How to clean reinstall OEM Windows 8 (non-Pro)?

FuturDreamz

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Let's say your computer comes with Windows 8 (not 8 Pro) preinstalled, using a SLIC and not a product key. Yu decide you hate the OEM crapware and want to do a clean reinstall. Bt you don't have reinstallation media, or the media includes the crapware.

What are your options?
 

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If I understand what you are saying you could just do the install and then run PC Decrapifier.

Works great for me anyways.
 

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Let's say your computer comes with Windows 8 (not 8 Pro) preinstalled, using a SLIC and not a product key. Yu decide you hate the OEM crapware and want to do a clean reinstall. Bt you don't have reinstallation media, or the media includes the crapware.

What are your options?
I have trouble imagining having a satisfactory computing experience without having at least an upgrade install DVD. Here is a tutorial that allows you to downgrade Win8 to Win7 when running preinstalled Win8 and UEFI (doing so not so challenging without UEFI). Next, you download the Win8 upgrade (or buy the needed disc set retail), create the install media of your choice if necessary, and clean install. Hopefully, you have what's needed to install Win7. With newer hardware. there may be issues if you need to go back to, say, Vista.
 
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"IF" you can get a copy of the installation media (either retail, Technet, MSDN, Dreamspark, etc), you can install with this disc.

Your system has the key burned into the mobo and during installation you will simply NOT be asked for a key, and the software will just load and will automatically activate.

I just did this on an Acer computer we had at work for a tradeshow. I used my MSDN copy of Windows 8 64bit and reinestalled clean. No key needed whatsoever.
 

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But there's no way to download the installation media using the key?
 

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    Windows 8.1
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But there's no way to download the installation media using the key?

Correct, you must have an option to get a copy of the media. If you have Technet, MSDN or a friend who has either who can supply you with an ISO would get you the install media you need.
 

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    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
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    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
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    ABS M1 Mechanical
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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Ah. I did find a list of keys that I can use to download (but not activate), but I can't really link to them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
Ah. I did find a list of keys that I can use to download (but not activate), but I can't really link to them.
To do what you want in an EULA consistent way, you need to pay the price of admission--which means that you have to buy a second product key. In this regard, there is no legitimate way to get an ISO without having or obtaining a valid product key--not including an embedded OEM product key. In this regard, I am ignoring the possibility of creating an ISO from purchased retail software--which would automatically come with a product key in the first place. Note that I am not going debate whether one should or should not be able to do what you want without buying a second product despite existing EULA's an OEM agreements.

So, you have, IMO, two at least semi-reasonable alternatives (i.e., ignoring getting an ISO--which you also could do, but the issues would not go away). First, you could purchase a retail Win8 Pro upgrade software set (not going to deal with plain Win8--why bother?). This set comes with two discs (32-bit and 64-bit), and the 64-bit disc will have UEFI support. Given this set, you can install anyway you want. But, there is a possible question about the EULA consistency of using such software to reinstall even the same version of Win8 on an OEM computer (unless you forfeit a key from other qualifying software). I'm not going to get into all the issues that might be raised here.

The second alternative is to purchase MS system builder software and install under the personal-use license (you can get at least 64-bit pro with UEFI). This software is full-install software. Thus, this disc can be used to install any way you want and over anything you want with no qualms whatsoever (unless there is some specific prohibition/stipulation from your OEM). This alternative is the one I would choose. In this regard, I would gladly use the software to obliterate an OEM installation. I like this alternative because it would allow me to get as far as possible from being under the thumb or either MS or an OEM.

Confusion can occur when reading the EULA pertaining to this software/license. If interested, then see this thread: Win8 OEM System Builder License. My conclusion, based on the discussion in the thread, is that the correct operational interpretation is that anyone can use this software and license.

Here is what I think is allowed to anyone buying such software and installing under the personal-use license. First, you can have one installation at a time on one owned computer. Your installation can be moved from one owned computer to another owned computer an unlimited number of times. Any owned computer can be changed in any way an unlimited number of times without affecting your installation rights. You can transfer the software/license combo to another individual if you are willing to forfeit the right to use the software/license yourself.
 
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But both of those seem to still require purchase of a new license, when you already have a valid Windows 8 license embedded into your computer?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
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    Intel i5-4210U
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    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
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    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
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    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
But both of those seem to still require purchase of a new license, when you already have a valid Windows 8 license embedded into your computer?
You have a valid OEM product key. It would have to be used for any installation your do.

But, as said, "to do what you want in an EULA consistent way, you need to pay the price of admission--which means that you have to buy a second product key. In this regard, there is no legitimate way to get an ISO without having or obtaining a valid product key--not including an embedded OEM product key. In this regard, I am ignoring the possibility of creating an ISO from purchased retail software--which would automatically come with a product key in the first place."

I understand why you might think you have the right to do what you want. But, unfortunately, you did not purchase that right--presumably unknowingly like many other current OEM customers.
 
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    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
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    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
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    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
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    EVGA 570 SC
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I don't see the need for anybody with a pre-built computer that comes with an OEM copy of Windows preinstalled to "need" to buy a second key if they want to reinstall the OS.

In some cases, you can buy the media from the manufacturer. I just purchased a Dell Latitude 6430u, and for $2.03 I was able to order the Windows 8 Professional Media Kit..which is the reinstall DVD...rather than a system restore with bloatware option.

Or as said before, any copy of the media would work and would simply re-use that key that is burned into the mobo. You would just need access to the media, through channels such as Technet, MSDN or Dreamspark or via a friend who has access through one of these programs who is willing to make an ISO available to you.

I don't see how the media has any influence on the legitimacy of your license key.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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1. I don't see the need for anybody with a pre-built computer that comes with an OEM copy of Windows preinstalled to "need" to buy a second key if they want to reinstall the OS.

2. In some cases, you can buy the media from the manufacturer. I just purchased a Dell Latitude 6430u, and for $2.03 I was able to order the Windows 8 Professional Media Kit..which is the reinstall DVD...rather than a system restore with bloatware option.

3. Or as said before, any copy of the media would work and would simply re-use that key that is burned into the mobo. You would just need access to the media, through channels such as Technet, MSDN or Dreamspark or via a friend who has access through one of these programs who is willing to make an ISO available to you.

4. I don't see how the media has any influence on the legitimacy of your license key.
1. As indicated, I am not going to debate such issues. I fully understand why you feel as you do.

2. No problem here. Such an agreement is between the OEM and customer. OP apparently does not have such an agreement with his OEM.

3. Doing what you suggest is contrary to Technet user-subscription conditions. And, Technet software is for evaluation purposes only--although the evaluation period is not specifically defined.

4. I can understand why you feel the way you do. But, I don't think that an OEM key bestows the same rights as a non-OEM key. Not going to debate this point though. I've pretty much explained my position as much as I think needed already. If we have a disagreement, then it is over the rights an OEM-key conveys. And, apparently, we disagree on the idea that a Technet ISO can be given away legitimately given a subscriber's agreement with Technet/MS.

Personally, I'd be very happy if consumers rebelled at current MS/OEM installation practices. And, I would be very happy if OEM customers could prevail in regard to the idea that they should have access to clean and non-bloated reinstallation software.
 

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3. Doing what you suggest is contrary to Technet user-subscription conditions. And, Technet software is for evaluation purposes only--although the evaluation period is not specifically defined.
What would be contrary to Technet would be to actually use a technet key to run on the computer in a non-evaluation environment.

A technet DVD and key, "could" be used to install on any computer at all, it could be installed on a tablet, it could be installed on any make/model, it could be installed in a VM. It could be installed on numerous machines at the same time.

This is NOT what I am suggesting. My approach utilizes the baked in OEM key. It's limited to that 1 piece of hardware, it cannot be moved, it cannot be transferred, it cannot be put onto anything else, it cannot be used on multiple PC's. It's for that 1 and only that 1 computer, forever.
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
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    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
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    23" Acer x233H
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    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I don't see anything in my Technet agreement that allows what you seem to think is allowed. I don't even have the right to use Technet software beyond an undefined evaluation period myself. I don't intend to dig into all the aspects of my Technet/MS/subscriber agreement. I'd be interested in you demonstrating your correctness in regard to what's allowed via Technet/MS/subscriber agreements though. I'd be happy to be wrong in this regard. I have no vested interest in being correct here. But, I think I am. And, I have no problem with you doing what you think is right. Shoot, stand on the corner and give away Technet ISO's if you think that doing so is consistent with Technet/MS/subscriber agreements.
 
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    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
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    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
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    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
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    Gateway
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    Dual Boot:
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    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
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    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
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    Cooler Master 932 HAF
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    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
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    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
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    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
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    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
A technet DVD and key, "could" be used to install on any computer at all, it could be installed on a tablet, it could be installed on any make/model, it could be installed in a VM.

It could be installed on numerous machines at the same time.

.
this is not true .one key per install now matter how i install them ,on a hardrive or in vm ,i still have to use 2 different keys ,and i have a 4 year old technet subscription and have one computer here running one of the evaluation installs for 3 years now
 

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    win8.1.1 enterprise
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    Hinze57
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    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
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Isn't the license agreement tied to the key? is there any difference in the media itself that ties a specific license to it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
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    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
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    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
I'm not saying that Technet "should" be used for this, but I think that if you have a legit OEM license that came with your computer, and you install using Technet media, as long as you don't use the Technet key (say to upgrade from Windows 8 standard to Windows 8 Pro), I don't think you are doing something illegal.

I understand what you get with Technet. You get the software and you get a multi-activation key. Technically, you could install Windows 8 on 5 computers at your home, you could install 5 copies of Office 2013 on these 5 computers and you could run like this for years and years and years. It's not what you are supposed to do, but there is no doubt whatsoever that people have done just this. In my opinion, this is far more illegal and hence gaining something that you shouldn't have....as compared to simply using the disc and reusing your OEM key which is already pre-baked into your machine.

If I go to NewEgg and I buy all of the parts to assemble a brand new machine, than of course, I will buy a Windows 8 System Builder/ Personal USE license and will not utilize my copy of Technet or MSDN for this machine. < I clearly see that as a 100% violation of the EULA for Technet/MSDN.

I'm sure from a legal-ese standpoint, you are correct. But I think if Microsoft knocked on your door and evaluated 2 different scenarios, it would be #2 that they go after you for, and for #1 you simply walk.
  1. You have an HP computer, and you have reinstalled your OS using a Technet DVD, but continued to use the pre-built OEM key
  2. You have 6 hand built PC's all running Windows 8 Pro with Office 2013 using Technet software and keys.

I don't for the life of me understand why new computers do not include a recovery disc, or the ability to make a recovery disk that is strictly the OS. Some consumers would choose the system image with all of the software the way it was from the factory, while others would choose the clean route and pick only what they need. If that disc can only be used on that make/model computer, and the key is burned right into the BIOS, I don't see the piracy concerns.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
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    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
A technet DVD and key, "could" be used to install on any computer at all, it could be installed on a tablet, it could be installed on any make/model, it could be installed in a VM.

It could be installed on numerous machines at the same time.

.
this is not true .one key per install now matter how i install them ,on a hardrive or in vm ,i still have to use 2 different keys ,and i have a 4 year old technet subscription and have one computer here running one of the evaluation installs for 3 years now

I think your quote is broken. With Technet, the keys are multi-activation keys. You can install them and use them multiple times. You get X # of activations over a certain timeframe per key, and you get a couple of keys. From what I have found, it provides almost limitless installs and activations.

And yes, you can run forever, but that isn't the intention of the program. It's not a pile of free software for $199. But that is how many people viewed it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Isn't the license agreement tied to the key? is there any difference in the media itself that ties a specific license to it?

This is really what I am getting at.

If you buy a computer and want to format and reinstall, as long as you are using the same version of Windows and the OEM key that your computer came with...I don't see why you would be forced to spend money on another license.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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