Article Number: 000146961
This article provides a step-by-step guide for performing a clean install of Windows 8/8.1 on a computer, as well as retail DVD/USB upgrade installation instructions and post-installation setup and personalization.
If you need to get media to repair or restore your operating system to its original factory image, visit the Media Backup page to get information on creating recovery discs from your Dell computer or downloading an image online.
To get detailed information on using the Dell OS Recovery Tool to create an image, refer to KB article, "How to Download and Use the Dell OS Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows"
For computers that do not have UEFI BIOS, at the Dell logo screen, tap the F12 key repeatedly until the Please Select Boot Device: menu appears. Select CD/DVD/CD-RW Device and press Enter.
For computers that do have UEFI BIOS, At the Dell logo screen, tap the F2 key repeatedly until the System Setup menu appears. Then perform the following steps:
The Product Key is a 25 character sequence, separated by dashes.
If a correct key is typed into the box, the line below the box will state, "Your product key works! Continue when you're ready
If an incorrect key is typed into the box, the line will say, "This product key didn't work. Please check it and try again, or try a different key"
Read our article on Windows 8/8.1 product keys for more information. Dell factory-installed versions of Windows 8 and 8.1 do not require a product key for Dell computers.
Once you have reinstalled Windows, you will need to perform the original Windows setup. Refer to Dell Knowledge Base article, "How to Set Up Your New Dell Windows 8/8.1 Computer" for more information
The Product Key is a 25 character sequence, separated by dashes.
If a correct key is typed into the box, the line below the box will state, "Your product key works! Continue when you're ready
If an incorrect key is typed into the box, the line will say, "This product key didn't work. Please check it and try again, or try a different key"
Click here for more information on Windows 8/8.1 product keys. Dell factory-installed versions of Windows 8 and 8.1 do not require a product key for Dell computers.
21 Feb 2021
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