Couple of weeks ago I upgraded Windows 7 to Windows 8 from the email link received from Microsoft.No problems till yesterday when my system crashed for unknown reason..it just would not bootup..so I managed to reformat it to Windows 7 factory settings from the partition..therefore no Windows 8 anymore ( I tried to create a Windows 8 bootup disc with no success in the past) however I still have Windows 8 product key and set up link in my email
This time I would like to upgrade to Windows 8 and still keep the Windows 7 (multiboot ?) which means I would have to create two more partition..one for Windows 8 and another one for Windows 8 recovery ? ? I would appriciate if you could instruct me how to do it in simple terms.At the moment my OS C drive 420 GB free of 453 GB and my HP Recovery D 1.11 free of 17.1 GB Thanks

Hello nesetceri,

Since this is a Windows 8 upgrade, you are not suppose to keep your Windows 7 (qualifying OS) activated since that it part of the EULA agreement with the purchase of the Windows 8 upgrade. That is why you get the upgrade cheaper instead of having to buy a more expensive full version (ex: system builder) of Windows 8.


If you like, you could leave Windows 8 not activated until you wish to delete Windows 7.


http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2344-dual-boot-installation-windows-8-windows-7-vista.html


Hope this helps,
Shawn

Thanks Shawn..so in my pc as the Windows 8 is an upgrade from Windows 7 I can not have both systems available as Dual boot option and this is why when I reformatted after crash I went back to Windows 7. I think the reason my Windows 8 crashed, I downloaded third party programs- Start and Windows gadgets- which Windows 8 did not agree.As I understand Microsoft will issue a Service pack for Windows 8 very soon which will include Start and gadgets (Microsoft even deleted Windows 7 gadgets,if you loose them you can not get most of them back) So I will wait for my Start ...till then I am happy with Windows 7..

I wouldn't count on Microsoft adding the Start Menu or Gadgets to Windows 8. It's not going to happen.

Gadgets are gone for good since it was proven to be to much of a security risk. Store apps are used now instead.

The Start Menu can be added back using a 3rd party program if you like though.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/8528-start-menu-restore-windows-8-a.html