Inquiry re downloading Windows 8 now, but installing later

Lots2Learn

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I purchase a notebook last fall with Win 7 and intend to purchase the Win 8 upgrade promo that expires tomorrow (Feb 28).

However, my notebook developed a problem with the battery and currently ONLY works if plugged into a DC connection (wall plug).

I may have to return for warranty service, and that may involve wiping the hard drive (so it was suggested to me).

Therefore, I intend to hold off on the actual Windows 8 install until I get the notebook problems ironed out.

I understand that during the download process with Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, there are three options:
1. Install now
2. Install by creating media
3. Install later from your desktop

If I opt for “Install later from your desktop”, will I be able to subsequently “copy” the appropriate files to a USB/flash drive before sending off my notebook for repairs, and if the hard drive gets wiped, thereby be able to upgrade it when I get it back?

If I select “Install later from your desktop”, do the destination options allow for specifying an external device (e.g. USB/jumpdrive)?

Finally, if the answer to the above question is yes, what size USB/flash drive is required?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 5 NP535U3C

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
Create the media, that way you'll always have it. If you chose the install later from desktop method, what happens if you return it and it gets wiped?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
2. Install by creating media
Given what theog says, no matter what you do you'll get a product key that can be used with OPTION 1 of Windows 8 Upgrade ISO - Download or Create to get an ISO when needed--that can be used to create an install DVD or flash drive. In this regard, you'd need no storage.

If you want to get ahead of the game a bit (pursuing what you give as 2 above), you could use the approach described in Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant - Download and Run to obtain an ISO for use in creating an installation DVD or flash drive (i.e., consistently with what Ztruker is saying). You could store the ISO off-computer. The total storage required would be less than 3GB.
 
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
Thanks theog, Ztruker and znod for your responses. theog -- the tutorial link was particularly helpful. znod -- nice (useful) summary of options. Essentially, you are suggesting that once I make the purchase and obtain the product key, I do not have to do anything else until such time as I want to proceed with the installation, correct?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Samsung Series 5 NP535U3C
If you have the installation media ( iso in this case ) and the product key - you can install whenever you like.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thanks theog, Ztruker and znod for your responses. theog -- the tutorial link was particularly helpful. znod -- nice (useful) summary of options. Essentially, you are suggesting that once I make the purchase and obtain the product key, I do not have to do anything else until such time as I want to proceed with the installation, correct?
You are very welcome. Yes, and I think that's what theog was suggesting.
 

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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