Need to re-install Windows 8 no media available

[penfold]

Hi,

 

Got a problem with my sisters laptop which I am pretty sure came with Windows 8 installed. It just goes into a loop which tries to do a windows repair and then just black screens. I've tried the refresh & reset option available by creating a windows repair disk but this doesn't work and leaves the laptop just sitting there doing nothing. It's out of warranty so I've managed to get the hard drive out and copy off all the work and just wanted to re-install Windows as it should be able to use the Key in the BIOS as far as I've read so all I need is a fresh copy of Windows 8. Problem is I only have 8.1 and the links I've found for downloading Windows ISO are for 8.1 which I believe uses a different Key so wouldn't be able to install it on the laptop?

 

My question is this. Where can I get a proper copy of Windows 8 for home use and be able to download without having to put the key in before I need to download it? If I can get any Windows 8 one and remove the files to make it a universal install media can I use this and the Key should then activate the appropriate version?

 

Cheers

[matt40k]

Upgrade Windows with only a product key - Windows Help - Should let you get a ISO\setup a bootable USB pen installer Edited December 23, 2014 by matt40k

[fiza]

Do you have the Windows key? if so then you might be able to go here and download Windows 8 and burn the ISO to disk.

 

Upgrading Windows with only a product key - Windows Help

 

@matt40k - beat me to it!!!!!

[penfold]

Nope, no key. I'm hoping to will just get picked up when Windows gets installed.

[Arthur]

Use the new Windows Installation Media Creation Tool from Microsoft since it downloads an ISO that also includes Update 1. This will save you a lot of time when it comes to installing updates from Windows Update.

 

This ISO should automatically read the product key from the BIOS during installation. If for some reason it doesn't, enter one of the generic keys below when prompted. Once Windows has been installed use pkeyui.exe or get_win8key.exe to read the BIOS product key and then activate Windows using that.

 

[b]Windows 8.1[/b]       334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
[b]Windows 8.1 Pro[/b]   XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

Edited December 23, 2014 by Arthur

[penfold]

@ Arthur - I thought I couldn't install 8.1 as they used different keys so I thought it would fail to activate once 8.1 was installed. I'll try doing just as you said and hopefully I can get it up and running.

 

Thanks

[Arthur]

I thought I couldn't install 8.1 as they used different keys so I thought it would fail to activate once 8.1 was installed.

You can now. The install media created by the tool above accepts Windows 8.0 and 8.1 keys.

 

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

 

... this tool does work with a Windows 8.0 product key, which is wonderful.

[penfold]

Just a quick thank you as I ree installed using the method mentioned by @Arthur and it must have picked up the key as I never got prompted and it was already activated when I checked. Just running updates now and I need to transfer the data over and I can give it back then😀 I Must say that is much easier and better than using a recovery disk as it means it's a nice clean install now.