Dell Precision M4700 (Windows 7 pro) won't boot after configured with UEFI and Secure Boot

By the way, which is the correct way to install Windows 8? Using the UEFI option + Legacy Option ROM or BIOS + Legacy Option ROM?

Thanks

I had successfully install the Windows 8 Professional on a fresh HDD on UEFI mode (delete all the partition and start from scratch).

Now Windows 8 Professional doesn't activate! Because it was thinking i install it in a new system and not upgrading from a XP,Vista or 7.

Way to go Dell ! The original partition of Windows 7 was on BIOS mode (not UEFI). So your only option is to "upgrade" using BIOS mode.

And if you want to install Windows 8 on UEFI mode, you need to reinstall Windows 7 from scratch using UEFI and upgrade it to Windows 8.

This is just what i been through. Guess i need to re-install Windows 7 from scratch and update it to Windows 8 on UEFI mode.

Work around for Windows 8 activation failure.

• Open regedit by pressing Windows-q, entering regedit and selecting the result from the list of hits.
• Navigate toHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE/
• Change MediaBootInstall from 1 to 0
• Go back to the start screen and enter cmd there.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select to run it as administrator.
• Type slmgr /rearm on the command line and hit enter.
• Reboot Windows now.
• Run the activation utility afterwards, enter your product key to activate Windows.

www.ghacks.net/.../windows-8-upgrade-clean-install-possible

I had the same problem with M4700 and your solution worked perfectly.

Big THANK YOU!

Reset BIOS Settings Instructions for Dell Precision M4700

• Clear & diffuse laptop memory / Change BIOS settings / Boot laptop
  

1.            Unplug power cord

2.            Unplug laptop battery

3.            Open bottom cover & unplug CMOS battery

4.            Press power button several times to diffuse motherboard

5.            Wait 2-3 minutes with nothing plugged in for power or memory

6.            Next, connect ONLY the power cord

7.            Press power button and then F12 button repeatedly

8.            On menu screen select ‘change settings’ (to go into BIOS)

9.            In BIOS setup menu, select ‘Load Defaults’ at bottom

10.          Select ‘Post Behavior’ and select ‘Minimal Boot’

11.          DON’T click ‘Apply’ and ‘Exit’ yet! FIRST, plug in CMOS battery & laptop battery again!

12.          Select in BIOS menu at bottom ‘Apply’ and then, ‘Exit’

Conclusion:

Laptop will exit BIOS and power up for a moment, then cut off. Let it do this cycle first (it may do this twice). Then, when it auto shuts off, press power button to boot laptop normally with working settings.