Solved WIn 8 & 8.1 Install media question

With Win 7 and vista sp2, I have all the MS SP1 ISOs (downloaded from DigitalRiver) and created the multi and universal install discs. I use these to install on machines (using the user's Prod. Key or machine COA)

For Win 8 & 8.1, the process does not seem so simple. From what I can find around the internet, I can still get the install ISOs from MS, but I must have a product key to download it? I do have a win 8.0 pro product key, but not the Win 8.1. I know that I will sometimes need 8.1 install media.

So what is the best way for me to get the 8.0 & 8.1 install ISOs so that I can perform installs as needed? Nothing but legitimate installs with keys, I just need the 8 & 8.1 ISOs to place with my other install ISOs so that they'll be there, fast and ready when the need arises.

Also, is it possible to make the multi version install dvds, as with the win 7/ei.cfg removal?

Thanks,
Salt

Hello Salt,

If you have a "retail" product key and not an OEM key, then you could use OPTION ONE to download a Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 key.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

If you should ever need to do a direct clean install of Windows 8.1, you could install it with a generic key. When installation is finished, change the key to your Windows 8 key to activate.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi Brink. This sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. Thank you!

I see that I would have to be in 32 bit to get x32 and likewise, 64 bit for x64. I think I could manage that. I would likely be dealing mostly with Pro or Core (Home) versions. Does this allow me to install both versions or will I need to wait for a machine with the core version to cross my desk to download it?

The ISO file for Pro and core is the same. The product key you enter during installation is what determines if Pro or core gets installed.

Perfect! Again, thanks very much.

You're most welcome.

Hi Brink. I'm downloading now (at 10%). This process worked great! Since the download windows doesn't say, am I correct in assuming that C:\ESD\Windows is the folder the ISO will end up in?

Good news so far.

If you selected the Install by creating media option in step 7 and ISO file in step 8 of Option Two, then the ISO file should be where you selected in step 9 when it's finished downloading.

I don't remember an Install by Creating Media option...it just started downloading. Did I miss the boat?

Edit: I guess I should mention that I'm using a Win 7 Pro x64 machine to dl with a win8 pro retail P.K.

Sounds like you may have selected Install now instead.

You could still create an ISO using OPTION THREE, but you'll need to stop Windows installation if setup begins.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Brink said:

Sounds like you may have selected Install now instead.

You could still create an ISO using OPTION THREE, but you'll need to stop Windows installation if setup begins.

Click to expand...

I must have...don't know how I missed it. Lucky for me that there seems to be an answer for everything here . And once again, thank you.

You're most welcome. Please let us know how it went.

All is well. Thanks!

Great news.