8.1 installed on a VM on an external SSD -- 6 Mins !

jimbo45

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Hi there

Installing W8.1 as a Virtual machine on an external SSD -- total install time 6 Mins (use an IMAGE for the ISO).

Ms has definitely got this one right for these types of applications -- I remember W7 taking about 40 mins for an install.

If you've got any sort of decent hardware at all (I3/I5/I7) installing W8.1 should be a breeze. For non VM installations install from a USB stick - that's fast too.

Don't forget to disconnect the network adapter from the Internet to avoid creating the Ms account (you get prompted with the normal Local account).

You need the ISO's though to do this quickly -- let's hope Ms gives the updated new 8.1 system as ISO's and not have to use that WRTECHED AND HIDEOUS STORE.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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Hi there

Installing W8.1 as a Virtual machine on an external SSD -- total install time 6 Mins (use an IMAGE for the ISO).

Ms has definitely got this one right for these types of applications -- I remember W7 taking about 40 mins for an install.

If you've got any sort of decent hardware at all (I3/I5/I7) installing W8.1 should be a breeze. For non VM installations install from a USB stick - that's fast too.

Don't forget to disconnect the network adapter from the Internet to avoid creating the Ms account (you get prompted with the normal Local account).

You need the ISO's though to do this quickly -- let's hope Ms gives the updated new 8.1 system as ISO's and not have to use that WRTECHED AND HIDEOUS STORE.

Cheers
jimbo

Roger that!
Word is MS is going to offer ISO's for 'Update 1'.
(Clean iso install for me is 12 minutes)

BTW: when you get to the MS account thing, click on 'Create a new account', THEN click on 'Sign in without a Microsoft account'.
View attachment 40281View attachment 40282
 

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jimbo45:8.1 Update Rollup 1 will be released through Windows Update on April 8th, which happen's to be the monthly Patch Tuesday. I heard recently they're going to release iso's of it, too.
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center x64
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Hi there
ISO's are the way to go --- With these blindingly fast install times it makes sense often when "Updating" a system to CLEAN INSTALL.

What I do is have a separate USB stick with a folder labelled INSTALLABLES which contains applications products like OFFICE etc for POST install with serial numbers etc.

Note also although "Slipstreaming" isn't available any more you can keep the MS updates in a separate folder so you don't have to do massive downloads after installing a brand new system - but with fast internet speeds - does it really matter if you have to download 2 GB of updates any more.

Here's two ways of storing the updates locally so you don't have to keep downloading. If you have a server then of course the WSUS system will do the job but for those who don't have access to that tool these links : --the seconds one is the best



Windows Updates Downloader (WUD)

Or better How To Download Windows Updates And Install On Multiple PCs

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
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