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Replacing OEM install
Goal: replace the OEM install with generic Windows 8.1 from Microsoft's installer.
Below is the GPT layout of the machine in question. Partition number 4 is the Windows installation. The question is: can I simply install generic 8.1 to that partition without any ill effects on the UEFI bios, e.g. not booting properly?
Also, please advise where the best place to get generic 8.1 is. afaik, one is entitled to the generic installer these days.
Below is the GPT layout of the machine in question. Partition number 4 is the Windows installation. The question is: can I simply install generic 8.1 to that partition without any ill effects on the UEFI bios, e.g. not booting properly?
Also, please advise where the best place to get generic 8.1 is. afaik, one is entitled to the generic installer these days.
Model: ATA HGST HTS541010A9 (scsi)
Disk /dev/sda: 1000GB
Sector size (logical/physical): 512B/4096B
Partition Table: gpt
Disk Flags:
Number Start End Size File system Name Flags
1 1049kB 683MB 682MB ntfs Basic data partition hidden, diag
2 683MB 955MB 273MB fat32 EFI system partition boot
3 955MB 1089MB 134MB Microsoft reserved partition msftres
4 1089MB 976GB 975GB ntfs Basic data partition
5 976GB 1000GB 24.6GB ntfs Basic data partition hidden
Asked:
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Well i thought that these days no purchase would be required, owning already a valid 8.1. install?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media is a little unclear on this, but 8.1 -> 8.1 might be OK(?)
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media is a little unclear on this, but 8.1 -> 8.1 might be OK(?)
You're making an assumption that the OEM version of windows doesn't have any drivers for your hardware that is NOT in the retail distribution.
You're making an assumption ...I'm not 100% certain what you're getting at there, but i'm not making any assumptions about drivers, i assure you. I might abandon the plan as i expect to find missing drivers if i install the generic system and i don't want the hassle.
I was thinking that you were wanting to go from the pre-installed version which was a Home edition to a professional edition. In that case you do need to purchase an upgrade key.
What is your ultimate goal? Just to get a clean version with no bloatware?
What is your ultimate goal? Just to get a clean version with no bloatware?
I was thinking that you were wanting to go from the pre-installed version which was a Home edition to a professional edition.Nope
What is your ultimate goal? Just to get a clean version with no bloatware?Yes
Then you should be ok with the "trail" version downloaded from MS. The install should see your imbedded key in the BIOS and install as desired.
Your only challenged will be trying to find all of the drivers, but with some patience, you can do it.
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8-1-iso/
Your only challenged will be trying to find all of the drivers, but with some patience, you can do it.
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8-1-iso/
Media creation tool download here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
If you have UEFI enabled OEM system you may need one of the Generic KMS keys from Microsoft to start the install but when you switch back to Secure Boot Windows activation should then be automatic and 8.1 reactivated as the same OEM version to the original installation.
You're correct that the installation media is now pretty much generic but activation remains as convoluted as ever for OEM systems.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
If you have UEFI enabled OEM system you may need one of the Generic KMS keys from Microsoft to start the install but when you switch back to Secure Boot Windows activation should then be automatic and 8.1 reactivated as the same OEM version to the original installation.
You're correct that the installation media is now pretty much generic but activation remains as convoluted as ever for OEM systems.
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It's probably not worth all the effort and cost to the client. If (when) it starts running slowly i'll probably put Debian on it after getting him used to cross-platform software. Then he'll think he's doubled his hardware spec
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As to getting a generic version, just download the trial from MS and make sure everything works as expected, then purchase the activation key.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-8.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396