Share via

Reinstall Windows 8/8.1 after end of support has passed

Anonymous
2023-03-20T01:15:04+00:00

Hello All,

I have a sick Dell All In One In Inspiron 20 model 3045 series E computer that a friend has asked me to troubleshoot.

I have limited info but will provide all I can:

Windows 8.1 build 9600 x64, I think originally came with Windows 8, machine is approximately 8 yrs old.

AMD E1-2500 and AMD A4-5000 processors

RAM at least 4Gb maybe 8.

The machine has a failing hard drive, I was eventually able to run the Dell diagnostics at boot up and received a failed "DST Short Test" message. This was after hours-long disk activity at 100%, unheard of response times for simple actions like logging in, opening Task Manager or File Explorer, etc.

I was unable to run any kind of Refresh/Reinstall options, nor boot into Safe Mode due to the poor performance, but did manage to finally copy her data over to a USB drive.

I have an SSD drive to swap but want to know the options if any for a Windows 8/8.1 reinstall since the end of life for Windows 8 has just passed in January of this year.

I have a Windows 8 usb boot drive from a couple years back available and see the Microsoft websites available for the Windows 8.1 boot disk creation.

My questions are:

  1. Should I use the old Windows 8 boot disk or create a new 8.1 boot disk with the Microsoft website option?
  2. Will any updates previously available still be available to download, since the OS is now at end of life?

Thanks,

Sam

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

7 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-23T09:11:25+00:00

    Your choice.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-03-20T22:06:28+00:00

    Please advise on "Do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is."

    All I can gather from the condition of the machine is that it came with Windows 8 and has been upgraded during an update session to Windows 8.1 build 9600.

    Thanks

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2023-03-20T13:17:57+00:00

    There are different process for installing 8 and 8.1.

    And you will get updates up until end of support date.

    If you hsave a Windows 8 license:

    Support and downloads for 8 has ended.

    Do a clean install of the exact same edition of 8.1 as 8 is.

    Windows 8 > 8.1 is a free upgrade released by Microsoft.

    @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

    IMPORTANT: Read the part about generic keys

    You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

    "Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

    "Download Windows 8.1"

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

    A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

    "Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

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

    In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

    Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

    Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

    Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

    _______________________________________

    "How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

    Image   Warning This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

    UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

    _____________________________________

    To access BIOS/UEFI - UEFI/EFI configuration:

    https://neosmart.net/wiki/boot-usb-drive/

    _____________________________________

    How to clean install:

    "How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

    Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys

    If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

    If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you are good.*

    If you have an OEM Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

    If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,* Windows 8.1 Enterprise*, or* Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise*, then you would need to change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.

    _____________________________________

    With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

    When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

    If it does not, follow these steps:

    "How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

    "Get help with activation errors"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

    "How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

    _______________________________________________

    How to find the Windows 8 product key:

    "Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

    https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

    "We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

    You can also use:

    "Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

    http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

    Or:

    "Product KeyFinder"

    https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-20T11:24:00+00:00

    Thanks for the reply, but this doesn't really answer either of my questions.

    I have been to Microsoft's website and reviewed the procedure for creating an 8.1 boot disk.

    Will review the warning in your reply about UEFI protocols.

    Just need which boot disk route would be best, and especially the question about updates after the fact of EOL.

    Sam

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-20T01:51:21+00:00

    You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

    "Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

    "Download Windows 8.1"

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

    A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

    "Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

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

    In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

    Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

    Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

    Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

    _______________________________________

    "How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

    Image   Warning This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

    UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

    _____________________________________

    To access BIOS/UEFI - UEFI/EFI configuration:

    https://neosmart.net/wiki/boot-usb-drive/

    _____________________________________

    How to clean install:

    "How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

    _____________________________________

    With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

    When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

    If it does not, follow these steps:

    "How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

    http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

    "Get help with activation errors"

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

    "How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

    _______________________________________________

    If you do wish to/need to keep a record of it:

    "Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

    https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

    "We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

    You can also use:

    "Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

    http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

    Or:

    "Product KeyFinder"

    https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments