will we be able to download 8.1 iso that can clean install

The thing I don't like about USB recovery "disks" is that I murder USB flash drives, by keeping them in my pocket all the time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
The thing I don't like about USB recovery "disks" is that I murder USB flash drives, by keeping them in my pocket all the time.

Yes, I do understand and I am really hoping that an ISO will be made available down the road for us upgraders! Moreover, the fact that they released an ISO to Technet and MSDN is a promising sign (I think). However, if it doesn't happen, and one requires a clean install, that can be accomplished by using any legitimate Windows 8.1 RTM ISO (with the associated key) and then switching that key to your legitimate Win 8 key before activation. However, a workaround to disable your internet connection before attempting the install, is required to prevent the RTM key from attempting authentication before you can switch the installation to your legitimate Win 8 key. Also, the 8.1 RTM ISO must match your previous legitimate Windows 8 installation (core, pro, etc) or it will not work for you. Good luck.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
I personally haven't used a CD/DVD to do an install in ages. I do everything from thumb drives and make a custom install drive for each PC. The only time I touch a DVD these days is for DRM protected media like games. The OEM info and logos for each PC is entered during install so I end up with this.
View attachment 29147

At present I have one Windows 7 desktop, one Windows 8 laptop, and a Windows 8.1 desktop and laptop. I've probably got 16 or so thumb drives, 4 USB external hard drives and a USB DVD burner. lol, I think there's even a USB floppy drive kicking around somewhere, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
 

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
I will not be dragged in to the registration stuff if I can avoid it.

Not for me, not for my work.

I just avoided it. If you select that you want to register a new account in that step in the Setup, you get, on the next page, the possibility to sign in without an account. That will take you to the local user setup page.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W7x64P
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Main WKS/Gaming Sloth
    CPU
    Phenom II X6 1075T, 3000 Mhz
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabretooth 990FX
    Memory
    16 GB PC3-10700
    Graphics Card(s)
    2 x ATI 6750
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x LG Flatron L2000C (3:4)
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD740ADFD (10k rpm)|
    WDC WD5000AAKS |
    WDC WD10EARS
    PSU
    750 W
    Case
    Cooler Master CM 690
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper 612S
    Keyboard
    Logitech G110
    Mouse
    Logitech G700
    Internet Speed
    ADSL 30 MBit
    Antivirus
    ESET Endpoint Protection
Disclaimer to my above post. If I worked in IT or did computer repair on a regular basis I'd likely have a stack of DVD install media. For what I do hear at home I just don't need them. For me though having the TechNet ISO's on hand to burn a DVD when the need arises is a God send. When I do get a PC to resurrect it usually arrives with no media and in an unbootable state. Or so badly infected I want to just wipe it and reinstall anyway. My TechNet ISO folder is about 76 GB. That's Windows, office, MDOP, and a few other odds and ends.
 

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
The thing I don't like about USB recovery "disks" is that I murder USB flash drives, by keeping them in my pocket all the time.

Yes, I do understand and I am really hoping that an ISO will be made available down the road for us upgraders! Moreover, the fact that they released an ISO to Technet and MSDN is a promising sign (I think). However, if it doesn't happen, and one requires a clean install, that can be accomplished by using any legitimate Windows 8.1 RTM ISO (with the associated key) and then switching that key to your legitimate Win 8 key before activation. However, a workaround to disable your internet connection before attempting the install, is required to prevent the RTM key from attempting authentication before you can switch the installation to your legitimate Win 8 key. Also, the 8.1 RTM ISO must match your previous legitimate Windows 8 installation (core, pro, etc) or it will not work for you. Good luck.

I did that on my desktop PC. I didn't bother disconnecting the internet though. I used the leaked RTM install key. Then I just clicked "activate windows" and "change product key". Then I entered my Windows 8 key that I use for that PC. It was something like that anyway. I don't remember having to jump though any hoops. There are likely several different ways to get it done.
 

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
I did that on my desktop PC. I didn't bother disconnecting the internet though. I used the leaked RTM install key. Then I just clicked "activate windows" and "change product key". Then I entered my Windows 8 key that I use for that PC. It was something like that anyway. I don't remember having to jump though any hoops. There are likely several different ways to get it done.

OK, thanks for that. Your method sounds much easier than mine; however, I just wanted to take every precaution that the RTM key would not try to authenticate on its own upon boot (with internet access enabled). For the record, my method involved the following steps to achieve the same results as alphanumeric:

Disable internet access
Clean install matching version of 8.1 RTM
Use matching RTM key to allow the installation to progress and complete
Next, I opened an elevated command prompt and inserted the following to change the key to my win 8 key:
slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx -xxxxx
Received sucessfully completed message that the RTM key was changed to my win 8 legitimate key
Immediately inserted the following message to start the activation process:
"slui 4" (without quotes)
Re-enabled internet access and followed the prompts to complete a legitimate MS phone activation.

Now, I wouldn't consider my method as "jumping through hoops" but I must admit there are a few mores steps involved. With that said, your method sounds much easier! Cheers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Thanks for all the info, guys and gals. A lot to digest, but what the hey . . .

I'm sitting here with an HP 500-056 pre-installed with Win 8. I have downloaded and burned my Technet copy of 8.1 and like everyone else I want to install 8.1 from my ISO rather than an "upgrade" delivered via online. That just scares me half to death.

As someone else said, I have 8 or 10 flash drives from 4 GB to 32 GB. What size flash drive do I need for the "restore disk" I will want to have? I'd like to have one "burned" right after my fresh install and then one after all my essential apps are installed.

Finally, how would I disable Internet without unplugging my ethernet cable to the router? Since I have a wireless router to my laptop what would I do there?

I have an external hard drive to hold all my data, which I back up to another drive and then to SkyDrive, so I don't think that will be an issue.

Thanks for any help given.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion 500-056
    CPU
    AMD Elite Quad-Core A8-6500
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 8570D
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    Fast
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Hi Wynona,

I think it only requires 256MBs of space and it will auto format for you when you select the "create recovery drive" option after installation. Here's what mine looks like for 8.1 RTM post install:

Screenshot (10).png

Just to be clear that this only gives one the ability to access recovery procedures and those are also available from the "repair" function of the RTM installation disc as well. So you should be covered 2Xs in that area of concern. Good luck.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
Finally, how would I disable Internet without unplugging my ethernet cable to the router? Since I have a wireless router to my laptop what would I do there?

OOPS, I missed that part. Go into device manager and disable your wifi network adapter. I'm not on my wireless right now but this screenshot shows the area:

Screenshot (11).png

Your wifi adapter should be right above (or below) your controller. Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel G2020
    Motherboard
    ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0
    Memory
    8GBs @ 1333 MHz
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 EVO
    PSU
    400w
    Internet Speed
    57/11
I did that on my desktop PC. I didn't bother disconnecting the internet though. I used the leaked RTM install key. Then I just clicked "activate windows" and "change product key". Then I entered my Windows 8 key that I use for that PC. It was something like that anyway. I don't remember having to jump though any hoops. There are likely several different ways to get it done.

OK, thanks for that. Your method sounds much easier than mine; however, I just wanted to take every precaution that the RTM key would not try to authenticate on its own upon boot (with internet access enabled). For the record, my method involved the following steps to achieve the same results as alphanumeric:

Disable internet access
Clean install matching version of 8.1 RTM
Use matching RTM key to allow the installation to progress and complete
Next, I opened an elevated command prompt and inserted the following to change the key to my win 8 key:
slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx – xxxxx -xxxxx
Received sucessfully completed message that the RTM key was changed to my win 8 legitimate key
Immediately inserted the following message to start the activation process:
"slui 4" (without quotes)
Re-enabled internet access and followed the prompts to complete a legitimate MS phone activation.

Now, I wouldn't consider my method as "jumping through hoops" but I must admit there are a few mores steps involved. With that said, your method sounds much easier! Cheers!

I don't think it matters if the key authenticates. I actually clicked the activate now before changing the key. It was only after trying to activate with the install key, and it failing to activate, that I got the option to enter another key and try again. I don't remember what the failure message was. There was this black helicopter circling over the house though. It seemed to fly off right after I legally activated with the Windows 8 key. :D
 

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
If memory serves me I used a 16 gig recovery thumb drive for my Laptop. That was because I checked the box to copy factory recovery partition to drive. Using that option would allow me to do a factory restore from the thumb drive. After swapping out the factory drive for an SSD though it wouldn't work. I couldn't get to to work anyway, likely because the SSD was a much smaller drive than the factory drive. If you click the wireless icon it the status monitor tray down by the clock you will get a disconnect option. The other way to do it is to turn on airplane mode.
 

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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