Windows 8.1 and Surface Pro

benko

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Croatia
Well, finally, the time has come - I got a Surface Pro, and I love it :D

But, I would like to try(fresh install from USB ISO, rtm edition) and play with Windows Blue. If I want to do that on a traditional PC/laptop I wouldn't even ask here how to do it, but with this I want to be sure.

I have 128GB version, so I don't need to move recovery partiton on USB, I have enough room for me, but my question is will it still be there after new, fresh installation of Windows Blue?

Since I will do a fresh install, I need to save current key for registering 8.1, if so how can I get it?

What about drivers, will they download auto after install, are they preinstalled?

Hope you can help

Benko
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
You need to wait until 18 October & download from the MS App Store.
 

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
No need to, since I have ISO. I can install them as a normal, fresh windows, just need to disable secure boot.

Later, I can format again and put fresh windows 8 and update via store ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
Do you have the Microsoft official 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
Yes, it is separated from windows c, and hidden. But I can see it in disk management utility.

I would use 8.1 just s trial, and then on 20th Oct would "recover" back to win8.

I think that should work ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
If it was me I'd make recovery media for the current Windows 8 install. I wouldn't count on being able to access the recovery partition after installing 8.1. It may still work but what if it doesn't?
 

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
Download Windows 8 ISO install it and validate it ?

I don't need to save any aps and/or data!

Plus I really think it won't be deleted since it is hidden and I can choose while installing (I hope so) what partition to remove/format/delete !?!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
If you think your covered go for it. I know my current recovery partition is a lot smaller than the factory one was. I did a clean install on a blank drive though. The order of the partitions on my drive is different now too. The recovery partition isn't where it was originally.
 

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
A fresh install would most likely make the Recovery Partition or USB Recovery drive unusable.

Updating from the MS App store, the Recovery will still be usable.
 

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
What is actually recovery partition, is that an image of the whole OS?

I can backup it on separate USB, if it's an image...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
What is actually recovery partition, is that an image of the whole OS?

I can backup it on separate USB, if it's an image...

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
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED



Will not do a clean install, only overwrites the OEM manufacturer's install.
 

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
I have a Surface Pro, and I would not do what you are thinking.

However, if you need to get the key, Get Speccy
You can use the Portable Build
The key should be the serial number under Operating System

You should make a backup of the Surface Pro Recovery though,,.,, USB recovery drive for Surface

I wouldn't continue without doing that. And recovering the Key as well.

Before I continue, I would highly suggest not doing what you are thinking of doing.
I had thought about it and decided against it myself.

I had also thought about installing Linux, but again, decided against it.

The reason is,, you can not be certain that all drivers will get installed properly,, I think.
They should all update via Windows Update, but there is no telling.

Chances are everything will run fine, without issue, and it is your choice to try it out.
For this particular system I would not. I really don't think there is any reason to do it either.

And I would wait till final release rather than take chances on the old Preview and have to start all over again later.
If anything, I would set up a Virtual Machine using Hyper-V or VMWare Virtual Player or VirtualBox.
Hyper-V is available on Surface Pro.

Your Surface will handle any of those with ease. I personally love it for that.

To disable Secure Boot.... This was taken from How to install Ubuntu on the Surface Pro | Microsoft | Geek.com

Go to Charms Bar and Change PC Settings
then General
Then Advanced Startup
When PC reboots
click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings.

This will reboot your Surface and take you to an all black screen with two options on it, Security Device Support and Secure Boot Control. Tap the space next to Secure Boot Control that is currently labeled [Enabled] and a menu will pop up prompting you to change it to [Disabled]. Once the menu reflects the correct setting you can tap Exit Setup and the Surface will reboot. You can also reach this menu if you hold down the Volume Up key on the Surface Pro while booting.

Once Secure Boot is disabled, you will be able to install anything, regardless of whether or not it is signed. Disabling doesn’t have any other effect on your Surface Pro, and Windows 8 won’t behave any differently when you reboot the Surface

Also, if needed, here is the Official Download Surface Pro firmware and driver pack from Official Microsoft Download Center
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
What is actually recovery partition, is that an image of the whole OS?

I can backup it on separate USB, if it's an image...

On a factory install yes. The wim file is an image of the factory install with all the bloatware etc. If you do a reset from that all the factory installed apps get restored. On a clean install its just windows and the generic drivers. You can make a recovery USB thumb drive and copy the recovery partition to it. Mine was almost 16 gigs for my ASUS laptop.
 

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
Tnx for the link. I have read before how to copy recovery partition to usb, but didn't know if I could make a fresh install via it. Since this is OEM "PC", I can do that(at least that is what link says). So probably I can easily recover back when needed.

Will try to make fresh install via that partition and see what happens. If that passes well, will try then Win Blue.

@Tepid - tnx for the drivers. I see no single reason why that wouldn't work. I never liked any kind of virtualization, so that is not an option. Since know I have drivers, I am sure that will work flawlessly. Oh and got the key, saved it :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
Tnx for the link. I have read before how to copy recovery partition to usb, but didn't know if I could make a fresh install via it. Since this is OEM "PC", I can do that(at least that is what link says). So probably I can easily recover back when needed.

Will try to make fresh install via that partition and see what happens. If that passes well, will try then Win Blue.

Will not do a clean install, only overwrites the OEM manufacturer's install.
 

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
From what I have read the leaked RTM version will not read your embedded key. Also the leaked install keys will not activate. If that is true you'll have to retrieve your embedded code if you want to activate it. One method is as mentioned above. My advice is to wait for the official release.
 

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
Tnx for the link. I have read before how to copy recovery partition to usb, but didn't know if I could make a fresh install via it. Since this is OEM "PC", I can do that(at least that is what link says). So probably I can easily recover back when needed.

Will try to make fresh install via that partition and see what happens. If that passes well, will try then Win Blue.

Will not do a clean install, only overwrites the OEM manufacturer's install.

^What he said, it will just restore the image of the original install. It's a recovery not a full install.
 

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
Tnx for the link. I have read before how to copy recovery partition to usb, but didn't know if I could make a fresh install via it. Since this is OEM "PC", I can do that(at least that is what link says). So probably I can easily recover back when needed.

Will try to make fresh install via that partition and see what happens. If that passes well, will try then Win Blue.

Will not do a clean install, only overwrites the OEM manufacturer's install.

What's the difference, I believe in both ways it formats windows partition?!?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
Tnx for the link. I have read before how to copy recovery partition to usb, but didn't know if I could make a fresh install via it. Since this is OEM "PC", I can do that(at least that is what link says). So probably I can easily recover back when needed.

Will try to make fresh install via that partition and see what happens. If that passes well, will try then Win Blue.

Will not do a clean install, only overwrites the OEM manufacturer's install.

What's the difference, I believe in both ways it formats windows partition?!?

Clean install has no partitions, no windows install, no Recovery partition.
 

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
By clean install I mean booting ISO from USB not that I will simply just kill whole HDD, just windows partition.

Just found smth about recovery partition

"As long as you keep that flash drive safe, you’ll be able to boot from that drive and restore Windows 8 exactly as you had it when you first turned on your Surface Pro. "
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 :)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    Core i5 2410M
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    GT 650M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 24inch
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
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