Reinstalling Windows 8 with no discs?

[DonS]

Hey all

This may be a ridiculous question to some, but in the event a Windows 8 computer needs to be wiped/reinstalled (without access to Windows itself) how have you all been going about doing this?

Unlike previous OS's there are no downloadable ISOs available for Windows 8 that I can find. Are you just biting the bullet and buying a copy of Windows 8 to use in these cases?

 

[lima]

I have the same question, today i got first win 8 laptop ( it was only win 7 before), it has bad HDD, so no way to make recovery disc...

Ordering recovery discs from Toshiba is time consuming and customers hate to wait...plus 60$ just for one laptop...

 

[JustInspired]

I have Pro discs I ordered when Microsoft was doing the introductory offer, both 32 bit and 64 bit in the same pack.
Unfortunately, I don't have the non pro version.
So, yes, if anyone has them it would be great for clean installs.

 

[Abet Computers]

How To Download Windows 8 ISO (x86 / x64) File Officially From Microsoft

http://www.redmondpie.com/download-windows-8-iso-x86-x64-file-directly-from-microsoft/

 

[Blues]

While the wait sucks I prefer to manufacturer discs it typically preloads all the drivers and everything the PC needs as well usually the price is very fair being only ~$30 Im surprised to hear one was $60.

 

[Martyn]

TechNet have them?

 

[nlinecomputers]

TechNet have them?

Yes as does the Action Pack.

 

[Markverhyden]

I don't think that the Technet versions will activate with a retail or OEM key.

Also, that's interesting the M$ is now doing something like Apple in terms of software fulfillment - download directly from M$.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I don't think that the Technet versions will activate with a retail or OEM key.

Also, that's interesting the M$ is now doing something like Apple in terms of software fulfillment - download directly from M$.

Yes they will. There is ONLY one Windows 8 iso and it works with everything. Have not found a proper key that it will not activate on nor an OEM DPK that will not automatically activate.

Despite the other issues with the GUI from a Tech point of view Windows 8 is much more universal to work with.

 

[Markverhyden]

Yes they will. There is ONLY one Windows 8 iso and it works with everything. Have not found a proper key that it will not activate on nor an OEM DPK that will not automatically activate.

Despite the other issues with the GUI from a Tech point of view Windows 8 is much more universal to work with.

Good to know. Some years ago I tried registering 2k3 server standard I downloaded from technet, EU did not have the media, and failed to register with their OEM (HP) key. Could not even get a manual registration from M$.

 

[johnrobert]

I tried it with my win8 key and it said it was an upgrade key and could not be
used to install win8
M$ said to get key from box but if you have oem how can you do that
and if hard drive is toast you cant extract it

 

[Markverhyden]

I tried it with my win8 key and it said it was an upgrade key and could not be
used to install win8
M$ said to get key from box but if you have oem how can you do that
and if hard drive is toast you cant extract it

With major OEM you install their distro without a key. Just like the previous OS versions.

 

[bertie40]

Key is embedded in the bios, not hard drive.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I tried it with my win8 key and it said it was an upgrade key and could not be
used to install win8
M$ said to get key from box but if you have oem how can you do that
and if hard drive is toast you cant extract it

There is a way around the upgrade issues:

http://lifehacker.com/5984278/how-to-do-a-clean-install-of-windows-8-with-an-upgrade-disc

As for an OEM version. The key called a Digital Product Key or DPK is stored on the bios instead of on a sticker on the side of the machine. Windows 8 during the install will query the bios for that key automagicly in the background. If successful you will never get a install key prompt. If not the install will halt until you input a proper retail media key.

 

[OneClick]

http://www.redmondpie.com/download-windows-8-iso-x86-x64-file-directly-from-microsoft/

I tried this way but couldn't get it to activate.
Ended up having to download a retail copy and it then activate without a issue.