How to perform a clean install of Windows 8 / 8.1

This document describes, how to perform a clean install of Windows 8.
Windows 8 System Requirements
1 GHz or faster processor (with PAE, NX and SSE2 support)
1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multitouch.
To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768
More Info: http://aps2.toshiba-tro.de/kb0/TSB2903E20000R02.htm

I have a new SSD drive and need to either migrate my old HD data, including the Windows 8.1 OS or do a a clean install.  I have obtained the ISO, prepared the boot for the flashdrive and downloaded the install software.  It asks for the product key.   I used the suggested BIOS reader and obtained "a" product key off the BIOS and used that it but (as above) it does not recognize the image.
How id I get my single Windows license onto my new SSD HD?  Reload, clean install, ???
How do I get the proper product key or confirm it is correct? 
It is a new system with little data that I need to copy. I just want the operating system.  I have the driver disc that came with it.

Similar Messages

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    I have recently purchased a new C540 that has Windows 8 already installed on it.  I would like to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 on this computer.
    This is what I have done so far:
    I disabled 3 things in the BIOS: IIRC, they were secure boot, quick boot, and something about "optimized" startup
    I have changed my boot priority to put the CD/DVD drive first and any flashdrive 2nd
    I have figured out my OEM Windows Product Key (this is for a Windows 8 Core/64 bit OS)
    I have setup a flashdrive with Windows 8.1 on it
    I tried to boot from the flashdrive...when I get the option to install windows 8.1, I click on it and very quickly get the following error -- "The product key entered does not match any of the Windows images available for installation. Enter a different product key."
    I added a PID.txt file with my OEM product key in the Source folder of the Windows 8.1 install....I don't get the above error message immediately, but a screen comes up that asks me to enter a Product Code...my OEM product code (being for W8,  not W8.1) does not work while using a generic key (for Windows 8.1 Core) yields the same error message as above and exits the installer.
    I then added an EI.CFG file that sets the edition to core, the version to OEM, and the Volume to 0...unfortunately, when trying to install Windows 8.1 it still asks me for a product key before installing...I cannot get past this screen even though (to my understanding) the EI.CFG file should cause the installer to skip asking for a product key...
    It is important to me that I get to perform a CLEAN install of Windows 8.1...I do not want to upgrade through windows store...the only keys I have are a W8 Pro Retail key (for my laptop) and a W8 Core OEM key (that came with the new C540)...I am using a flashdrive to perform this since I knew I may have to add/change files like the PID and EI.CFG....
    I would appreciate any help I can get in solving this problem...I am also willing to try burning an .iso with the PID and/or EI.CFG, but I'm trying to avoid trial and error with that since it is time consuming, requires an ADK, and may waste DVDs...I'd only make an .iso if (for whatever reason) that would work where a flashdrive woud not...

    I have a new SSD drive and need to either migrate my old HD data, including the Windows 8.1 OS or do a a clean install.  I have obtained the ISO, prepared the boot for the flashdrive and downloaded the install software.  It asks for the product key.   I used the suggested BIOS reader and obtained "a" product key off the BIOS and used that it but (as above) it does not recognize the image.
    How id I get my single Windows license onto my new SSD HD?  Reload, clean install, ???
    How do I get the proper product key or confirm it is correct? 
    It is a new system with little data that I need to copy. I just want the operating system.  I have the driver disc that came with it.

  • How to Perform a "Clean Install" - Offline installer link not working...

    The thread containing - "How to Perform a Clean Install of Flash Player in Mac OS X" -  was an answer given by Mike M. several times in this forum. I attempted to access the "offline installer" link that was offered, but it does not seem to be working. Does anyone have an updated link to a functional offline installer that I can use to finally download Flash Player for Mac OS X v. 10.9.5?
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    Many of the photography and game websites I use (almost all, actually) FP, and I would really love to get back to my daily routine soon!
    Best Regards,
    Mel R.

    Hi Mel,
    The correct link is posted at the bottom of the Installation problems | Flash Player | Mac page, in the 'Still having problems section'. The download links recently changed and it appears the FAQ was not updated.  I have updated the with the help page URL as it's less likely that this link will change, and if it does, a re-direct to the new location would be implemented.
    Maria

  • Help with Performing a Clean Install of Windows 8.1

    Hey. I just bought a laptop today and it came with Windows 8.1. However, my issue is that my OS resides in a huge partition (900+ MB). And I don't want this. I want to re-allocate space, and take a portion from my OS's drive in order to create more partitions.
    However, to do that, I have to format the drive, which I can't 'cause it contains the OS.
    Bottom line: I don't have a CD installer for Windows 8 or Windows 8.1. I am trying to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1 in my laptop. Can I get the installer online? Can I use the product key here in my already activated Windows 8.1 OS? Do I need to
    install Windows 8 before installing Windows 8.1?
     

    you may be able to shrink the existing volume(s):
    https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc731894(v=ws.10).aspx
    Don
    (Please take a moment to "Vote as Helpful" and/or "Mark as Answer", where applicable.
    This helps the community, keeps the forums tidy, and recognises useful contributions. Thanks!)

  • How to do a clean install of windows 10 on a different drive?

    Hi all. Today I decided to make the switch to windows 10. I want to do a clean install, however, because I recently got an SSD and want to install the OS on that instead of on my hard drive. First off, do I even need my product key to do a clean install onto a new drive? I made a clone of my C: dirve just in case something goes wrong, just FYI. My SSD is 100% empty and has 110GB available on it but my main hard drive has about 400GB of stuff on it, so cloning my drive to the SSD is out of the picture.  So basically what I want to know is this: 1. Do I need to have my windows key to do a clean install of windows 10 from windows 8.1 onto a different drive.2. If not, how do I do a clean install onto a new drive3. If I need it, how do I get it? Thanks all

    The easiest solution would be to back up the data you wish to keep on an external hard drive then delete that data and programs from the old hard drive so that only the OS remains.  From there use migration software from your SSD manufacturer to clone the old drive to the new SSD using a USB to SATA cable. The Windows key is embedded in the BIOS and will be recognized by the computer on any installs.  It would be advisable to retrieve your key, just in case, using Belarc Advisor which gives you all sorts of info about your computer.  Do this before doing anything.http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html  Swap your drive and be sure it is operational.  Now you may perform a clean install of the Windows 10 upgrade using a bootable ISO.  See step 5 or 6 from this tutorial:http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2267-windows-10-upgrade-installation.html#step3 

  • How to Perform a Clean Install of Panther 10.3

    I am currently running Jaguar 10.2.8 (no OS9) on an iMac G3/400, 320 megs ram, dsl internet. I want to perform a clean install of Panther 10.3 (not the upgrade or archive + install). After placing the first Panther disc in the slot, I get a screen on which I click the install icon, I then click the restart, the machine reboots, gives me an installation screen asking me to choose the language, I choose English, then click "continue", I then get a screen telling me I cannot install OSX because the "firmware" is not up to date. I then have to click on the "close" button, then use a pin to get the cd out of the machine. I thought the only firmware update necessary was when you want to install Jaguar over OS9. How can I fix this situation so I can install Panther? I am not much of a techie, fairly new to Mac so please make your reply easy to follow. Thanks.

    The firmware update for your model is required for running OS X regardless of which version you install. You will need to install OS 9.1 or later in order to install the firmware update if the computer has not been updated.
    OS 9 should have been included with the computer as part of the original software that came with it. You can install OS 9 on the same volume on which OS X is currently installed or you can erase the drive before installing OS 9. After you perform the firmware update you can do an Erase and Install of Panther.
    You should avoid using a pin to forcibly remove a disc from the optical drive. Just restart the computer and hold down the mouse button to have the disc ejected. See the following:
    Five ways to eject a stuck CD or DVD from the optical drive
    Ejecting the stuck disc can usually be done in one of the following ways:
    1. Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the left mouse button until the disc ejects.
    2. Press the Eject button on your keyboard.
    3. Click on the Eject button in the menubar.
    4. Press COMMAND-E.
    5. If none of the above work try this:
    Open the Terminal application in your Utilities folder. At the prompt enter or paste the following:
    /usr/bin/drutil eject.
    If this fails then try this:
    Boot the computer into single-user mode. At the prompt enter the same command as used above. To restart the computer enter "reboot" at the prompt without quotes.

  • How to perform a clean install of Mountain Lion on MBA without usb?

    I purchased a new MBA last November and I want to perform a clean install of Mountain Lion (for various reasons), however, the MBA didn't come with an install usb drive from Apple.  When I go to the app store it says I need to buy the OS even though it's already on my computer.  After all the searching I've done I can't find the answer on what I need to do.  Do I need to buy Mountain Lion even though it came with my computer?  Please help, thanks!

    If you purchased your MacBook Air in November, it means that your Mac already came with OS X Mountain Lion, so even if the App Store tells you that you haven't purchased it, the truth is that it's registered to your Apple ID and you can redownload it without any problem.
    Hold Command and R keys while your Mac is starting to start up into OS X Recovery and try to reinstall OS X. It will ask you for the Apple ID you used to set up your MacBook Air, so introduce it. If the OS X download starts, close the installer by pressing the red button at the top left corner of the window, because you can reinstall OS X.
    Then, open Disk Utility, choose Macintosh HD in the sidebar, go to Erase tab and erase the drive. Finally, close Disk Utility and reinstall OS X. Make a backup of your data before erasing your disk

  • How to do a clean install of Windows?

    Is there anything I should know before doing a clean install of Windows on my laptop? It's a GS60 Ghost. I got my product key using Magical Jellybean KeyFinder, but from what I've heard I won't need that since the key is stored in the BIOS. So I guess all I need to do is put the right version of Windows on a USB and install it, right?

    The OEM DPK stored in the BIOS only activate the same type of Windows. For example, most of MSI laptops were preloaded with Windows 8.1 standard (PS: "standard" won't be shown in the "System" window) and planted with OEM DPKs for Windows 8.1 standard. If you install the Windows 8.1 Pro version, it won't be activated by the key.
    However, if your Windows 8.1 Pro is bought from the shop, you'll need to enter a key provided in the box when installing. And then it will automatically activate the OS by connecting to the Internet. In this way, the OEM DPK in the BIOS will be ignored.

  • How to perform a clean install?

    Hello,
    I would want to perform a clean installation on my Lenovo G780. 
    The problem is that I haven't created an image and I don't have a backup cd. 
    I thought the system would make an automatic backup on the partition. 
    Is there a way to recover my system to the fabric state?
    Thanks in advance

    hi Nordin,
    Welcome to Lenovo Community,
    You computer already has the product key on it,
    for Windows 7 it has a sticker at the bottom of your PC
    for Windows 8 it is embedded on your Motherboard.
    all you need is to obtain a Windows installer
    If you have a Windows 7 ISO maybe from a friend with Windows installer from online download, you can install that and just type the Key from the sticker.
    -and-
    for windows 8 You can just install it and the key will automatically activate.
    I cases you can't get an ISO of windows
    You can contact Technical Support in and ask about  purchasing a restore disc (fees may apply)
    You can also check this site for Windows 7 ISO and burn it using imgburn.
    Hope this helps,
    Cheers!
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  • How to perform a clean install on Satellite PS183E

    I have an old laptop which I am giving to a friend but want to wipe it clean before doing so.
    I don't know my admin password only a limited user and do not have a boot disk.
    What can I do?

    What do you mean by that? Do just want to clean all your personal data on the machine or a complete deletion of Windows?
    If you intend to completly erase all data on the notebook, you can find some freet tools in the net like Killdisk.
    Takes some time to do the job, because of the deleting algorithm but after that, all is clean.
    Need a program for recovering passwords you should try google. Have to be some good programs out there.

  • So how does one perform a clean install on U310?

    Hello,
    I'm currently annoyed with software that comes pre-installed on the notebook, and would like to perform a clean install of Windows 7. I've got a bootable USB stick prepared, but don't know what to do next. Also, I'd like to install the system on the SSD drive, not on HDD, and don't want to lose warranty.
    Could someone who already did this make a step-by-step guide, or at least provide some hints? Thanks!

    Hi
    Welcome To Lenovo Community
    First of all Please create a set of recovery media using OKR .
    For installing a fresh OS on SSD you can refer below links
    http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds
    http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/206250-ssd-w-hdd-windows-7-setup-help.html
    Hope This Helps
    Cheers!!!
    Important Note: If you need help, post your question in the forum, and include your system type, model number and OS. Do not post your serial number.
    Did someone help you today? Press the star on the left to thank them with Kudos!
    If you find a post helpful and it answers your question, please mark it as an "Accepted Solution"!  This will help the rest of the Community with similar issues identify the verified solution and benefit from it.
    Follow @LenovoForums on Twitter!

  • HT1338 how do you perform a clean install for imac

    How to perform a clean install for imac, because I cannot upgrade to version 10.6?

    Here are the technical requirements for Snow Leopard:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/sp575
    If your iMac meets the requirements, then you will have to purchase the Snow Leopard disk from apple:
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
    To reinstall your OS, insert the original OS disk that came with your iMac and start up the iMac holding the C key.  Start the installation process and when you see the menu bar, select 'Utilities'. From the drop down menu, select Disk Utility.  Erase the HDD and the continue the installation.
    Note that this will erase all data on the HDD so have it backed up before you start.
    Ciao.

  • Clean install of Windows 8

    I am about to perform a clean install of Windows 8, however I don't want to lose my copies of Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0 and Premiere Elements 7.0. These programs were both pre-installed on my Sony-Vaio so I don't have a media disc for them. How can I retain these programs and activate them on my updated PC?

    A clean install of Windows 8 will wipe out your other files by definition as will the recovery disks. Fortunately, Windows 8 has some new Maintenance options not seen in prior versions. You can try an OS "refresh" which will install new Windows 8 system files without disturbing your data or settings.
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2410848,00.asp
    You will want to back up your important files before you do this as there is a small chance it can go awry.

  • Fingerprint Driver Install after clean install of Windows 7

    I've performed a clean install of Windows 7 on my X300 (6476CTO).  I downloaded and installed the Fingerprint Driver 5.9.2 for Windows 7 32-bit (http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=MIGR-73583).  However, everytime I reboot I get a message that the Fingerprint Reader cannot access dll file vtapip.dll and the fingerprint registration fails.  What can I do to remedy this problem?
    I did notice on the readme that machines running less than the 5.6 version of the fingerprint software should upgrade to 5.6.2 before installing newer versions.  Does this include clean installs?  If so, where can I get the 5.6.2 driver?  I cannot currently locate it.
    Thanks,
    Mindy

    I have searched for A200 and A210 in the Toshiba sections of Equium, Satego, Satellite and Satellite Pro but their are no Flash card support utility. In the details of the "Value added package" are the words:
    "TOSHIBA Flash Cards provides the Hotkey function and the launcher function that starts the Hotkey function and launches the other TOSHIBA utilities"
    So I think it's useless to search for this utility. It's more important for me to know which files (like name of the launcher program) must be started to use the FN keys.
    John

  • G505 How to do a Clean Install Windows 8.1 Core instead of Windows 8.0 Core?

    Hi,
    I have G505 with Widows 8.0 core installed. I would like to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 core. So I installed but it ask for the activation key which I do not have. I thought we can use the same activation key for Windows 8.1 core. How do you activate it if it is possible.
    Or do I have to install Windows 8.0 core and then upgrade to Windows 8.1. Unfortunately I do not have a copy of Windows 8.0 core.
    Thanks for any help.

    hi magi44ken,
    This might be because the WInodws 8.1 installer you used is a retail version and not an OEM from Lenovo.
    The path should be Windows 8.0 then upgrade it. this way the Key inside the BIOS will be recognized and reactivated.
         Try Doing a Onekey Recovery and see if the Recovery Partition is still active to revert the system back to Windows 8.0. Turn off the computer and hit the Movo button , see if recovery will be available.
    If not, you will need to call Lenovo Technical Support to Obtain a copy of the Windows 8.0 install, (fees may apply).
    Regards
    Solid Cruver
    Did someone help you today? Press the star on the left to thank them with a Kudo!
    If you find a post helpful and it answers your question, please mark it as an "Accepted Solution"! This will help the rest of the Community with similar issues identify the verified solution and benefit from it.
    Follow @LenovoForums on Twitter!

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