win8 Can you install Windows 8 upgrade on a totally empty (ie new) drive?

[*RedBull*]

There must be a prior base license...yes you can do a clean install, but only with a prior OS installed so it can verify eligibility.

So the answer is no, but you called and managed to get them to activate it for you in violation of the license terms.

don't know if anyone replied. But I tried to with failure, read it you cannot, and had to do an install of Win7 to upgrade. There is no clean install option for Win8 upgrade. At least I couldn't get my laptop to boot from disk drive, due maybe to the dynamic disk. But I did convert and was able to install Win7. So I technically didn't try after converting. But I'm going with what I read.

[ingramator]

don't know if anyone replied. But I tried to with failure, read it you cannot, and had to do an install of Win7 to upgrade. There is no clean install option for Win8 upgrade. At least I couldn't get my laptop to boot from disk drive, due maybe to the dynamic disk. But I did convert and was able to install Win7. So I technically didn't try after converting. But I'm going with what I read.

Lol what? If you couldn't boot up off the Windows 8 Upgrade disk, that is a completely different problem man! What Shane is saying, which may I add is 100% correct, is that it is perfectly possible to wipe the hard disk after you have put the licence key in when there is an OS on the disk!!

[*RedBull*]

Lol what? If you couldn't boot up off the Windows 8 Upgrade disk, that is a completely different problem man! What Shane is saying, which may I add is 100% correct, is that it is perfectly possible to wipe the hard disk after you have put the licence key in when there is an OS on the disk!!

That's been my experience in the past. But it wasn't booting. Neither was Win7 to be fair. But I got the job done.

[*RedBull*]

Lol what? If you couldn't boot up off the Windows 8 Upgrade disk, that is a completely different problem man! What Shane is saying, which may I add is 100% correct, is that it is perfectly possible to wipe the hard disk after you have put the licence key in when there is an OS on the disk!!

That's been my experience in the past. But it wasn't booting. Neither was Win7 to be fair. But I got the job done.

[Ottawa Gamerz]

RedBull, on 28 October 2012 - 03:41, said: "don't know if anyone replied. But I tried to with failure, read it you cannot, and had to do an install of Win7 to upgrade. There is no clean install option for Win8 upgrade. At least I couldn't get my laptop to boot from disk drive, due maybe to the dynamic disk. But I did convert and was able to install Win7. So I technically didn't try after converting. But I'm going with what I read"

ottawa_gamerz said OK ever hear of the bios of the boot menu in there u tell the DVD to turn on first than the hardrive than floppy usb

than i will tell u this ever Microsoft product has the ability to one UPGRADE that will just push the new OS over the old one THAN U SEE CUSTOM = is where u going to see 1 2 3 thing c:\system 250 gigs d:\restore all u do is click on c:\format and than once it is done it will install all the files u need but remember it might reboot a few times don't panic after its time to key it if your using retail if u got one do it looks like 1112-2222-3333-3333 after u setup pick a color time date WiFi <---- wireless internet sign in with ur Hotmail account next activate if u have a retail key if not the pop up wont hurt u and go nuts.

im no collage PC tech but i do know my computers if it is not working i fix so ive done millions of formats and windows installs in my days and its as easy as insert DVD press any key to boot click next install custom format system drive install on system drive watch read and it will be done in 5 to 20 min.

the only reason im ****ed off because all the people not knowing this. did u try Google first did it tell u nutting did u think u had to come on a board to ask one simple ? and get a million yes or no and in the long run find your answer if u would of goggled it you would of got your answer in 2 secs instead of a million replys.

try it next time it wont hurt to do something by yourself u might learn something u can pass on

holly f*** people windows 8 is like 7 vista xp 98 95 just buy the dumb key let it download the files make a DVD go nuts man people why are u guys making this harder than it has to be

find any windows 7 PC install the upgrade run 20 min later burn to DVD usb go home boot off it install key be happy and

if u cant do that gun in mouth pull trigger because u don't need to be here

what do u need someone to make a program that all u do is insert credit card click buy and it will do it all for u

you wounder why pc techs make the big bucks cuz of all the stupid people in this world and on every board in this world

and for some strange reason your running leaked rmt pro just buy key insert DONE

WHATS next how do you bush your teeth how to make toast ...

lol i think u need a helmet if u cant pull this off

one last thing has anyone heard of Google ever thought of typing windows 8 pro iso getting a rmt build installing it and than activating it that's what i did bought the key insert done

if u take any of this the wrong way than reply because computers are not getting smarter humans are getting must stupider

[H82LUZ]

Are guys really that forgetfull,WIndows8 has a built in go back restore to just a Win8 install fresh....With no programs pass words or anything just the basic OS,Why on earth would anyone need to use the key again? Look it up under the restore F8 options you silly techies.......Thats why the keys need installed from the clean fresh installs.You would never have to use it again,Why else would the free Media Center keys be used by Feb1 2013.

To test this try it after you install say your video drivers and say firefox,thunderbird,You sleect the option for restore to no user for machine transfre it will put the computer back to your fresh install,Also make sure the USB stick or DVD is in the drive that is it.

I just looked it up...Go to PC Settings sleect Generel then on the right hand pane see the refresh pc setting......This will put your pc back to when it is installed fresh.The key will still be activated.So this upgrad key talk is nonsense.The one most will use is the advance startup,Put the WIn8 dvd in or the USB and it will reinstall the OS without asking for the key again.I did this with Alpha all the way to RTM.Trust me it works.

[Ottawa Gamerz]

Are guys really that forgetfull,WIndows8 has a built in go back restore to just a Win8 install fresh....With no programs pass words or anything just the basic OS,Why on earth would anyone need to use the key again? Look it up under the restore F8 options you silly techies.......Thats why the keys need installed from the clean fresh installs.You would never have to use it again,Why else would the free Media Center keys be used by Feb1 2013.

To test this try it after you install say your video drivers and say firefox,thunderbird,You select the option for restore to no user for machine transfer it will put the computer back to your fresh install,Also make sure the USB stick or DVD is in the drive that is it.

SYSTEM RESTORE if something goes bad go back a day but really who uses that no one

windows 8 put the right driver no mistakes

this mini tech needs a helmet

[H82LUZ]

SYSTEM RESTORE if something goes bad go back a day but really who uses that no one

windows 8 put the right driver no mistakes

this mini tech needs a helmet

Who You???

Did you even read it I SAID ADVANCE STARTUP SELECT FRESH INSTALL WITH DVD AND OR USB AND IT WILL REINSTALL THE OS.......SO why don`t you try it for yourself ,It has nothing to do with the restore options.

Also ask yourselfs why the Media Center key for free are only used ounce by Feb1 ,How are you going to use it for fresh installs??? MMMMMM mini Tech must know something more then you.

[Ottawa Gamerz]

Who You???

Did you even read it I SAID ADVANCE STARTUP SELECT FRESH INSTALL WITH DVD AND OR USB AND IT WILL REINSTALL THE OS.......SO why don`t you try it for yourself ,It has nothing to do with the restore options.

Also ask yourselfs why the Media Center key for free are only used ounce by Feb1 ,How are you going to use it for fresh installs??? MMMMMM mini Tech must know something more then you.

is your boot button f8? does it bring up cd dvd usb mine is esc key most people just wait press when u see a message

[Ottawa Gamerz]

:rolleyes:

[adam.mt]

Right from the posts so far I think the following makes sense (and it tallies with how a Win7 install worked). Shane, whilst you've been generally right, I think you're mistaken in regards the issue of what type of key MS are supplying via the Upgrade Assistant and the purpose of the reg hack.

The upgrade assistant gives a RETAIL UPGRADE key since a RETAIL FULL key doesn't exist. An MSDN and OEM FULL key do exist though.

The Win8 media is basically all the same (although it's been mentioned the ISO via the Upgrade Assistant uses different files meaning it's packed differently, but it seems to be the same regardless).

Install to a completely BARE drive using the (upgrade) DVD/USB drive and enter your upgrade key. It will install fine, however it will then likely fail to activate.

Do the registry change mentioned a number of times. This changes Windows record of how it was installed from a full copy to an upgrade one. You may now have to reboot (sorry I can't remember from doing it with 7). You will now find that you can activate successfully.

That reg change is only on media downloaded via the upgrade advisor.

Nope, it's to convert the install type Windows records from a 'full install' version to an 'upgrade' version, therefore allowing an upgrade key to successfully activate.

Someone here already did an install using the upgrade key on a totally blank disc with the MSDN image (which does not require the change) and it didn't activate

Well it wouldn't. The MSDN image is a full install and the upgrade key is an upgrade key therefore the registry change would be required.

Any one care to disprove this? Hopefully, this is the end to this now!

(Actually from memory, I think an slmgr command or two, from an elevated command prompt is required together with the registry change. I'll confirm in a mo when I can dig the info for Win7 up.... update - method 2 detailed here: http://www.winsupers...de-media-128512)

[Ottawa Gamerz]

i said that and anyone using rmt leaked pro iso just buy the key insert

why does it take more than one person to end the bs

[scaramonga]

As I posted in the other thread about this...

Change the following registry key before activating:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then type "slmgr /rearm" into a command prompt, wait for conformation prompt.

Restart the PC.

Activate.[/CODE]

100% works! :)

[Ottawa Gamerz]

As I posted in the other thread about this...

Change the following registry key before activating:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then type "slmgr /rearm" into a command prompt, wait for conformation prompt.

Restart the PC.

Activate.[/CODE]

100% works! :)

does this mean i dont have to buy a key

[scaramonga]

does this mean i dont have to buy a key

No. You have to buy the upgrade key. The above only allows for clean install/activation with the 'genuine' upgrade key.

[Ottawa Gamerz]

No. You have to buy the upgrade key. The above only allows for clean install/activation with the 'genuine' upgrade key.

i bought a key but cant use on 2 pcs any thoughts

[scaramonga]

i bought a key but cant use on 2 pcs any thoughts

Yes. Buy another key ;) :)

[Ottawa Gamerz]

Yes. Buy another key ;) :)

thx for the big help doesnt hurt to ask

[carmatic]

Are guys really that forgetfull,WIndows8 has a built in go back restore to just a Win8 install fresh....

what we really want to do is install windows 8 on a blank hard disk, and then have it activate

[grayscale]

Edit: Wrong thread

[George P Global Moderator]

Ok guys, I got it to work. If you want win8 on a new hdd/ssd just do like others have said.

First run the download assistant and buy your key for $40, and download the ISO unless you are on 32Bit and want to move to 64Bit like I did, then you'll have to download the 64bit ISO online etc.

Use the public KMLS? or whatever they're called keys that MS has posted, there's a link in this thread. This key will get you past install but WILL NOT activate your copy.

I connected my new SSD, disconnected all my other hdds, and rebooted to the USB key with 64bit Win8 Pro on it. Installed like normal with the public key I got off of MS's website. After that is done and you're in your new install just do the above posted register change and then run the activation app again but this time put in the key you paid $40 for and you're done.

I just did it and I'm good to go, reconnected my older drives and got ownership for them and I'm now on Win8 Pro 64bit without issue. Just gotta start installing my apps again, heh.

[ViperAFK]

As I posted in the other thread about this...

Change the following registry key before activating:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

Change "MediaBootInstall" from "1" to "0"

Then type "slmgr /rearm" into a command prompt, wait for conformation prompt.

Restart the PC.

Activate.[/CODE]

100% works! :)

I've used this in the past with windows 7 upgrade media, to do a *full* clean install on an empty drive, So I don't see why it wouldn't work with 8. What happened with 7 when I used this method was:

Install normally, after installed activation would totally fail. Apply registry tweak, activate again and it worked.

[Shane Nokes]

Right from the posts so far I think the following makes sense (and it tallies with how a Win7 install worked). Shane, whilst you've been generally right, I think you're mistaken in regards the issue of what type of key MS are supplying via the Upgrade Assistant and the purpose of the reg hack.

The upgrade assistant gives a RETAIL UPGRADE key since a RETAIL FULL key doesn't exist. An MSDN and OEM FULL key do exist though.

The Win8 media is basically all the same (although it's been mentioned the ISO via the Upgrade Assistant uses different files meaning it's packed differently, but it seems to be the same regardless).

Install to a completely BARE drive using the (upgrade) DVD/USB drive and enter your upgrade key. It will install fine, however it will then likely fail to activate.

Do the registry change mentioned a number of times. This changes Windows record of how it was installed from a full copy to an upgrade one. You may now have to reboot (sorry I can't remember from doing it with 7). You will now find that you can activate successfully.

Nope, it's to convert the install type Windows records from a 'full install' version to an 'upgrade' version, therefore allowing an upgrade key to successfully activate.

Well it wouldn't. The MSDN image is a full install and the upgrade key is an upgrade key therefore the registry change would be required.

Any one care to disprove this? Hopefully, this is the end to this now!

(Actually from memory, I think an slmgr command or two, from an elevated command prompt is required together with the registry change. I'll confirm in a mo when I can dig the info for Win7 up.... update - method 2 detailed here: http://www.winsupers...de-media-128512)

What you're doing with the Software License Manager is basically tricking it into believing a valid install happened.

What I was saying about the reg key is that the reg key is different between the 2 disc versions. In one version it appears one way after install, the other it appears the opposite.

What happens then ends up working, but then steps back into violating the license agreement territory.

Also my point wasn't that you couldn't figure out a way to force it to work, but that it didn't work by default. My point was that the key still determined install behavior, which it does.

I do wonder if that way around was left in intentionally or not. I also wonder how many rearms it will report the system has vs a normal install.

[Noir Angel]

i bought a key but cant use on 2 pcs any thoughts

Your license allows you to transfer it, not to use it simultaneously on both computers :) It's so cheap you may as well just get another key.

Ok guys, I got it to work. If you want win8 on a new hdd/ssd just do like others have said.

First run the download assistant and buy your key for $40, and download the ISO unless you are on 32Bit and want to move to 64Bit like I did, then you'll have to download the 64bit ISO online etc.

Use the public KMLS? or whatever they're called keys that MS has posted, there's a link in this thread. This key will get you past install but WILL NOT activate your copy.

I connected my new SSD, disconnected all my other hdds, and rebooted to the USB key with 64bit Win8 Pro on it. Installed like normal with the public key I got off of MS's website. After that is done and you're in your new install just do the above posted register change and then run the activation app again but this time put in the key you paid $40 for and you're done.

I just did it and I'm good to go, reconnected my older drives and got ownership for them and I'm now on Win8 Pro 64bit without issue. Just gotta start installing my apps again, heh.

If you add an EI.CFG to the /sources folder with the following data

Channel

_Default

You can do a keyless install :) If you need to edit the ISO you can use a program called Power ISO which will allow you to add the ei.cfg and save the ISO without messing the boot disk up. Or if you install from USB just stick it in the folder.

[ViperAFK]

I do wonder if that way around was left in intentionally or not.

I bet ms would rather have people doing this than pirating windows