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April 30th, 2014 22:00
I need an installation disk for Windows 8.1
When I purchased my current PC back in January of 2013, it came with Windows 8 and I did order a Windows 8 installation CD incase I ever needed it. Earlier this year I upgraded the OS to Windows 8.1 and a few days ago I was experiencing some problems that I couldn't seem to resolve. I decided to try a system refresh, but hit a snag. I got a message saying some files were missing and installation media will provide the needed files. I was prompted to insert the media (the exact disk was not specified, so I assumed that it was asking for the Windows 8 installation disk). I put in the Windows 8 installation disk I had, but got a message saying that the media is invalid. I don't know what this means, I am guessing that since my PC is now running Windows 8.1, I need to use a Windows 8.1 installation disk when prompted during a system refresh. Can someone in here help? Is there a way I can get a Windows 8.1 installation disk?
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smith6635
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May 1st, 2014 01:00
Mary G
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May 3rd, 2014 14:00
You cannot get a disk from Dell even if you were still under warranty since they only supply the same version that you already have. You can reset to Factory Settings--windows 8-- and then reinstall the upgrade to 8.1.
Before you do that, explain what the unsolvable problems were and maybe someone can help. Resetting the computer should be your last resort since much will be lost--all your files and added programs as well as updates. Run the diagnostics first to check all the hardware. That might find a hardware problem.
Philip_Yip
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May 3rd, 2014 18:00
Unfortunately Microsoft have made Windows 8.1 media reject Windows 8.0 product keys and vice versa. Microsoft greatly hindered the deployment of Windows 8.0/8.1. Multiple users reported issues getting the update from the Store and subsequent issues with Windows 8.1 Update 1. Multiple users likewise lost the ability to refresh when updating to Windows 8.1. Microsoft have failed to provide OEM users a .iso installation source for clean installation and because of the unnecessary restrictions they made with the product keys Dell will not send you Windows 8.1 media. It is highly unlikely you will get the media from Microsoft either unless you purchase Windows 8.1 again separately.
The "official way" is to install Windows 8.0 and then do all its updates and then get Windows 8.1 from the Store and all Windows 8.1 Updates. This however triples the installation time of Windows and there are multiple opportunities for things to go wrong for the user. The performance going down this route is likely to be detrimental and is not recommended.
I tried to address these issues on Microsoft Answers some time ago and have been trying also on Dell IdeaStorm for some time. You can see this thread for more details, you are not the only one in this position:
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_install/a-clean-install-of-windows-8-oem-media-download/1b1e2517-5658-450d-943e-7e81f902adec
The good news is I have documented workarounds to clean install Windows 8.1 using a Windows 8.0 OEM/Retail product key in my Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/
In particular here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/microsoft-product-activation/installation-of-windows-8-1-with-a-windows-8-0-retail-product-key-notes/
However there is still a grey area with regards to obtaining the installation media. If you have access to a Windows 8.0/8.1 retail product key follow the instructions below. If not to get Windows from an official source you will need to pay Microsoft to buy it again something which they simultaneously market as a "free update". I don't recommend buying Windows again as the cost of a license is too great particularly for something which you already have a license for. You can of course look to unofficial sources but its not recommended:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-iso/
Its hoped that Microsoft amend these problems with installation media. They should have a lot of pressure regarding it as many users are happy including Windows enthusiasts.