Solved Clean install of Windows 8.1 when installing a new SSD

jsx821

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Hello everyone,
I bought an acer 756-2808 netbook last year with windows 7 from Amazon. This netbook came with a "upgrade to Windows 8 for just $15.99" special deal by Microsoft for computers purchased between June 2012 and Jan 31. 2013. So, I did the upgrade when it was released.

Sadly, I probably only used netbook for a month or two because the LED screen cracked. They are pretty fragile.
Since I'm on winter break from college- I decided to do something productive and bring this thing back from the grave.
Thus far, I replaced the screen ($50 off ebay) and replaced it myself. Wasn't too bad at all.
Then, I upgraded to 8GB ram. This thing flies!

I downloaded 'produkey' from nirisoft.net, because I can't find the product key anywhere for the life of me.
So, now I have the product key for the current windows 8 installed. Will this upgrade product key work for a clean install?


Moving on, I ordered a Samsung 840 Pro 128 GB which should be arriving in a few days.
Finally, I want to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 using a Windows 8 Product key. Is this possible?
The original HDD on this netbook has nothing on it, so I don't really have to back anything up either (like I said I barely used it for two months before the screen cracked!)

I did some searches and found this link:
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/34102-how-download-windows-8-1-clean-install.html

So if the above step is correct.
Do I:
1.) Get the ISO on the USB following the steps mentioned in the link above.
2.) Take out old HDD and install new SSD
3.) Reboot computer with USB
4.) ?
5.) ?
6.) ?
etc.

Are these steps incorrect? Sorry- my noobself needs some clarification. Thank you for reading. :D
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1

Thanks for the response. I guess my main question is the $15 windows 8 upgrade I got for buying the netbook from amazon considered a retail product key? My netbook came with windows 7 originally and I upgraded. Now I want to upgrade to 8.1 onto my new SSD. Sorry for being confusing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
I guess my main question is the $15 windows 8 upgrade I got for buying the netbook from amazon considered a retail product key?

YES, it is RETAIL.
 

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 guess my main question is the $15 windows 8 upgrade I got for buying the netbook from amazon considered a retail product key?

YES, it is RETAIL.

I guess my main question is the $15 windows 8 upgrade I got for buying the netbook from amazon considered a retail product key?

YES, it is RETAIL.
Thank you sir. Using your tutorials:
I created system repair disk on a usb thumb drive
Created 8.1 ISO with windows 8 product key
Used that 8.1 ISO via windows 7 usb/dvd tool to create bootable usb thumb drive.

Now, do I do this tutorial (Clean the HD Drive, using Step one in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums) before I swap out my one and only HDD for the new SSD or after?

Also, AHCI mode must be enabled in BIOS correct?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1

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
Now, do I do this tutorial (Clean the HD Drive, using Step one in this tutorial:
SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums) before I swap out my one and only HDD for the new SSD or after?

Also, AHCI mode must be enabled in BIOS correct?

1) As the SSD is new you can miss out that step.

2) Yes, AHCI mode must be enabled in BIOS.


K, last question I swear :D.

Does the AHCI mode have to be enabled before I install the 8.1 OS onto the new SSD or after?

Also, I've been researching and seeing that people are messing with the registry as well?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
1) Yes before install.

2) Still away from the registry.
 

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
You are welcome. :dinesh:
 

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
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