TeknoBug
Platinum Member
- Oct 2, 2013
- 2,084
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So.... Do you have to update to Windows 8.1 first then run WindowsSetupBox to get a 8.1 ISO to do a clean 8.1 install? That's what it seems like?
Keeps making a Windows 8 ISO. I will clear my temp files and see if that's the issue.
Are you sure you're using the right setup file? There are two versions: one for 8 and another for 8.1. The links for those setup files are very closely placed on MS's website so you could've downloaded the 8 version by mistake?
Edit: I guess you're trying the "run 8 setup first then 8.1 setup file later" method. It worked before so I would try again as you've mentioned.
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It worked for me about 12 hours ago. Here are more detailed instructions, compiled from a combination of stuff I've read here and on other boards, as well as my own experience last night:
1. Download both install programs (8.0 and 8.1) from here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
Note that these are both very small downloads, about 5MB each.
2. Start the Win8 install program. It will ask you for a valid key, which you got from buying either a new Win8 CD retail, or from buying the super discount upgrade Win8 CD they offered last year. The new key you got if you upgraded to Media Center won't work, nor will keys from OEM Win8, nor will the generic keys that are posted for volume licensing CDs.
3. If it accepts the key, it will tell you that the key checks out, then it will mess around getting ready to download. As soon as it gives you an estimated time for the download to complete, kill it. There's no stop button, so just click on the red X box in the upper right corner.
4. Now start the Win 8.1 install. It will fail with an error message. Click on Finish.
5. Start the Win 8.1 install again. This time it will run. It won't ask for a key, but it will mess around and then start downloading with an estimated time to completion, just like the 8.0 program did. Only don't cancel this one
.
6. It doesn't ask you where to put it until after it finishes the download to god knows where (I assume some temp file on your C drive), when it asks whether you want to make a USB stick or ISO. You can then specify where to save the ISO image, for burning later.
Also, it doesn't ask you what version (pro or core) or what hardware (32 or 64 bit) you want. It decides what you get, apparently based on your current OS and the key you entered.
7. It evidently looks at your machine and compiles the ISO according to what it finds, so there is no use comparing hashes or even file size with other people, they are all different; I've seen forums where people report as low as 2.8 GB and as high as 3.8. Mine was 3.2 GB for 64-bit pro. However, after the download was complete, but before it asked me where I wanted the ISO, it did a file verification, so hopefully if it passed that, you are good to go.
I haven't tried it yet, but the consensus on the boards is that in order to do a clean install of 8.1 from the DVD you just burned, you need to use the proper generic key from the volume distribution page on technet,
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx
Note that the VL key works ONLY to get the install going; you need a valid Win8.0 key to validate the installation after it's done.
I've also read that you can get almost the same thing as a clean install by using the DVD to run a "reset" on your current Win 8 drive, as noted here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc
Hope this helps.
1. Download both install programs (8.0 and 8.1) from here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
Note that these are both very small downloads, about 5MB each.
2. Start the Win8 install program. It will ask you for a valid key, which you got from buying either a new Win8 CD retail, or from buying the super discount upgrade Win8 CD they offered last year. The new key you got if you upgraded to Media Center won't work, nor will keys from OEM Win8, nor will the generic keys that are posted for volume licensing CDs.
3. If it accepts the key, it will tell you that the key checks out, then it will mess around getting ready to download. As soon as it gives you an estimated time for the download to complete, kill it. There's no stop button, so just click on the red X box in the upper right corner.
4. Now start the Win 8.1 install. It will fail with an error message. Click on Finish.
5. Start the Win 8.1 install again. This time it will run. It won't ask for a key, but it will mess around and then start downloading with an estimated time to completion, just like the 8.0 program did. Only don't cancel this one
.6. It doesn't ask you where to put it until after it finishes the download to god knows where (I assume some temp file on your C drive), when it asks whether you want to make a USB stick or ISO. You can then specify where to save the ISO image, for burning later.
Also, it doesn't ask you what version (pro or core) or what hardware (32 or 64 bit) you want. It decides what you get, apparently based on your current OS and the key you entered.
7. It evidently looks at your machine and compiles the ISO according to what it finds, so there is no use comparing hashes or even file size with other people, they are all different; I've seen forums where people report as low as 2.8 GB and as high as 3.8. Mine was 3.2 GB for 64-bit pro. However, after the download was complete, but before it asked me where I wanted the ISO, it did a file verification, so hopefully if it passed that, you are good to go.
I haven't tried it yet, but the consensus on the boards is that in order to do a clean install of 8.1 from the DVD you just burned, you need to use the proper generic key from the volume distribution page on technet,
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx
Note that the VL key works ONLY to get the install going; you need a valid Win8.0 key to validate the installation after it's done.
I've also read that you can get almost the same thing as a clean install by using the DVD to run a "reset" on your current Win 8 drive, as noted here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc
Hope this helps.
sze5003
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2012
- 14,319
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That's how I did a clean install of 8.1 on my ssd. I tried it twice, once before I installed to make the usb and once again when I was in 8.1 so I could save the iso on my second hard drive. You need the generic install key to install.
I believe this only works for people in the US. If you are in another country I think that is why it is saying it can not connect. Also, it's possible if your key is an oem windows 8 key, the win8 installer will not work so that's why it throws that error. It should be an 8.0 upgrade key that needs to be used to get the download going. Or if you bought a retail download last year of 8.0 it should accept that. I believe it's only an issue with people in other countries and oem keys, possibly the disc version of 8.0.
For those with oem win 8 keys you may need to find an Rtm iso and install with that and then activate it with your win8 key and apply all updates.
I believe this only works for people in the US. If you are in another country I think that is why it is saying it can not connect. Also, it's possible if your key is an oem windows 8 key, the win8 installer will not work so that's why it throws that error. It should be an 8.0 upgrade key that needs to be used to get the download going. Or if you bought a retail download last year of 8.0 it should accept that. I believe it's only an issue with people in other countries and oem keys, possibly the disc version of 8.0.
For those with oem win 8 keys you may need to find an Rtm iso and install with that and then activate it with your win8 key and apply all updates.
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QuietDad
Senior member
- Dec 18, 2005
- 523
- 79
- 91
Elixer
Lifer
- May 7, 2002
- 10,371
- 762
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Um, we are talking about 8.1, not 8.
Besides, we already tell you how to get win 8 ISO. That isn't the problem.
It works for people outside of US as well. A friend of mine works in the UAE and got his iso but in en-uk format although he's using the en-us version of Windows.
sze5003
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2012
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That's odd because a few people in the other thread tried this and it was not working for them. One of them was in Thailand. Then it has to be about what type of win 8.0 key you enter inside the win8 setup program.
Shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get an 8.1 ISO.
I believe the issue is that Microsoft has pulled the 8.1 update due to issues with the Surface tablets. So will have to wait till they fix it and repost it I guess?
I believe the issue is that Microsoft has pulled the 8.1 update due to issues with the Surface tablets. So will have to wait till they fix it and repost it I guess?
Yes I tried the 8.1 setup and the supposed work around....
Should I just install 8.1 on my PC and run the damn setup file and see if it will make an ISO for 8.1?
This is ridiculous.
sze5003
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2012
- 14,319
- 682
- 126
When you launch the win 8 setup program you need a valid windows 8 key, meaning either an upgrade key or one you bought when you switched from windows 7. It won't work with oem keys. It's a pain and I know few others that tried the work around which didn't work.
spdfreak
Senior member
- Mar 6, 2000
- 971
- 76
- 91
What about media center... anyone have it installed from the free key that they gave out with the cheap upgrade deal? I am still on 7 because I could never get media center to work. It would recognize my TV tuners, but they would never play or record. I probably wasted a full day trying to get that crap to work and just gave up.
sze5003
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2012
- 14,319
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I have it somewhere in my email. Haven't tried to install it on 8.1 yet. But I may not need it since I don't have a tv card.
sze5003
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2012
- 14,319
- 682
- 126
I remember when I had 8.0 I installed it. But then got a new ssd so I had to do a fresh install of 8 just didn't reinstall the media center.
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