Hello all,
I've tried to search for a solution, but while I've found much useful information, I haven't been able to paste together enough to be absolutely sure.
My situation is this: my Windows 8.1 installation feels a bit buggy, and I want to do a reset. At first, I thought I would simply use the Push Button Reset functionality, but some things have come to light that make me question that approach.
First off, let me detail my current setup: I'm running a legitimate Windows 8.1 Pro x64 installation. The way I installed it on this computer, is by upgrading from an old (also legitimate) retail Windows XP key I still had laying around. I downloaded the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade ISO file on another PC using the Microsoft Setup, then used that DVD to upgrade XP to 8. I later installed 8.1 via the store.
What I failed to notice during this initial process, is that it installed using MBR instead of GPT (while I do have a UEFI motherboard). So now that I've decided I want to start fresh with this Windows installation, I figure I might as well try to get everything over on GPT as well. I also have two small unused partitions (ext4 and swap) that I made with Gparted and planned to install Ubuntu on, but I decided against it after learning how Fast Boot worked. I'd like to get that space back.
I have a couple of questions:
1) I have a Windows 8.1 retail ISO from a friend. However, he bought the "normal" version, while I have Pro. Can I use his ISO to Upgrade custom/clean install and activate my Pro installation (which is still an Upgrade license)?
2) If I boot into the installation media through UEFI, can I choose Custom Installation, delete all the partitions (current W8 installation, Data ntfs partition, ext4, and swap), get the drive over to GPT, reformat, and install my Windows 8? Will it activate with the Upgrade key still?
Regardless, I suspect it will be quite a hassle. I'm willing to stick with MBR if need be -- getting a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro is my primary goal. I guess what I'm truly asking is: What is the best approach to take in this case?
I hope you can advise me! If more info or clarification is needed, I'll gladly supply.
Thanks in advance,
Tarquin
I've tried to search for a solution, but while I've found much useful information, I haven't been able to paste together enough to be absolutely sure.
My situation is this: my Windows 8.1 installation feels a bit buggy, and I want to do a reset. At first, I thought I would simply use the Push Button Reset functionality, but some things have come to light that make me question that approach.
First off, let me detail my current setup: I'm running a legitimate Windows 8.1 Pro x64 installation. The way I installed it on this computer, is by upgrading from an old (also legitimate) retail Windows XP key I still had laying around. I downloaded the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade ISO file on another PC using the Microsoft Setup, then used that DVD to upgrade XP to 8. I later installed 8.1 via the store.
What I failed to notice during this initial process, is that it installed using MBR instead of GPT (while I do have a UEFI motherboard). So now that I've decided I want to start fresh with this Windows installation, I figure I might as well try to get everything over on GPT as well. I also have two small unused partitions (ext4 and swap) that I made with Gparted and planned to install Ubuntu on, but I decided against it after learning how Fast Boot worked. I'd like to get that space back.
I have a couple of questions:
1) I have a Windows 8.1 retail ISO from a friend. However, he bought the "normal" version, while I have Pro. Can I use his ISO to Upgrade custom/clean install and activate my Pro installation (which is still an Upgrade license)?
2) If I boot into the installation media through UEFI, can I choose Custom Installation, delete all the partitions (current W8 installation, Data ntfs partition, ext4, and swap), get the drive over to GPT, reformat, and install my Windows 8? Will it activate with the Upgrade key still?
Regardless, I suspect it will be quite a hassle. I'm willing to stick with MBR if need be -- getting a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro is my primary goal. I guess what I'm truly asking is: What is the best approach to take in this case?
I hope you can advise me! If more info or clarification is needed, I'll gladly supply.
Thanks in advance,
Tarquin
My Computer
System One
-
- OS
- Windows 8 Pro (x64)