Clean Install - Windows 8

How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1​


This tutorial will show you how to do a clean install of Windows 8 (ex: System Builder copy) or Windows 8.1 on your PC.


Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 System Requirements
Windows 8 works great on the same hardware that powers Windows 7.

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster

RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)

Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

Graphics card: MicrosoftDirectX 9 graphics device or higher

Additional requirements to use certain features:

  • To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch.
  • To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
  • To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

warning   Warning
If you want to install Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 using UEFI instead of BIOS, then see this below first.

How to Install Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 using "Unified Extensible Firmware Interface" (UEFI)

If you wanted to do a clean install with Windows 8 upgrade media, then see the tutorial below first.

How to Do a Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade





Here's How:

1. Boot the computer from your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 installation DVD or USB flash drive.

Tip   Tip
Enable or Disable Always Automatically Boot PC from USB Drive in Windows To Go Startup Options

How to Boot from a USB Drive within Windows 8 and 8.1

How to Boot from a USB Drive on Surface



2. Select your language preferences, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)


Step1.png


3. Click/tap on the Install Now button to start the installation. (see screenshot below)


Step2.jpg

4. Enter your product key that matches the installed edition of Windows, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Note   Note
The product key you enter must match what you are installing, or it will not work.

If this is an OEM computer that came with Windows 8 or 8.1 preinstalled, then your product key is stored in the UEFI/BIOS firmware chip and will be automatically detected instead.


You will not be able to enter a Window Media Center Pack or Windows 8 Pro Pack product key. These are considered to be an upgrade key and can't be used to install Windows 8/8.1. These can only be added after Windows 8/8.1 is installed, then use Add Features to upgrade to the Window Media Center Pack or Windows 8 Pro Pack.

If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8, then see How to Do a Clean Install with Windows 8 Upgrade instead.

If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in step 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you are good.

If you have an OEM Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in step 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

If you want to clean install Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, or Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise, then you would need to change the product key later on in step 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.

Generic keys to install with:

  • Windows 8 (core): FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3
  • Windows 8 Pro: XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH
  • Windows 8 Pro with Media Center: RR3BN-3YY9P-9D7FC-7J4YF-QGJXW
  • Windows 8.1 (core): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
  • Windows 8.1 (core single language): Y9NXP-XT8MV-PT9TG-97CT3-9D6TC
  • Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB
  • Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center: GBFNG-2X3TC-8R27F-RMKYB-JK7QT
  • Windows 8.1 Enterprise: MNDGV-M6PKV-DV4DR-CYY8X-2YRXH OR FHQNR-XYXYC-8PMHT-TV4PH-DRQ3H

KMS setup keys (8/8.1): Appendix A: KMS Client Setup Keys
Click to expand...



Product_Key.jpg

5. Check the I accept the license terms box, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

step4.jpg


6. Click/tap on the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option. (see screenshot below)


Step5.jpg



7. Select the hard drive or partition that you want to install Windows 8 on, and click/tap on the Drive Options (advanced) link. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If the hard drive or partition that you have selected is shown as unallocated, then you can just click on the Next button instead and go to step 8 since it is already empty.



Step6.jpg


8. Select a hard drive or partiton that you want to do a clean install of Windows 8 on, do one of the options for how you want to install Windows 8 to that drive or partition in the yellow TIP box below, then click/tap on the Next button when finished. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If your hard drive is not displayed and it's either a SATA drive or in a RAID setup, then you need to connect a USB key or DVD disc with the RAID or SATA drivers on it, click on Load Driver, select the folder on the USB key or DVD that contains the RAID or SATA drivers to install them. Afterwards, your RAID drives will be available to select from to install Windows 8 on.

Tip   Tip
Drive options (advanced)


If you only have one partition for a disk # (hard drive) listed that you wanted to install Windows 8 on, then select the disk # and click on the Delete option if not grayed out to make it unallocated space.

If you have more than one partition for a disk # (hard drive) listed and want to install Windows 8 on only one of the partitions and keep the other partitions with that disk #, then only select the partition that you want to install Windows 8 on the Format option.

If you have more than one partition for a disk # (hard drive) listed and want to get rid of all of them to make that disk # one single partition drive again, then select a partition with that disk # and click on the Delete option for each partition with the same disk # until there is only one "unallocated space" with that disk # left as in the screenshot below.

To shrink an existing partition to create another partition to install Windows 8 on instead, select the partition that you want to shrink and click on the Extend option. Type in how much in MB (1 GB = 1024 MB) that you want to shrink it by. Now select the new extended partition.



Note   Note
The 350 MB System Reserved partition is used for the Boot Manager code, BCD (Boot Configuration Database), System Recovery Options (Windows RE), and start up files for BitLocker (if turned on).

If you want to have (recommended) the 350 MB System Reserved partition in addition to the Windows 8 C: partition on a HDD or SSD after installation, then you would need to make sure that all partitions on the drive have been deleted until it is only unallocated space. Next, select the unallocated drive to install Windows 8 on. If there are no partitions on the disk, you will get the 350 MB System Reserved.

If you do not want to have the 350 MB System Reserved partition and only the Windows 8 C: partition on a HDD or SSD after installation, then select a formatted partition or drive to install Windows 8 on. If there are any partitions on the disk, you won't get the 350 MB System Reserved.





Step7.jpg


9. The installation of Windows 8 will now begin. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: During the installation process, your screen may flash and computer will restart a few times.


Step8.jpg

10. When you get to this point, type in a computer/PC name (ex: Brink-PC) that you want for this PC, then click/tap on the Next button. (see screenshot below)


Step9.jpg


11. Select either the Use express settings or Customize button depending on how you want to set these settings. (see screenshot below)

A) If you select Use express settings, then go to step 16 below.

B) If you select Customize, then continue on to step 12 below.


Step9B.jpg



12. Select the share settings you would like. (see screenshot below)


Custom-1.jpg

Windows_8.1_Share.jpg

13. Select the Windows Update and IE security settings that you want, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)


custom-2.jpg

Windows_8.1_Updates.jpg

14. Select the settings that you want, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)


Custom-4.jpg

Windows_8.1_solutions.jpg


15. Select the settings that you want, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)


Custom-3.jpg

Windows_8.1_Info.jpg


16. Do either step 17 or step 18 below depending on if your would like to sign in to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 with either a local account or Microsoft account. (see screenshots below)

Note   Note
If you are not connected to the internet during installation, you will default to step 18C to set up a local account.

You will still be able to add or switch to a Microsoft account later after Windows is installed if you like when you are connected to the internet.



Step10.jpg

Windows_8_1_Microsoft_account.jpg



17. If you want to Sign in to Windows 8 or 8.1 with a Microsoft Account

Note   Note
Microsoft account:

  • You use your email address and password to sign in to Windows 8.
  • When you sign in with a Microsoft account, your PC is connected to the cloud.
  • Your friends’ contact info and statuses are automatically up to date from your Hotmail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other accounts.
  • You can get to and share your photos, documents, and other files from SkyDrive, Facebook, Flickr, and other accounts without signing in to each one.
  • Your personal settings are synced to any PC running Windows 8 that you sign in to, including your themes, language preferences, browser favorites, and apps.
  • You can get apps in the Windows Store and use them on any PC running Windows 8 that you sign in to.
  • Easily reacquire your Metro style apps on multiple Windows 8 PCs. The app’s settings and last-used state persist across all your Windows 8 PCs.
  • You can associate the most commonly used Windows settings to your user account. In this way, the saved settings are available when you sign in to your account on any Windows 8 PC. So your PC will be set up just the way you are used to.
  • You can also save time with sign-in credentials, because now the same credentials are available for the different apps and websites you use and you can easily get back into them without having to enter credentials every time.
  • You can automatically sign in to apps and services that use Windows Live ID for authentication.




A) Type in your email address, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below step 16)
NOTE: If you do not have a Windows Live ID email address and would like to use one, then click/tap on Sign up for a new email address link to get one.

B) Enter the password for the email address, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below and below step 16)
NOTE: If you do not have a Windows Live ID email address and would like to use one, then click /tap on Sign up for a Microsoft account link to get one.


Live-1.jpgother-1.jpg


C) For Windows 8, enter security verification info if you like, click/tap on Next, and go to step 17G below. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you are setting up an email address, then you may have a few additional screens to fill out as well.


Live-2.jpg




D) In Windows 8.1, you can use two-step verification to add this PC as a "trusted device", and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)



code-1.jpg

Enter the received security code, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

code-2.jpg

E) In Windows 8.1, select how to set up your PC, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)



  • [*=1]If you select a listed PC name that you sign in to with the same Microsoft account, then your settings and apps from that PC will be synced (copied) to this PC. Afterwards, go to step 17G below.


  • [*=1]If you selectset this up as a new PC instead, then this PC will be set up as new PC without your settings and apps synced from another PC as above. Afterwards, continue on to step 17F below.
Windows_8.1_clean_install_setup-1.jpg

Windows_8.1_clean_install_setup-2.jpg


F) Select to either "Don't use SkyDrive" or "Use SkyDrive". (see screenshot below)

SkyDrive.jpg



G) Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 will now prepare your PC for your Microsoft account.

H) Go to step 19 below.



18. If you want to Sign in to Windows 8 or 8.1 with a Local Account

Note   Note
Local account:

  • You use a user name (and password if you want one) to sign in to Windows 8 just like it was in Vista and Windows 7.
  • A local user account gives you access to only the PC it's on. You will need a separate user account created on each PC you use.
  • None of your settings will be synced between the PCs you use, and you won't get the benefits of connecting your PC to the cloud.



A) For Windows 8.1, click/tap on the Create a new account link. (see bottom screenshot below and below step 16)


Local_Account_A.png


Click/tap on the Sign in without a Microsoft account link, and go to step 18C below. (see screenshot below)

Local_Account_B.png

B) For Windows 8, click/tap on the Sign in without a Microsoft account link. (see top screenshot below step 16)



Click/tap on the Local account button, and go to step 18C below. (see screenshot below)


Step11.jpg



C) Type in user name, password, and password hint for your user account (administrator type), and click/tap on Finish. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Your user name must be different than the computer name you entered at step 10 above.




Step12.jpg


D) Windows 8 or 8.1 will now prepare your PC for your local administrator user account.


E) Continue on to step 19.



19. When installation is finished, welcome to Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. (see screenshot below)



Windows8.jpg




20. It is highly recommened that you create a password reset disk for your user account just in case you forget it later. You will be able to use it to reset your user account password.

21. Install any needed drivers for your devices, and update your WEI score.

22. If you have an Enterprise edition or needed to use a generic key to install with from step 4 above, then you will now need to change the product key to enter your key and activate it.

Tip   Tip
If you need to first find your OEM product key that is embedded in the UEFI firmware chip, then OPTION FIVE in the tutorial below can help show you what it is to enter in step 22.

How to Find Your Windows 8 and 8.1 Product Key Number





That's it,
Shawn



Related Tutorials


 

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Last edited by a moderator:
Click to expand...
znod said:
Cool. I was more curious than concerned. Still, I'd like to know what to expect if I decided to use, say, refresh or reset.

So, is everything needed (i.e., all files) for all the recovery options to work, including reset and refresh, on the Win8 partition? I remember earlier seeing situations where some needed to "insert media" after going through Startup Options Menu > Troubleshoot. I would, of couse, have no problem inserting media, but I still am trying to get a handle on what all is installed and where.

Interesting!!! So, if I turn bitlocker on now, then a 350 MB partition will be added. Will it contain only what is needed for bit locker to work? Or, for example, will it contain also all the files necessary for all the recovery options to work.
Click to expand...

It should, but if for some reason it doesn't, then you can also boot from your Windows 8 installation disc, System Repair Disc, or System Recovery Drive to boot to the System Recovery Options screen. :)

Yep, if you turned on BitLocker for your W8 partition, it will add the same full 350 MB partition since you do not already have one, or the 100 MB one from W7. Step 7 in OPTION ONE of the tutorial below can also show you more about this part if you like.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Thanks much for all of your support Shawn. It's always given and is greatly appreciated by me. :D :thumb:
 

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
You're most welcome Don. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Clean install of Windows 8 tutorial updated to include Windows 8.1 Preview. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
No System Reserved Partition created after install

Brink said:
Hello Karl,

Actually, the "System Reserved" partition is only created when Windows is installed on a unallocated disk (HDD). If the disk has been formatted prior to installation either via the method you used in a command prompt at boot or during the installation at step 7, then the "System Reserved" will not be created. Personally, I find it easier to do at step 7 using Drive options (advanced) in the tutorial.

Either way, you should still be able to create more partitions if you like. You would just need to select which partition to install Windows 8 to when you get to step 6 or 7. That's all.
Click to expand...

Hello, im trying to create the "system reserved" on a new install. I dont quite understand what brink what talking about here (specifically in green above)

I dont see the system reserved partition. I see a partion with 100mb EIF.

Is there a way to create a boot partition specifically the system reserved partion after install?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Thanks for the welcome shawn :). Im using your guide for my dual boot system windows 8 and mountain lion.

How do I make sure that I will receive the recovery drive when formatting and installing as this is really important to have for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Ozes,

I'm afraid that I'm not sure since you are dual booting with Mountain Lion. I have no experience with Mountain Lion.

My only suggestion would be to install Windows 8 first on an "unallocated disk". I'm afraid that I do not know the procedure for Mountain Lion. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink said:
Ozes,

I'm afraid that I'm not sure since you are dual booting with Mountain Lion. I have no experience with Mountain Lion.

My only suggestion would be to install Windows 8 first on an "unallocated disk". I'm afraid that I do not know the procedure for Mountain Lion. :(
Click to expand...


Thanks alot for your help!

I have 1 more question, since you are a windows master maybe you can steer me in the right direction.

I installed windows 8 pro edition that i bought. It is an upgrade. I have a copy of windows 7 that i purchased as well. I installed the windows 8 upgrade on my HD. Is there any way for me to continue using the windows 8 without having to uninstall windows 8 and reinstall windows 7 and then reinstall windows 8 again because of the licence keys?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
To qualify and use the Windows 8 "upgrade", you must replace (clean or upgrade) say Windows 7 with the Windows 8, and no longer have the Windows 7 activated while you have the Windows 8 activated.

If you have two Windows 7 keys, then you most certainly could use both the Windows 7 with the 2nd key and Windows 8 at the same time.

http://www.eightforums.com/general-support/10837-windows-8-eula.html#post129442
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Greetings

Just put a system together and am trying to install Win 8 Pro x64 using a store bought dvd. Going through your tut, all is well until I get past step 9. The screen will show "getting devices ready" starting at 1% and will continue to about 31% at which time I lose the video signal and the install will stop. The hardware is new, GA-Z77X-ud3H, I7-3770K, 2 X 8G Sport DDR3-1600 memory sticks.

Any ideas?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ga-z77x-ud3h
    Memory
    2X 8G Sport DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
Hello btcsys, and welcome to Eight Forums. :)

Are you sure the installation has stopped? What happens if you let it sit for a while (10 minutes)?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi Brink

I have left it and returned an hour later with no change. I am installing on a new 2TB seagate drive but I do make a 600G partition for the OS, but that should not matter. I do not need any more partitions so I am using legacy bios. Also, I can see the green led on the monitor turn to amber which would indicate loss of video signal.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ga-z77x-ud3h
    Memory
    2X 8G Sport DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
btcsys,

As a test, start the installation over, but this time delete all partitions on the 2TB drive until it's unallocated at step 8, then select the "unallocated" partition to see how it installs.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink said:
btcsys,

As a test, start the installation over, but this time delete all partitions on the 2TB drive until it's unallocated at step 8, then select the "unallocated" partition to see how it installs.
Click to expand...

I have tried to install this at least half a dozen times. Each time I delete all partitions until the entire drive is unallocated. I have tried 500G, 600G partitions. I have tried without partitioning the drive. I always let the installation do the formatting of the partition.

Curiously, I am able to install XP PRO x86 and Windows 7 x64 with no problems so I suspect the hardware is fine. This is my first go around with Windows 8. I have been building systems for 15 years and only remember problems of this magnitude with Windows 3.1

Incidentally, my brother seems to recall reading something about installing Windows 8 and having to be connected to the internet. I am not connected to the internet while installing Windows 8, but that will be the next thing I try. Have you heard anything about being connected to the internet while installing Windows 8?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ga-z77x-ud3h
    Memory
    2X 8G Sport DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
Usually if you are not connected to the internet, then all the Windows 8 installation does is not be able let you set up a Microsoft account or activate until you are. It should still continue to finish installing though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Brink said:
Usually if you are not connected to the internet, then all the Windows 8 installation does is not be able let you set up a Microsoft account or activate until you are. It should still continue to finish installing though.
Click to expand...

Is it possible that Windows 8 searches for and finds drivers "on the fly" during installation?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ga-z77x-ud3h
    Memory
    2X 8G Sport DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
It comes included with a set of generic drivers, and can get them through Windows Update sometimes. It's best to install the latest device drivers from their manufacturer's support site though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
btcsys said:
Hi Brink

I have left it and returned an hour later with no change. I am installing on a new 2TB seagate drive but I do make a 600G partition for the OS, but that should not matter. I do not need any more partitions so I am using legacy bios. Also, I can see the green led on the monitor turn to amber which would indicate loss of video signal.
Click to expand...

Hello BTCSYS:

I tried to respond yesterday, but forgot my password and couldn't. Seems I also forgot the right email. Thanks to Brink and his great site, I managed to get them all back.

All right, I don't know if this is going to help, but if the situation is the same, it might.

Every once and a while when I reinstall my windows in the past too and the other day when I had to reinstall windows 8 in order to update; during the installation a NVidia driver is installed and you know what? It sets the screen off my main screen. The whole thing is black. If that's the case, others too have encountered it. The hard drive keeps on spinning because drivers are being installed, but the darn video screen is black.

One fellow's solution was during a reboot, keep hitting the F8 key to go to SafeMode to reset the video, but I could never do that in windows 8. There were times when I installed windows 7 3 times in a row and every time ended in a black screen until that last time I said, this has to be a good install, and it was.

What I did the other day was after many minutes of waiting in the black screen, I entered the password that I entered somewhere along the line during the installation. After doing that the OS showed signs of working on the screen and I hit the windows key. I also hit the windows key plus the left or right arrow to shift the screen. YOu see I have two monitors hooked up now and the screen appear from the black. I should have disconnected one.

All right, maybe I am not on the mark about how to do this all because I have two screens. The point I want to make is your installation is likely all right but the video isn't set correctly. Another solution may be to just use the basic video coming out of your video card. Can't think of what its called AGP or something like that.

Brink will likely correct me on all of this and tell you how to get that video screen back; if that is what's going on with your installation.

Clarence
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    now on win 7, soon win 8
    Motherboard
    PX79 Pro
    Memory
    g skill
    Graphics Card(s)
    nividia
Hi Clarence

Interesting thoughts. Originally I had a dual monitor dvi card in the machine but when I couldn't get it to install I removed the card and have since been using the onboard video(actually the video is built into the Intel cpu chip). Unfortunately I ended up with the same results. It does seem like some kind of video conflict. I probably won't get to that box until Monday, but I will try to mess with it assuming the installation completed and there is a video problem. Microsoft has very little on their site as guidance, I thank Brink and all of you for your input on this. I'm sure we'll get it figured out eventually.

Thanks again
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    home built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ga-z77x-ud3h
    Memory
    2X 8G Sport DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    onboard
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