It is correct that if you install Windows 8 to the disc, the quick restore function will be gone thereafter - make sure you make backup media (DVD or flash drive) before you do anything.
If you REALLY want to run Windows 8, consider running it either in a virtual machine (under something like VMWare) or consider purchasing a separate hard disc you can swap in when you want to run Windows 8.
Regarding factory settings and quick restore to factory settings/current configuration, I would recommend use of Acronis. Follow these steps:
1. Make an image of your Windows 7 installation using Acronis on an external hard drive.
2. Restore your system to the factory settings using the internal partition and then use Windows Update to update Windows 7 and make a second image (this will give you a factory image in addition to current configuration).
3. Restore your current configuration using the Acronis image you made in 1 unless you want the clean factory settings.
4. Once you have done this repartition your hard drive using EaseUS partition manager.
5. Then install Windows 8 on the new partition. See section 1/Upgrading to Windows 8. Once Windows 8 is installed and updated you can make another image with Acronis.
For instructions see Windows Reinstallation Guide:
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
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March 6th, 2013 08:00
It is correct that if you install Windows 8 to the disc, the quick restore function will be gone thereafter - make sure you make backup media (DVD or flash drive) before you do anything.
If you REALLY want to run Windows 8, consider running it either in a virtual machine (under something like VMWare) or consider purchasing a separate hard disc you can swap in when you want to run Windows 8.
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
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March 6th, 2013 16:00
Also if you want to test out Windows 8 use the Enterprise trial version to test it before going out and buying a license.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
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16.1K Posts
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March 6th, 2013 17:00
Regarding factory settings and quick restore to factory settings/current configuration, I would recommend use of Acronis. Follow these steps:
1. Make an image of your Windows 7 installation using Acronis on an external hard drive.
2. Restore your system to the factory settings using the internal partition and then use Windows Update to update Windows 7 and make a second image (this will give you a factory image in addition to current configuration).
3. Restore your current configuration using the Acronis image you made in 1 unless you want the clean factory settings.
4. Once you have done this repartition your hard drive using EaseUS partition manager.
5. Then install Windows 8 on the new partition. See section 1/Upgrading to Windows 8. Once Windows 8 is installed and updated you can make another image with Acronis.
For instructions see Windows Reinstallation Guide:
http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/
Section 3 for Step 1, 2 and 3.
Section 4 for Step 4.
And Section 1/Upgrading to Windows 8 for Step 5.
You will then be allowed to restore your hard drive to any of the following configurations.