Solved How to install WIN8 32-bit on 64-bit machine with OEM key

lbc99

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Hi everyone, hoping someone can help me out.

I recently purchased a refurbished Asus VivoBook laptop with OEM Windows 8 64-bit. The main purpose for this machine is to run a DOS-based application that only runs in a 32-bit environment. My questions is, what would be the steps, without buying a new retail version while using my OEM product key, to get Windows 8 32-bit on this computer.

Thanks in advance for any help. Let me know if you need additional info.
 
Go into bios setting and enable Legacy mode support..

Download and create windows 8.1 x86 software - clean install windows 8.1 - it will read the embedded product key or type in yours
 
Go into bios setting and enable Legacy mode support..

Download and create windows 8.1 x86 software - clean install windows 8.1 - it will read the embedded product key or type in yours
So this will be ok even though I am only on Windows 8, not 8.1?
 
you can use your windows 8 key with the new windows 8.1 setup media (link in sig below)
 
you can use your windows 8 key with the new windows 8.1 setup media (link in sig below)

So I enabled Legacy mode, downloaded Windows 8.1 32-bit and created a bootable USB drive. I then changed the boot order in BIOS but still can't get it it to install. The USB won't boot. If I remove the C drive from the boot menu, it goes straight back to BIOS when I restart it. I tried opening setup.exe directly on the USB drive and I get the following error message " Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit. When you insert it, Windows Setup with restart automatically."

If I download and try to run the 64-bit installer, will I still be able to select and install the 32-bit version somehow?
 
You can check your BIOS to see if you can enable an option to boot from USB. If not, you may be better off creating a DVD and installing from there. You won't be able to install the 32 bit version from the 64 bit installer.
 
You can check your BIOS to see if you can enable an option to boot from USB. If not, you may be better off creating a DVD and installing from there. You won't be able to install the 32 bit version from the 64 bit installer.
I went in to change the BIOS setting to boot from the USB, but it always just ends up booting up from the hard drive. When I remove the hard drive from the boot options, it just restarts to the BIOS menu. Unfortunately, this laptop doesn't have a DVD drive.

Would it be possible to format my hard drive first, and then try and install the 32-bit, or would that even matter?
 
Later on, consider purchasing an external USB CD/DVD reader/writer, BluRay play. About $80.00, or much less if no BluRay play. Many many things still come on CD and DVD.
 
You can check your BIOS to see if you can enable an option to boot from USB. If not, you may be better off creating a DVD and installing from there. You won't be able to install the 32 bit version from the 64 bit installer.
So my only solution is to have an installation DVD?
 
you can use your windows 8 key with the new windows 8.1 setup media (link in sig below)

So I enabled Legacy mode, downloaded Windows 8.1 32-bit and created a bootable USB drive. I then changed the boot order in BIOS but still can't get it it to install. The USB won't boot. If I remove the C drive from the boot menu, it goes straight back to BIOS when I restart it. I tried opening setup.exe directly on the USB drive and I get the following error message " Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit. When you insert it, Windows Setup with restart automatically."

If I download and try to run the 64-bit installer, will I still be able to select and install the 32-bit version somehow?

The files on the usb should look like this
View attachment 57820
 
you can use your windows 8 key with the new windows 8.1 setup media (link in sig below)

So I enabled Legacy mode, downloaded Windows 8.1 32-bit and created a bootable USB drive. I then changed the boot order in BIOS but still can't get it it to install. The USB won't boot. If I remove the C drive from the boot menu, it goes straight back to BIOS when I restart it. I tried opening setup.exe directly on the USB drive and I get the following error message " Use the other installation disc that says 64-bit. When you insert it, Windows Setup with restart automatically."

If I download and try to run the 64-bit installer, will I still be able to select and install the 32-bit version somehow?

The files on the usb should look like this
View attachment 57820
Yes, that is what I have. But it won't let me run the 32-bit installer on my current 64-bit system.
 
Go into bios setting and enable legacy / cms support - x86 software will not boot UEFI systems

turn secure boot off < think that was the missing bit of info needed..
 
Go into bios setting and enable legacy / cms support - x86 software will not boot UEFI systems

turn secure boot off < think that was the missing bit of info needed..
Thank you! Turning secure boot off was indeed the missing step! I was finally able to boot from my USB drive and install Windows 8.1 32-bit on my laptop. Thanks again for all your help. :dinesh:
 
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