Clean Windows 8.1 Pro install over Windows 8.1 SL

Hi,
I have a Lenovo H520g desktop, which came with Windows 8 Single Language installed. The machine is currently updated to Windows 8.1 Single Language.
As I am a software developer, I need to use Windows 8.1 Pro, because the SL version doesn't have Hyper-V, which is necessary to run the Windows Phone SDK emulator.
For the reason explained above, I would like hear the advice of an official Microsoft representative on the matter discussed on this topic.
I do know I can update from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Pro by using the "Add features to Windows 8.1" item on the Windows 8.1 Control Panel and buying the Windows 8,.1 Pro Pack. Nevertheless, I prefer buying the full retail version of Windows 8.1
Pro on a DVD from a local Microsoft reseller. I need a quick way to restore my machine in the case of a HDD failure and having the full retail DVD is definitely the best way to do that. If I upgrade by buying the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack, should my HDD ever failure,
I'll have to do the Lenovo restore procedure (which would restore the computer to Windows 8 SL), then upgrade to Windows 8.1 and only after that I could apply the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack. 
My question is: will I be able to do a fresh install of Windows 8.1 Pro on my computer? Of course I'm aware I'll have to delete the partition Windows 8.1 is currently installed on. No problem with that.
But what about the license key? I've read that computers that come with Windows 8 pre-installed have the Windows license key embedded on the BIOS. Will I be able to start the standard Windows 8.1 Pro installation from the DVD and use the license key that comes
with the DVD?
It's very important for me being absolutely sure I'll be able to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 Pro on my Lenovo desktop. The Windows 8.1 Pro full retail DVD is rather expensive here in Brazil (about US$ 320).
Cheers,

Hi PauloBR1,
If you upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro by Windows 8.1 Pro Pack,you can use
System Image Backup feature to backup your system.Also,you can use this feature to restore your system quickly.
In addition,britishdhez is right.
We can use the Retail license key to active the Windows 8.1 Pro.
Regards,
Kelvin Xu
TechNet Community Support

Similar Messages

  • Acrobat 8 Pro - Installing over Framemaker 8

    Is it possible to install Acrobat 8 Pro (retail, full version) without uninstalling Framemaker 8?  Each time I try, the installer stops itself, with a message saying a fuller-featured versiion is already installed. I'm guessing there might be some conflict with the Distiller that is installed with FM8. The software installed fine on another box that didn't have FM 8. For the box I *want* to install it on, I seriously do not want to uninstall FM 8 as it has a number of plug-ins that took a lot of tweaking to get working properly. :-(
    TIA.

    I think I've finally fixed the problem.  After much googling, I found a reference to the same problem, but with regard to CS3 (or might have been CS4) involving the trial version of Acrobat 9. Apparently the uninstaller for the Acro 9 trial version left behind something in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\caps\caps.db that causes this problem.  The procedure offered was dire, nothing short of a complete cleanout of all Adobe applications and removal of everything left behind in the Registry as well.  I wasn't about to do that!  Here's what I did (just one more thing to try, I thought).
    renamed the ..\caps subdirectory to caps_icum.
    started Framemaker, expecting something to be broken.  It wasn't: it ran just as usual.
    checked in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe and found that the ..\caps subdir had been recreated and had a new caps.db in it.
    rebooted the computer.
    proceeded on yet another attempt to install from the CD.  Bingo!  it all worked.

  • Yoga 2 Pro : BIOS Update on a clean Windows 8.1 Pro install

    Hi,
    I recently bought the Yoga 2 Pro. Like everybody I have the yellow problem.
    After buying it, I reinstalled my computer with a fresh Windows 8.1 pro install.
    I was wondering if anybody has already tried updating the BIOS on a clean Windows 8.1 install ?
    And also if there is any reported bug with the BIOS update.
    I already crashed a while back one of my previous computer and I would prefer if this don't append again
    Thanks,
    Best,

    Not, i'm speaking about the BIOS update. The windows 8.1 pro installation was fine.

  • How to download a clean Windows 8 pro iso?

    I want to remove all the lenovo bloatware, and install a clean window 8 copy.
    The first step is to find a clean windows 8 iso. However, the windows setup or window upgrade assistant wouldn't allow me to download any windows copy.
    How can I download a clean windows 8 iso? I assume the version I shall use for Windows 8 pro is en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Have you tried doing the download on another computer, if one is available?
    The only problem that might crop up is the clean copy you are trying to download maybe what is called a "retail" copy.  Your system has what is known as a "OEM" COA sticker on it.  I'm not sure about Windows 8, but back in the day of Windows XP you needed a OEM install disc in order to use a OEM key.
    Also if your download source is from a torrent, it might not be so clean.  File shared copies aren't immune from having spyware or malware in them.  You might be better off just cleaning up the Lenovo bloatware on your present install.
    Owner & Operator of the following:
    ● Lenovo Ideapad Z570 w/ Win 7 & Win 8.1 Dual Boot ● Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro w/ Windows 8.1 ● Toshiba A75-S206 w/ Win 7
    ● IBM Thinkpad T-23 w/ Win XP ● IBM Thinkpad T-22 w/ Win XP • As well as multiple desktops dual/triple booting XP, Vista and Win 7.
    ★ Find a post helpful? Thank that member by clicking on the ☆Star☆ to the left awarding them a Kudo.
    ★ Posting a problem and a reply is helpful and it answers your question, please mark it as an "Accepted Solution"
    ★ I'm not a Lenovo employee, just a volunteer geek who likes to help folks. Enjoy your time here, pay it forward by helping others !
    ★ Sorry, I don't answer questions via Private Messages. Posting in the appropriate forum is the best way to get assistance.

  • Trying to install SAP Business One 8.8 on a clean Windows 7 professional pc

    Hi,   i am trying to install SAP Business One V 8.8 on a clean Windows 7 professional laptop.  I need to install the server and client sides.  I have already installed SQL server express 2005.
    When i try to to install the server software I get the error message 1628 installation failed almost straight away.  I ket the same message if I try and install the server tools, SBo server or outlook integration. 
    What am I doing wrong?
    Thanks in advance
    Simon

    Hi Simon,
    Solution to Problem ID :1618
    Try the following Steps :
    1. Clear the 'Temporary' Folder of Windows 7 : Start ->Run->%temp%->Press 'Enter'->Select All & Delete
    2. Restart your machine. (This is Must)
    Actually it keeps an image of the previous installations, so always for re-installation you need to perform this steps.
    Same is with Win 2008 Server editions also.
    Now proceed with the installation and remember always run SBO installations in Windows 7 and 2008 Server by clicking on 'Run as Administrator'
    Hope your problem would be solved.
    Regards,
    Saikat Roy

  • How can i make the volume controller on a pavillion dv4 work after a clean windows install?

    Hello!
    Recently I performed a clean windows 7 install from a windows install disk I previously owned, the problem is that this disk didn't intalled the drivers and programs specific for this computer. What I want to know is which driver or program I need to install to make the volume controller on my computer to work again? The problem is that the volume bar that previously appeared on the screen and the "bing" sound indicating the volume level doesn't appear or sound now.
    All other things seem to work fine, this is the only problem so far.
    Thanks!

    Hi,
    Try downloading and installing the latest HP OSD Utility on the following link.
    http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp55001-55500/sp55152.exe
    After the installation has completed, restart the notebook.
    Regards,
    DP-K
    ****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
    ****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
    ****I don't work for HP****
    Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

  • Crypto failure when upgrading Windows 8.1 Pro install to Windows 10 Tech Preview 10041

    Has anybody experienced the following error when trying to upgrade a Windows 8.1 Pro install to Windows 10 Tech Preview 10041
    crypto_self_test_failed
    The system reboots twice both times with the same error and then reverts back to Windows 8.1 Pro.  This occurs during the upgrade process.  Windows 10 never installs.
    Thoughts?  Suggestions?
        Thanks
          Eric Sten

    Hi Eric,
    It seems to be the upgrade self-test fails.
    For testing Windows 10, you may consider take use of Hyper-V and install a VM of Windows 10:
    Step-By-Step: Creating and Running A Windows 10 VM on Windows 8.1
    Or try a dual boot:
    How to Dual Boot Between Windows 7 (or Windows 8.1) and Windows 10 Technical
    Preview (VHDX)
    Best regards
    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help, and unmark the answers if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Support, contact [email protected]

  • I had to do a clean windows install. im missing drivers

    So I had lost my recovery partition, burnt the 4 recovery cds from my ex's laptop, and ordered the system recovery dvds from hp. Nothing worked so I had to do a clean windows 7 install. Now I dont have any of the drivers thay came with my computer such as my wireless network. How can I find out what drivers I need to where do I down load them so I can manually get my computer back to the state it was when I bought it?
    This question was solved.
    View Solution.

    Hi:
    Looking at the support page, they should all be there...
    You go with this one first and reboot.
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-83348-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Graphics:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-91877-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Audio:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-89954-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Ethernet:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-90547-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Card reader:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-83237-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Intel Management Engine Interface:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-83746-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Webcam:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-98402-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Wireless:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-86003-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&...
    Quicklaunch ( for Fn keys):
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-102431-1&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en...
    I think that should be all of them.

  • Windows 7 Pro Install disk not recognized

    Hi everyone,
    I have checked this forum and found several discussions regarding this topic but no clear solution.  I am trying to create a Windows 7 Boot Camp partition on my late 2008 MacBook Pro.  I have a DVD drive with the following specs:
    MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-868:
      Capacity: 3.22 GB (3224993792 bytes)
      Model: MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-868                 
      Revision: KB19   
      Serial Number: dE018A75
    My problem is that my drive/computer will not recognize the disk.  I have several times inserted the autentic Windows 7 Pro install disc that I puchased from Microsoft, only to get the following error in Boot Camp: Install Disk Could Not Be Found
    I should mention that I have installed windows with this install disc on this computer with the existing DVD drive before. I have no idea why it is not working this time!
    Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

    Have you tried to install without the driver? then install the boot camp drivers after Windows has been installed.

  • T430u fresh windows 7 pro install - how to make use of the SanDisk SSDU100 24GB for fast boots

    I recently purchased a couple t430u laptops. I noticed they come with a sudo hybrid drive setup.
    a Hitachi HTS72505-500GB main drive and a
    SanDisk SSDU100 24GB
    On the out of the box Lenovo software install under my computer I see 2 drives listed.
    The main hdd and the lenovo recovery partition.
    When I open the disk management I see 2 phsical drives listed.
    Drive 0 is the 500 gig drive with 3 partitions:
    SYSTEM_DRV
    WINDOWS7_OS (C
    Lenovo_Recovery (Q
    Drive 1 has 2 partitions
    14 gig primary partition with no drive letter
    and
    an 8 gig hibernation partition with no dirve letter
    Do I need to setup a simillar drive partioning scheme in order to get Rapidboot hard drive and the other Lenovo enhanced experience 3 programs to work correctly?
    If there are any online resources on how to set this up on a fresh manually windows 7 pro install; please post a link.
    Solved!
    Go to Solution.

    lead_org wrote:
    download thinkvantage expresscache software, don't use rapidboot.
    Hey lead_org,
    Please explain. What are the differences between the expresscache software and Lenovo's RapidBoot?
    Thx...

  • After several time installed CS6 and a clean Windows 8.1 bridge still pause after selecting a picture or right click with button mouse.

    My bridge pause all the time. I have to wait 30 seconds after selecting a picture or click the right button of the mouse. I have installed a new windows 8.1, and a fresh CD6. But still these problems in Bridge. No problems in Photoshop. What to do

    What is the problem:
    When I choose a picture in Bridge I have to wait 20 till 30 seconds (sometimes more).
    When I choose with right click of the mouse. I have to wait the same time.
    When I choose the menu. Also
    After opening the picture(s) in Camera RAW. There are no problems
    In Photoshop there are also no problems. Everything works all right.
    Only Bridge have these problems. But I can’t work with it.
    My Computer
    HP Z820 with double     CPU Type           Mobile Intel Celeron M, 2000 MHz
    Nvidia Geforce GTX 980 card
    System memory 64 Gb
    Windows 8.1 Home Edition
    All software is up to date, incl BIOS
    DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
    Lots of space on my disc drives
    Software: Adobe Master Collection. But only installed Photoshop and Adobe Acrobat
    Installation done with my original DVD of Adobe. All software updated
    But still problems
    Software installed again (including Windows).
    Now installed adobe from a download version from adobe.
    Still the same problems
    I have no illegal software!
    Multimedia      
    Geluidskaart     SB Recon3D PCIe Audio Controller
    Opslag 
    IDE apparaat     Standaard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
    SCSI/RAID apparaat       Controlefunctie voor opslagruimten van Microsoft
    SCSI/RAID apparaat       Intel(R) C600 Series Chipset SAS RAID (SATA mode)
    SCSI/RAID apparaat       Intel(R) C600 Series Chipset SATA RAID-controller
    SCSI/RAID apparaat       LSI Adapter, SAS2 2308 Mustang
    Harde schijf       ATA Samsung SSD 850 SCSI Disk Device
    Harde schijf       ATA SAMSUNG SSD 830 SCSI Disk Device
    Harde schijf       SEAGATE ST3450856SS SCSI Disk Device
    Harde schijf       SEAGATE ST3450856SS SCSI Disk Device
    Optische Station             HL-DT-ST BD-RE  BH16NS40
    Optische Station             hp DVD-RAM GHA3N
    SMART Status harde schijf         Onbekend
    Partities             
    C: (NTFS)            243668 MB (150173 MB vrij)
    D: (NTFS)            122101 MB (65332 MB vrij)
    E: (NTFS)            429244 MB (322019 MB vrij)
    F: (NTFS)            429244 MB (243491 MB vrij)
    Geheugencapaciteit       1195.6 GB (762.7 GB vrij)
    Invoerapparaten           
    Toetsenbord     Logitech HID-Compliant Keyboard
    Toetsenbord     Standaard-PS/2-toetsenbord
    Muis     HID-compliant Mouse
    Muis     Microsoft PS/2-muis
    Netwerk            
    Netwerkkaart    Intel(R) 82574L Gigabit-netwerkverbinding  (192.168.178.37)
    Netwerkkaart    Intel(R) 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection
    Peripherieapparaten    
    Printer  Adobe PDF
    Printer  EPSON XP-950 Series
    Printer  HP 4730 PCL 6
    Printer  Microsoft XPS Document Writer
    USB1 apparaat Texas Instruments USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller - 0096 (Microsoft)
    USB2 apparaat Intel(R) C600/X79 series chipset USB2 Enhanced Host Controller #1 - 1D26
    USB2 apparaat Intel(R) C600/X79 series chipset USB2 Enhanced Host Controller #2 - 1D2D
    Van: station_two 
    Verzonden: maandag 13 april 2015 21:58
    Aan: johan van der klaauw
    Onderwerp:  After several time installed CS6 and a clean Windows 8.1 bridge still pause after selecting a picture or right click with button mouse.
    After several time installed CS6 and a clean Windows 8.1 bridge still pause after selecting a picture or right click with button mouse.
    created by station_two <https://forums.adobe.com/people/station_two>  in Bridge General Discussion - View the full discussion <https://forums.adobe.com/message/7434796#7434796>

  • Setup OneKey recovery after clean Windows 8.1 install

    Hello,
    I have Lenovo Z50-70 notebook. I bought a 32GB SSD to speed it up and installed it instead of optical drive as drive for system. I performed a clean Windows 8.1 install. Now I started looking for a way how to setup a one key recovery again. I found on some forums that you have to make some steps before installation itself or that you need some files which were preinstalled. I cannot reinstall system now and i have no backups of preinstalled tools. Is there any way to  set up one key recovery so the one key recovery button would work again and I would have a partition on my second drive (HDD) to backup my system (SSD) ? Is there a way to set it up so manually?
    Thanks

    You might be the second person that aim to do it with Cyberlink, the maker of the program, being the first. Good luck.

  • T440s clean windows 7 install - touchpad crash

    Hi,
    I just got a new T440s. I was very happy until I tried to do a clean windows 7 install. Everythings seems to work fine, except for the touchpad. As soon as I install the synaptics driver (i've tried from the lenovo site, the synaptics site, and from the previous installation's file), the synaptics enhancments program crashes, and I no longer have guestures working (specifically scroll). It crashes again if I try to run it manually. When I reboot, it also crashes on startup. I've tried reinstalling the driver and even reinstalling windows once more, but to no avail.
    Can anyone help? I'm going nuts...
    Thanks!

    R3clu23 wrote:
    I am also looking to install a clean version of Windows 7. It seems some of the pre-installed software creates a "latency" issue for me and the software I use for djin.Since alot of the software in the background is checking for new drivers and monitoring my hdd.
    I just want a stable laptop without all the fluff.
    See my reply to this on the other thread. 
    If you don't post your COMPLETE model number it's very difficult to assist you. Please try to post in complete sentences with punctuation, capitals, and correct spelling. Toshiba does NOT provide any direct support in these forums. All support is User to User in their spare time.

  • Which APP is most appropriate to be used immediately after a fresh clean Windows install?

    Hi,
    The product Name of my computer is: HP Pavilion dv6-6093ex Entertainment
    Notebook PC support
    The number of my computer is : LM610EA#A2N.
    I know to install the required drivers for my notebook computer, I will need to use the HP Recovery Manager; which will install the original software and hardware drivers that first came with my notebook. To do this, please follow this document on Using Recovery Manager to Restore Software and Drivers (Windows 7), as well as (Windows 8 and 8.1).
    To update the drivers on my computer to the latest software, I recommend following this document on Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 7) as well as (Windows 8 and 8.1).
    However, 
    First: my primary goal is to know which HP tool is most appropriate for locating, obtaining, and installing all appropriate drivers, updates, etc. immediately after a clean new Windows 7 or 8.1 installation.
    I know that HP support assistant helps to download the updates for existing sotware, and drivers. However, if I made a fresh installation of widows, there wouldn't be existing drivers or software, then  Which one is most appropriate to be used immediately after a fresh new clean Windows install?? -- to determine, retrieve, and install all the appropriate drivers??
    Second: How to save/transfer/export/move the Drivers and Application built-in HP Recovery Manager onto a HDD Or a disc(DVD/CD). So, in case I have delted the HP Recovery Manager, and installed a new Windows 7 installation, then I would be using these Drivers and Applications saved on a HDD or Disc to retrieve, and install all the appropriate dirvers and applications?
    Finally: All rivers and Application built-in HP Recovery Manager are saved as NON-SoftPaq on a folder called SwSetup. So could I download all rivers and Application built-in HP Recovery Manager as a SoftPaq.

    How are you starting X?   That shows that X started successfully, but the program that controls X, generally your desktop environment exited.
    If you are using startx or Xinit, please post your ~/.xinitrc file

  • Y40 GPU not working after clean windows install.

    I did a clean Windows install since I got a new HDD and I can not get the switchable GPU working again. I have the latest intel and amd drivers from Lenovo installed and both show up under dxdiag. When I try to access switchable graphics settings all I get is a blank page. The game I am playing shows what gpu is being used and it is Intel.
    If anyone has any ideas that would be great!
    Thank you!

    installed 10.4.10 all is well!!! Cool! Tim

Maybe you are looking for