Clean install of Windows 8.1

Question

I bought computer with pre-installed Windows 8.0. After upgrade to Windows 8.1 I started experience different problems. I bought premium support with Dell and they helped me to re-install system. After system were re-installed (to original Windows 8.0 and upgraded to Windows 8.1) some of features are working a little strange. For example when I try to make System Image Backup I got error. I found out on Internet that in original Windows 8.1 the first partition - 500 MB, but in Win 8.0 - 300 Mb. as a result there are not enough memory. I also found out on Internet this article:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2901840

Now after installation I do not see file WinRe.wim in C:\Windows\System32\Recovery (this file do not exist i @ C: drive at all). Therefore file ReAgent.xml give a wrong path. Not surprisible that when I try to Refresh/Restore computer I see a message - Please insert Media.

I run following 3 commands from recovery console (https://www.winhelp.us/repair-your-computer-in-windows-8.html)

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Third command returned me 0 (ZERO!!!) Windows installations. That's why I can not use Automatic repair.

Therefore a lot of people experience problems when they upgrade to Win 8.1. I asked Dell to send the Win 8.1 disk but they rejected because Microsoft req'd to buy a new license for Win 8.1 (????). They told if I have questions I can contact Microsoft. I called Microsoft and they proved that for the new disk would be $115. I don't know what would be under hood when Microsoft release Win 10. I don't know what to do - make a clean install 8.1 (get rid of errors 8.0) or postpone until Win 10 to be released? What would be the best approach? How to get drivers if I make a decision to make a clean install?

I would appreciate to read your opinion

Philip_Yip · Answer

Microsoft's forced deployment of Windows 8.1 via the Microsoft store leads to a significant reduction in system performance. Microsoft also made the mistake of making Windows 8.1 media incompatible with Windows 8 keys so OEMs like Dell cannot send media.

They have rectified this with the Windows Media Creation Tool. Use the tool to make a Bootable USB for a UEFI BIOS and Clean install Windows 8.1 with Update 1. See here for details:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/

UriF · Answer

I contacted Dell yesterday. They promised (and possibly) sent Win 8.1 OEM. Is it possibly to make clean install Win 8.1 with Dell OEM and insert key from 8.1 (to be found for example in Belarc Adviser) in

Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\System -> Windows activation -> Change activation key?

The second problem (why I asked Dell to send Win 8.1 OEM) - drivers (if I would use Windows Media Creation Tool). How to install them and in which order? I suggest that OEM DVD has built-in drivers for installation but I am not sure that DVD burn/copy to flash has them. My computer XPS-8500

Philip_Yip · Answer

If Dell have sent you a Windows 8.1 Pro Reinstallation DVD and it rejects your Windows 8.0 Pro OEM SLP key then don't use it.

The Windows 8.1 Pro (with update 1) .iso will work on your system. As I mentioned before Microsoft amended the mistakes they made with installation media.

There are workarounds to clean install Windows 8.1 Pro with a Windows 8.0 Pro with Microsoft's faulty Windows 8.1 Pro installation media but they are not worthwhile. Moreover if Dell sent a DVD it will likely not boot with SecureBoot enabled.

For best results follow the instructions to prepare a Windows 8.1 Pro (with update 1) installation USB and install in a UEFI BIOS with secureboot enabled:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/

Since you commented on my guide asking about the drivers. Its important that you install these after the installation of Windows for driver installation order see:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/downloading-drivers-checking-hardware-ids-and-downloading-and-installing-dell-system-drivers-in-the-correct-order/driver-installation/

The AMD graphics card variant depends on your hardware IDs likewise with the soundcard:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/downloading-drivers-checking-hardware-ids-and-downloading-and-installing-dell-system-drivers-in-the-correct-order/checking-hardware-ids-in-the-device-manager/

Its important that you install the Intel Panther Point H77 (Intel Chipset Device Software) before the other drivers as they need this to load correctly. Install the Intel AMT HECI Driver. If the UEFI BIOS update to A12 is already applied it won't need applied again.

UriF · Answer

Thank you. I ordered Flash Drive. Dell's DVD delivered. When I will finish my experiments with my desktop I will write here. I will try to do it this or next week. Of course I do not rush because my computer is in workable condition (if not to mention corrupted recovery environment). The only my concern to properly install drivers (that's why I was not MORALLY ready to use MS .iso and tried to used Dell's tools).

Thank you for your response.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Thank you you very much for answers at this thread.

You're welcome. :)

P.S. I got Dell's OEM Win 8.1 and tried it but key were not compatible with built-in Win 8.0 in BIOS. Therefore I tried Microsoft Windows Creation Tool

Yes unfortunately Microsoft made an initial mistake with Windows 8.1 installation media - it rejected Windows 8 keys. This was amended with Windows 8.1 with Update 1 installation media (the media creation tool).

UriF · Answer

I could make a clean install using Microsoft Windows Creation Tool. After I installed Win 8.1 I get drivers for video, network/wireless, and display through important updates, driver for sound in optional updates. Dell's technician suggested to get the latest AMD video drivers from AMD web page. All of other drivers' updates I got from Dell's web page. That's it.

Thank you you very much for answers at this thread.

P.S. I got Dell's OEM Win 8.1 and tried it but key were not compatible with built-in Win 8.0 in BIOS. Therefore I tried Microsoft Windows Creation Tool

UriF · Answer

Sorry, maybe it is sounds crazy but I feel that computer works better than when I was bought (sharpness, colors, brilliant sound) - I don't know it is a result of new AMD & Sound Blaster drivers or codecs were installed with ACD SEe Pro 6, Daum Pot Player, and Nero 12 Platinum but I really enjoy.  I also installed Icaros & SageThumbs for preview (MS does not support a lot of extensions) and of course Classic Shell.

UriF · Answer

At first we have to wait a moment when this miraculous Win10 to be released.  We don't know what stones to be hidden under the hood.  Win 7 became a stable after release a SP1, Win 8 - after 8.1.  Are you suggest something differ?  Then I have know idea would MS release a Windows Creation tool for Win 10 or leave us with only option to upgrade not a clean install???  Who knows???

Philip_Yip · Answer

Windows 8.1 on a clean install will be much better than Windows 8 factory settings and should be running better than new. Windows 10 on a clean install should hopefully run even better. :)

Philip_Yip · Answer

Windows 10 and all its Test builds are probably going to be the most tested version of Windows before release simply due to the size of and engagement of Windows Insiders. Microsoft has been taking feedback quite seriously on Windows 10 after most the userbase felt Microsoft lost touch with them with Windows 8.

Microsoft upset a lot of people by not providing working .isos for Windows 8.1 (before the media creation tool), details are given in full yet but Microsoft have stated they will provide a .iso. I have put all the info I know together here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/preparing-for-windows-10/

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-sneak-glance-at-windows-10-insider-10-10125/

UriF · Answer

Sorry for did not answer.  I would remind you that it is not a first time when MS failed.  If you forgot about Win ME (millennium) in Win Vista...  By the way customers did not want to install Win XP for a long time.  This OS became a really stable after release a SP2.  Why I have to trust MS after a history of fails????

Windows General

Clean install of Windows 8.1

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