Windows on a bare Hard Drive

jimmieballgame

New Member
Messages
8
What I have is a 160 GB hard drive using Vista that will not start. (I received the message that the resistry is corrupt.)

What I want is to put in a new 1 TB hard drive as the master, purchase Windows 8 and load it on the new HD.

I read "Clean Install - Windows 8". Several question have come to mind.

1.
-----------NEEDED ----------------------------------------------I HAVE--------------------
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster -----------------------Celeron D 360 - Up to 3.46 GHz
RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) ---------------2 GB
Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) ------------1 TB
Graphics card: MicrosoftDirectX 9 graphics device or higher----Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950

Will my present graphics card be good enough for "8"?

2. If this works, will I be able to hook up the old HD as the slave and then retrieve my old files to be saved on the new HD?

3. Since I want my own copy of "8", (retail) where can I buy one and how much? All I've seen are upgrades.

4. Sometime in the near future, I'd like to get a bigger, better, badder motherboard, graphics card & processor, will I still be able to use this copy of Windows 8? (want to do some video editing)

5. Do I need to get the "System Builder” version since this won’t be an upgrade?

Sure would appreciate any help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
Hello Jimmie, and welcome to Eight Forums.

According to the specs of your Intel GMA 950 below, it does barely meet the minimum requirements. I don't see a Windows 8 driver available for it, but maybe Windows 8 will install a generic driver for it if all else fails.

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Overview

Since you own Vista and will be retiring it, you do qualify for an upgrade copy of Windows 8. You could use the tutorial below for how to do a clean install with an upgrade copy of Window 8. You can purchase a retail (upgrade) Windows 8 at any retail store or online. You do not need to buy a "System Builder" copy.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13375-clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.html

Yes, if you like, you could connect your old 160 GB HDD afterwards, copy back what you want, format it, and use it how you like.

Hope this helps, :)
Shawn
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Another question

Since my Vista is not working because the PC won’t start, how can I upgrade to Windows 8? Microsoft doesn’t know if I have Vista or not.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
No worries. If you install it using the method in the clean install with upgrade tutorial, you shouldn't have any issues. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Normally I would recommend running the upgrade adviser, Upgrade to Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows , but that isn't possible if your PC won't boot to Windows. I had an Acer Aspire 5920, it had the Intel 965m chip-set. Windows 8 installed but trying to do a WEI failed. I suspect it was because of the graphics, I couldn't find a driver so I was stuck with "Standard VGA". There was some other hardware that wouldn't work correctly too, don't remember what they were now though. Windows 7 ran fine on it though. Just a FYI post.

You may want to give the Windows 8 Enterprise trial a go before you buy Windows 8. Its the equivalent of 8 Pro with some extra features. If everything works with this then 8 Pro should work fine too.
Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Normally I would recommend running the upgrade adviser, Upgrade to Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows , but that isn't possible if your PC won't boot to Windows. I had an Acer Aspire 5920, it had the Intel 965m chip-set. Windows 8 installed but trying to do a WEI failed. I suspect it was because of the graphics, I couldn't find a driver so I was stuck with "Standard VGA". There was some other hardware that wouldn't work correctly too, don't remember what they were now though. Windows 7 ran fine on it though. Just a FYI post.

You may want to give the Windows 8 Enterprise trial a go before you buy Windows 8. Its the equivalent of 8 Pro with some extra features. If everything works with this then 8 Pro should work fine too.
Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation

Thanks for the input. I see where you agreed with theog so I'll try that way.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox

What size file is the Windows 8.1 Preview? I read somewhere that you need around 16 GB on your hard drive in order to load Windows 8. That sounds like a LOT!! Will it fit on a CD or does it take a DVD? I'm going to have my Grandson download it to one of those so I can load it on mine. Will this work? How long do I have to use the Preview before I have to shell out the bucks?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
What size file is the Windows 8.1 Preview? I read somewhere that you need around 16 GB on your hard drive in order to load Windows 8. That sounds like a LOT!! Will it fit on a CD or does it take a DVD? I'm going to have my Grandson download it to one of those so I can load it on mine. Will this work? How long do I have to use the Preview before I have to shell out the bucks?
It's something like:
  • 32-bit : 2.6 GB
  • 64-bit : 3.5 GB
It won't fit on a CD but should be no problem on a DVD.

I advise choosing the number of bits (32 or 64) you want to end up with in Windows 8, because I think you should be able to download the regular Windows 8 ISO from the Preview once you've got it going, but it keeps the same number of bits.

The Preview will work until the middle of January 2014 (think it's January 14th or 15th) and then it will stop working.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
What size file is the Windows 8.1 Preview? I read somewhere that you need around 16 GB on your hard drive in order to load Windows 8. That sounds like a LOT!! Will it fit on a CD or does it take a DVD? I'm going to have my Grandson download it to one of those so I can load it on mine. Will this work? How long do I have to use the Preview before I have to shell out the bucks?
It's something like:
  • 32-bit : 2.6 GB
  • 64-bit : 3.5 GB
It won't fit on a CD but should be no problem on a DVD.

I advise choosing the number of bits (32 or 64) you want to end up with in Windows 8, because I think you should be able to download the regular Windows 8 ISO from the Preview once you've got it going, but it keeps the same number of bits.

The Preview will work until the middle of January 2014 (think it's January 14th or 15th) and then it will stop working.

Thanks for the info. Now I know why people like me just go out and buy a completed PC. :doh:

Which is exactly what I would do if I could afford it. But....

I have 32-bit Vista on a hard drive that won't start. Must I go 32-bit Windows 8.1 or can I go 64-bit? Will I be able to transfer files from my 32-bit Vista HD slave to a new 64-bit Windows 8.1 HD master or are the hard drives going to act like the Hatfields and McCoys? Will my equipment even handle 64-bit? I plan on upgrading everything in the next 5-7 months. I want to do video editing when I've got it going.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
Thanks for the info. Now I know why people like me just go out and buy a completed PC. :doh:

Which is exactly what I would do if I could afford it. But....

I have 32-bit Vista on a hard drive that won't start. Must I go 32-bit Windows 8.1 or can I go 64-bit?

You possibly can go 64-bit, but I think the question is whether you should. This quote from another thread today is perhaps relevant:

Most notebooks are currently sold with a 64 bit CPU because that is what most modern CPUs are. But they often run a 32 bit OS because that is most appropriate for what a notebook was designed for. Many people think that a 64 bit OS will be significantly faster than a 32 bit but in most cases that just isn't the case. The performance advantages will be minimal and in many cases it will be slower. A 64 bit OS has some major advantages but these are primarily for native 64 bit applications which for a number of reasons are not really appropriate for a notebook. For most people the primary advantage of a 64 bit OS is the ability to access over 4 GB RAM and then only when running applications that can really take advantage of it.

Also if you have some old software, 32-bit will run a few things that 64-bit won't, and with an older PC, it may be easier to get 32-bit drivers that match your hardware.

Personally, with 2GB of RAM, and older hardware, I'd stick with 32-bit.

Will I be able to transfer files from my 32-bit Vista HD slave to a new 64-bit Windows 8.1 HD master or are the hard drives going to act like the Hatfields and McCoys?
I'm going to leave that one to someone who knows more about disks than I do. :eek:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
32 bit versus 64 bit will not affect file transfers from one drive to another if that is what you are wondering. Both will NTFS.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
"You possibly can go 64-bit, but I think the question is whether you should. This quote from another thread today is perhaps relevant:

Most notebooks are currently sold with a 64 bit CPU because that is what most modern CPUs are. But they often run a 32 bit OS because that is most appropriate for what a notebook was designed for. Many people think that a 64 bit OS will be significantly faster than a 32 bit but in most cases that just isn't the case. The performance advantages will be minimal and in many cases it will be slower. A 64 bit OS has some major advantages but these are primarily for native 64 bit applications which for a number of reasons are not really appropriate for a notebook. For most people the primary advantage of a 64 bit OS is the ability to access over 4 GB RAM and then only when running applications that can really take advantage of it.

Also if you have some old software, 32-bit will run a few things that 64-bit won't, and with an older PC, it may be easier to get 32-bit drivers that match your hardware.

Personally, with 2GB of RAM, and older hardware, I'd stick with 32-bit."

Thanks David, I'll be taking your advice. I appreciate your time annd your rely.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
32 bit versus 64 bit will not affect file transfers from one drive to another if that is what you are wondering. Both will NTFS.

Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted to know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
No matter where you are, if you just heard an explosion, that was my head blowing up.

Getting close to getting this done and I find a hundred foot wall stopping me.

Since my HD with Vista isn't working, I was going to have my Grandson in Colorado download Windows 8.1 Preview and burn it on a DVD. My wife, who is visiting him would bring it back tomorrow and I could do a fresh install on a new HD. When looking through the page for the Windows 8.1 Preview download, I read this:

"You must be signed in to your PC with a Microsoft account to be able to use Windows 8.1 Preview. The option to create a local account will be made available at the final release of Windows 8.1."

Now what? "To be able to use"? Can I load this preview version and then once it's going sign in to my pc with a Microsoft account? Or, if I can't sign in before I load it [which I can't do at all], am I completely out of luck?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vista
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compaq Presario SR5010NX
    CPU
    Celeron D 360
    Motherboard
    945GCT-HM (Livermore)
    Memory
    2 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated graphics using Intel GMA 950
    Browser
    Firefox
If you disable network access while you're running the install, it defaults to a local account.

How you disable network access varies depending on your PC, but if you unplug any network cable and switch off your Wifi switch on the computer (and perhaps temporarily switch off your router for good measure) that should probably do it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, 10
No matter where you are, if you just heard an explosion, that was my head blowing up.

Getting close to getting this done and I find a hundred foot wall stopping me.

Since my HD with Vista isn't working, I was going to have my Grandson in Colorado download Windows 8.1 Preview and burn it on a DVD. My wife, who is visiting him would bring it back tomorrow and I could do a fresh install on a new HD. When looking through the page for the Windows 8.1 Preview download, I read this:

"You must be signed in to your PC with a Microsoft account to be able to use Windows 8.1 Preview. The option to create a local account will be made available at the final release of Windows 8.1."

Now what? "To be able to use"? Can I load this preview version and then once it's going sign in to my pc with a Microsoft account? Or, if I can't sign in before I load it [which I can't do at all], am I completely out of luck?

What that means is during the install you'll be prompted to enter your Microsoft Account info for logon. The local account option doesn't show like before. As DavidY pointed out, if you don't have Internet Access it will show up. I've also heard if you click no or cancel or whatever it is, three times, the local account option shows up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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