Solved Make a fresh installation of Windows 8

Emtr

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Hello,

I bought my gaming laptop with Windows 8, SSD and HDD. I want to make a custom installation where I delete all partitions from the SSD and HDD disks and create them all over again (as in delete even any Backup/Recovery partitions, factory settings, etc.). I mean, what should I burn to DVD, should I take some new ISO file and burn setup files from there to DVD with the same Windows 8 version?

Or can I burn to DVD setup files I already have but without any factory settings to do what I want? Also would it recognize the built-in Windows 8 license if I used another ISO? How do I proceed? I am not sure what the backup partition has but I dont think I should be burning it if it is recovery and I want a fresh installation and building of all partitions.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Which Brand of Laptop are you using? Please Tell Us.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows® 8.1 Pro 64-Bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell® XPS® 15-9530
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7 4702HQ @3.20GHz
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    Intel® HM86 Express Chipset
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Hello,

I bought my gaming laptop with Windows 8, SSD and HDD. I want to make a custom installation where I delete all partitions from the SSD and HDD disks and create them all over again (as in delete even any Backup/Recovery partitions, factory settings, etc.). I mean, what should I burn to DVD, should I take some new ISO file and burn setup files from there to DVD with the same Windows 8 version?

Or can I burn to DVD setup files I already have but without any factory settings to do what I want? Also would it recognize the built-in Windows 8 license if I used another ISO? How do I proceed? I am not sure what the backup partition has but I dont think I should be burning it if it is recovery and I want a fresh installation and building of all partitions.
Check the following tutorials out thoroughly before proceeding:

SSD / HD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation (you may want to use this cleaning/optimization approach--see first four steps--use clean all command)

Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant - Download and Run (how to get the right ISO* to burn to disk for installation or to use in creating an install thumb drive (see installation with DVD or USB thumb drive). You also could purchase retail upgrade software to install or purchase system builder software and install under the personal-use license);

Clean Install - Windows 8 (general reference including link for installing under UEFI: UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) - Install Windows 8 with);

Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade (use if need to use the refresh procedure to activate Windows 8 after reinstallation) and

Windows 8 Upgrade ISO - Download or Create (for use if your ISO does not have needed UEFI support--see option two--your OEM embedded product key, if you have one, will not work in option one--if your computer does not have an embedded product key, then presumably you could get an ISO via option one))
______________
*Some will say find a genuine ISO, of the needed type and bitness online. I'd do that if I believed that following such a procedure is EULA consistent and I was certain that I had found the real thing online. Not recommending, but see, for example, The Official Windows 8 Repository.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
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    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
I bought my gaming laptop with Windows 8, SSD and HDD.

Welcome to EightForums.

To clean install

1) wipe the HDD using Step one in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums

2) Clean install using this tutorial:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html


If your SSD is your IRST acceleration cache, take look at this thread.
http://www.eightforums.com/installa...tall-hp-32gb-mssd-hdd-acceleration-cache.html

or
information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html




You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html



Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
@Narayan

GT70 0ND with 16GB DDR3, 4GB GeForce 675MX, 128MB SSD mSATA and 750GB HDD SATA 7200rpm, IntelCore i7 2.4 GHz

@znod

Thanks but I am not that clueless... nor was my question. I know how to make setup from ISO, how to create the partitions and wipe out all. Why would I need to use upgrade steps - upgrade to what? I already have Win 8. Also why use the command prompt commands when I can just run Setup and delete all the partitions from Windows Setup including the recovery one and that is how I clean all leaving nothing behind?

My question was how to get to the point of making a Windows 8 install DVD - should I use files from the recovery partition or should I go for a separate ISO of the same Windows 8 and just use the same key after installation. The problem is the key is probably in the hardware, I am not sure if it will be recognized or how I will get it, or if it will be required if I ran Windows 8 installation from a separate burned ISO files.

@theog


Your last link could tell something if it wasnt talking about brand-specific BIOS steps, I dont want to touch BIOS since we all know, all we need for what I ask is a Setup disk for Win 8 and then delete all partitions during Setup, create new ones and install. I just wanted to know where to get the setup from and the key I have in-built.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Probably easiest to use a separate install.iso.

Might be difficult to exclude the oem crap if you try making it from the contents of the recovery partition.

Perhaps a good idea to make a complete image of the HD beforehand - Paragon is best for that imo.

In theory, it should pick up the embedded key automatically.

Just in case I would back up the activation first - if necessary it can be restored after installation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
@Narayan

GT70 0ND with 16GB DDR3, 4GB GeForce 675MX, 128MB SSD mSATA and 750GB HDD SATA 7200rpm, IntelCore i7 2.4 GHz

@znod

Thanks but I am not that clueless... nor was my question. I know how to make setup from ISO, how to create the partitions and wipe out all. Why would I need to use upgrade steps - upgrade to what? I already have Win 8. Also why use the command prompt commands when I can just run Setup and delete all the partitions from Windows Setup including the recovery one and that is how I clean all leaving nothing behind?

My question was how to get to the point of making a Windows 8 install DVD - should I use files from the recovery partition or should I go for a separate ISO of the same Windows 8 and just use the same key after installation. The problem is the key is probably in the hardware, I am not sure if it will be recognized or how I will get it, or if it will be required if I ran Windows 8 installation from a separate burned ISO files.
Whatever. I don't think your "question" was particularly well stated. IMO, I gave reasonable links, etc., in the context of the things you mentioned originally.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
^ What was so unclear in asking 'Can I just get Win 8 setup on DVD, run setup - wipe partitions with all their factory settings and hidden partitions, create new partitions from scratch myself, install Win 8 clean with the OEM key if such existed'

Probably easiest to use a separate install.iso.

Might be difficult to exclude the oem crap if you try making it from the contents of the recovery partition.

Perhaps a good idea to make a complete image of the HD beforehand - Paragon is best for that imo.

In theory, it should pick up the embedded key automatically.

Just in case I would back up the activation first - if necessary it can be restored after installation.

^ Thanks, this is a closer answer to my question. I talked to MSI support they told me if I were to install Win8 separately, I'd need a license. Does that mean that the license is somehow attached to the recovery/backup installation (or there is no such license needed at all), and for a windows 8 one, I'd need a new key? So according to them, it may not pick up a key if not their installation but such key may not exist at all. I had Alienware in the past and also didnt require any keys from their CD.

Might as well go back to Win 7 for which I have license...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
You are not installing it separately - you are reinstalling over the original.
You already paid for a license. You must install the same edition if you want to use your existing license. Core or Pro.
Plenty of people want clean non oem crapware installs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
^ What was so unclear in asking 'Can I just get Win 8 setup on DVD, run setup - wipe partitions with all their factory settings and hidden partitions, create new partitions from scratch myself, install Win 8 clean with the OEM key if such existed'
You won't like my reply, but you sounded (in your original post--won't comment on your later posts) pretty "clueless" (your word, post #5) about the steps needed to accomplish what you want as stated originally and above. My original reply contains reasonable responses relevant to what you mention above.

I did neglect to reply about the OEM key part. You should not need to know it if you have one. It should be detected automatically upon reinstall. Regardless, there are various apps that will tell you what you key is. Haven't used it, but apparently Belarc Advisor is one.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
@znod
Omg pls do not teach me how to deal with partitions, this is my doing, yes I am clueless about how Win 8 fresh installation erasing everything before that and using a built-in key will go as I've not done it before with that OS... that's why I am here... Oh and thanks for a link with utlities to get product key.

You are not installing it separately - you are reinstalling over the original.
You already paid for a license. You must install the same edition if you want to use your existing license. Core or Pro.
Plenty of people want clean non oem crapware installs.

Sure, I have no intention to go for any other such as Pro. I am new to Win 8 and from what I know there are Win 8, Win 8 Pro and some RTA: version. I never learnt what Win 8 my laptop came with but all point to the Core/Home/ basic/ version. Ok I will give this a shot although the MSI support told me a new license is needed when you install Win 8 from another disk and not their recovery (or they told me so because they couldn't tell me I can actually use the same license, since it's all the windows ToS)

Yeah Im trying to do CLEAN INSTALL:

A clean install is also sometimes referred to as a"custom install."In other words, a clean install of Windows 8 is the erase-whatever-is-there-and-install-a-new-copy-of-Windows-8 process and is usually the best method of installing Windows 8
How To Clean Install Windows 8 (Part 1 of 2)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
I never learnt what Win 8 my laptop came with but all point to the Core/Home/ basic/ version.

Windows 8 core COA is GREEN.
Windows 8 Pro COA is BLUE.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
@znod
Omg pls do not teach me how to deal with partitions, this is my doing, yes I am clueless about how Win 8 fresh installation erasing everything before that and using a built-in key will go as I've not done it before with that OS... that's why I am here...
I didn't specifically mention partition(s), although you mentioned them various times in your earlier posts. I certainly was not teaching you about them just because the links I gave mention partitions. You are welcome on the product key link.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
I never learnt what Win 8 my laptop came with but all point to the Core/Home/ basic/ version.

Windows 8 core COA is GREEN.
Windows 8 Pro COA is BLUE.

No COA, the license is integrated in the BIOS. Wich is why I need to find a way to make a Windows 8 setup of the same windows for DVD, now I don't know any ISOs. And I will use some utility if needed to snag that OEM key for activation/installation.

Where do I find the Windows 8 product key when it was preinstalled on - Microsoft Community

Ok from another source, I got info it is the Home/Non Pro edition which was expected, since they usually come with the home editions.

So I just need an ISO from which to make my DVD, I saw the links on page 1 but aren't they for upgrade, I don't wanna do upgrades, just get the setup files for a clean installation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Yeah Im trying to do CLEAN INSTALL:

As your new PC has a UEFI/BIOS firmware.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a UEFI/BIOS firmware:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-8-a.html


COA
windows_8_pro_oem_sticker_.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Yes another owner of MSI told me it is the Windows 8 64 bit (Home/non Pro edition). I am fine with it, I understand I should be installing that one and not Pro or any other. The question is if there is an ISO file similar to how there is legal ISO files here for Win 7 or some other way.

My MSI is a notebook. what do I need the UEFI for - faster booting? (I am fine without it) That's why I will delete the recovery, I do not need to use installations that come with recovery/factory settings and firmware, just want an ISO that has nothing but the Windows 8, no extras.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
So I just need an ISO from which to make my DVD, I saw the links on page 1 but aren't they for upgrade, I don't wanna do upgrades, just get the setup files for a clean installation.
See my post #3: "*Some will say find a genuine ISO, of the needed type and bitness online. I'd do that if I believed that following such a procedure is EULA consistent and I was certain that I had found the real thing online. Not recommending, but see, for example, The Official Windows 8 Repository."

I am not claiming that the repository has what you want, nor am I recommending that you get an ISO "online." The repository is just an example.

Note that using upgrade software typically is the way individuals reinstall Win8 cleanly.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
My MSI is a notebook. what do I need the UEFI for?

If you have a old PC, you have a Legacy BIOS.

If you have a new PC with Windows 8 Pre-installed, you have a UEFI/BIOS firmware.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
At least some of those key finders will give you the wrong answers.

Google how to back up activation.

Google for an iso.

Install iso's should contain both regular and Pro.

You won't get links posted here.

I never learnt what Win 8 my laptop came with but all point to the Core/Home/ basic/ version.

Windows 8 core COA is GREEN.
Windows 8 Pro COA is BLUE.

No COA, the license is integrated in the BIOS. Wich is why I need to find a way to make a Windows 8 setup of the same windows for DVD, now I don't know any ISOs. And I will use some utility if needed to snag that OEM key for activation/installation.

Where do I find the Windows 8 product key when it was preinstalled on - Microsoft Community

Ok from another source, I got info it is the Home/Non Pro edition which was expected, since they usually come with the home editions.

So I just need an ISO from which to make my DVD, I saw the links on page 1 but aren't they for upgrade, I don't wanna do upgrades, just get the setup files for a clean installation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
My MSI is a notebook. what do I need the UEFI for - faster booting? (I am fine without it) That's why I will delete the recovery, I do not need to use installations that come with recovery/factory settings and firmware, just want an ISO that has nothing but the Windows 8, no extras.
The benefits/implications of UEFI are not dependent on whether you have a notebook, a desktop, or whatever. Having "recovery" is consistent with your installation being under either UEFI or legacy BIOS. You have never given sufficient information for us to know whether your existing installation was under UEFI or legacy BIOS. That't why you keep seeing replies that are pertinent to each or both of these possibilities (see my original post, for example).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
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