Solved Reset Win 8.1 Update 1 > Win 8 Upgrade Product Key & ISO

TBolt

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Hi, folks.

I appreciate the tutorials here (as always), but my head is swimming in all the variations. So, I hope you don't mind me getting straight to the point.

Facts:
  • I am running Win 8.1 Update 1 & want to wipe my C drive and re-install Windows.
  • I originally purchased Win 8 Pro during the introductory UPGRADE (from Win 7) offer; so, I have a Win 8 ISO & product key.


Question:
May I use the reset option in Win 8.1 Update 1 to...
  1. wipe my C drive
  2. install / activate Win 8 using my ISO on an external USB drive
  3. update to Win 8.1 & Update 1 from the App Store


ms-reset.png

It's a shame MS is making this so complicated now-a-days. hehe.

TYIA!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
just get a Windows 8.1 with Update 1 ISO dude, why go through all this updgrading from 8 to 8.1 then to 8.1.1

its very time consuming and leaves a lot of leftover garbage

nothing beats a clean install

I have the ISO for Windows 8.1 with Update one and Windows 8.1 Core/Pro directly from MSDN :) Hashes verified

but I can't post them here or I will get b4nn3d
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ALIENWARE 18 Laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4940MX Extreme CPU @ 4 GHz
    Motherboard
    Alienware 0FT9KT
    Memory
    32 GB Kingston HyperX 1866MHz DDR3 PC3-14900 RAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Dual GeForce GTX 780M SLI 2x4GB GDDR5 RAM
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC668 HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 18.4" WLED FHD (1920 X 1080) TrueLife Display IPS 16:9 1080p [SDC4C48]
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2x SanDisk Extreme PRO 960GB SSDs + 850 EVO 1TB mSATA SSD
    Keyboard
    Alienware TactX Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse
    Internet Speed
    50 MBPS Download / 10 MBPS Upload
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET NOD32 Antivirus
How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you have an OEM computer with UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8/8.1 product key. -> link

-or-

How to download and clean install Windows 8.1 if you don't have an OEM computer that came with Windows 8/8.1 preinstalled.

Note: This Windows 8.1 installation media accepts Windows 8/8.1 product keys, both OEM and retail (for example, "Windows 8 Pro $15/$40 Upgrade Offer" product key).

1. Create installation media for Windows 8.1

- The Windows Installation Media Creation Tool works on Windows 7/8/8.1/10.
- The download succeeds without product key.
- Both the 64-bit installation media (USB flash drive and DVD) can be booted in both UEFI and Legacy BIOS boot mode. Both the 64-bit installation media are also compatible with Secure Boot.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8
-or-
Create installation media for Windows 8.1 - Windows Help

Create installation media 1.png

Create installation media 2.png

Create installation media 3.png

Select either USB flash drive or ISO file (see screenshot below).

Note: You need at least 8 GB USB flash drive (if you select option "USB flash drive").

Create installation media 4.png

Create installation media 5.png

If you previously selected the ISO file option and once the ISO file is created, select the Open DVD burner option (see screenshot below).

Create installation media 8.png

2. Clean install Windows 8.1 from USB/DVD.

Here is info about UEFI Boot Mode (installing using the GPT partition style) and Legacy BIOS Boot Mode (installing using the MBR partition style): link

Note: You do not need to change the boot order of drives in your UEFI/BIOS settings.
- Connect your Windows 8.1 USB flash drive or insert your Windows 8.1 DVD.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the correct key to enter the boot menu (see this link for help).
- Select your USB/DVD from the boot menu.

Enter your Windows 8/8.1 product key (see screenshot below).

Note: If the Windows 8.1 installer does not accept your Windows 8/8.1 product key, it means that you have the wrong installation media.

Enter the product key .png

On the Where do you want to install Windows? screen, you can delete all the partitions until you only see "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" (see screenshot below).

Drive 0 Unallocated Space.png

After the installation is completed, Windows 8.1 will be activated automatically, if the internet connection is up and running.

Note: If Windows is not activated and the activation page shows the message (see screenshot below): This product key is being used on another PC. Please try a different key.

Then see this link for instructions: How to transfer Windows 8/8.1 license to new computer.

This product key is being used on another PC.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Thank you, Maximus & genet! Since Max can't post details, I will go with genet's workflow.

I appreciate your insight & genet's detailed instructions! :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
Ah, in step 1 ... any recommendations for a safe download for the Win 8.1 Update 1 ISO without an MSDN account? Am I supposed to torrent it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
Ah, in step 1 ... any recommendations for a safe download for the Win 8.1 Update 1 ISO without an MSDN account? Am I supposed to torrent it?

That's the part that can't be posted. We can't post links to unofficial downloads. We can post the ISO file name hash codes etc, just not a link to the download. A torrent would be one way to get it. Comparing the has code will tell you if your download ahs been altered or tampered with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
•I originally purchased Win 8 Pro during the introductory UPGRADE (from Win 7) offer; so, I have a Win 8 ISO & product key.

Take a look at those posts for more info.

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

How to download Windows 8.1 ISO with a Windows 8 key.
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/33164-how-download-windows-8-1-iso.html

http://www.eightforums.com/installa...retail-windows-8-1-windows-8-product-key.html

You can not use the key extracted from the UEFI/BIOS firmware or a OEM key to download the Windows 8.1 ISO, you can only use the key to ACTIVATE.

The generic keys can only be used to install Windows 8.1 & not ACTIVATE or to download the Windows 8.1 ISO .
 

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
Dont forget to compare the hash code to make sure you get a genuine copy.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MSI MS7360
    CPU
    Intel E8400 (Wolfdale)
    Motherboard
    MS 7360 P35 V1.0
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Geforce GT610
    Sound Card
    Realtek Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 19" Widescreen
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    3 x 500 GB Hitachi and Seagate Drives
    PSU
    Corsair 500W
    Case
    Generic
    Cooling
    2 case fans, Artic CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech G19
    Mouse
    MS Comfort 4500
    Internet Speed
    19 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
Thanks so much guys. I will go through this info and proceed accordingly. I appreciate your help!

I pulled a lower back muscle severely at a family member's house -- not sure when I will get back to my place where my PC is. But, I'll be ready once I get there. Thanks again!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
THANK YOU again, folks! Reloaded today. Much smoother thus far. Cheers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
just get a Windows 8.1 with Update 1 ISO dude, why go through all this updgrading from 8 to 8.1 then to 8.1.1

its very time consuming and leaves a lot of leftover garbage

nothing beats a clean install

I have the ISO for Windows 8.1 with Update one and Windows 8.1 Core/Pro directly from MSDN :) Hashes verified

but I can't post them here or I will get b4nn3d

If you will , please help me decide if I need to do this. I originally had Windows 7 x64 installed on my pc, subsequently upgraded to Windows 8 x64- from MS for a small fee - and I have an original Microsoft Disk for that which I also purchased from MS. Then I upgraded thru the Windows Store to Windows 8.1 x64 and subsequently installed Windows 8.1 Update 1 thru Windows Update. That is where I now stand. As far as I can tell, everything is working fine - SFC /scannow does not find any integrity violations. However, DISM analyze indicates "The Component Store is repairable". but DISM fix indicates it can not find the source file. So something appears to be "messed up" but evidently not seriously. Event Viewer isn't showing any consistent errors, other than Distributed Com when I boot up - possible due to my router and wireless setup.

First, should I mess with trying to install ISO, if and when Windows 8.1 Update 1 is available and I can find it?

Secondly, would it be worth my time?

I am not very knowledgeable in this area and would appreciate any input from someone who is. I just want to insure my pc continues to run smoothly. Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion p6230f
    CPU
    HP AMD Phenom II X4 810
    Motherboard
    FOXCONN ALOE
    Memory
    8 GBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI/AMD Radeon HD 42
    Sound Card
    ATI/AMD SB600 - High
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SE198WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST3750528AS
    Browser
    IE 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
just get a Windows 8.1 with Update 1 ISO dude, why go through all this updgrading from 8 to 8.1 then to 8.1.1

its very time consuming and leaves a lot of leftover garbage

nothing beats a clean install

I have the ISO for Windows 8.1 with Update one and Windows 8.1 Core/Pro directly from MSDN :) Hashes verified

but I can't post them here or I will get b4nn3d

If you will , please help me decide if I need to do this. I originally had Windows 7 x64 installed on my pc, subsequently upgraded to Windows 8 x64- from MS for a small fee - and I have an original Microsoft Disk for that which I also purchased from MS. Then I upgraded thru the Windows Store to Windows 8.1 x64 and subsequently installed Windows 8.1 Update 1 thru Windows Update. That is where I now stand. As far as I can tell, everything is working fine - SFC /scannow does not find any integrity violations. However, DISM analyze indicates "The Component Store is repairable". but DISM fix indicates it can not find the source file. So something appears to be "messed up" but evidently not seriously. Event Viewer isn't showing any consistent errors, other than Distributed Com when I boot up - possible due to my router and wireless setup.

First, should I mess with trying to install ISO, if and when Windows 8.1 Update 1 is available and I can find it?

Secondly, would it be worth my time?

I am not very knowledgeable in this area and would appreciate any input from someone who is. I just want to insure my pc continues to run smoothly. Thanks.

They may not be responding because this thread is marked 'solved.' All I can say is that it was worthwhile TO ME to wipe C: and reload Windows using the ISO mentioned by others. I had to get it from The Pirate Bay.

In case anyone here does respond ... are we allowed to share links to torrents in private messages? Or, is that ban hammer activity as well?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 740QM(1.73GHz)
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" (main) + 2 external monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1680x945 (main)
    Other Info
    Overall, very happy with this laptop -- great for work & was very good for gaming when I originally bought it (haven't tried any games last year or so).
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