Windows backup and ISO files - Microsoft Community

have bought sony laptop preinstalled windows 8, , updated windows 8.1, dont have windows previous version mean windows 8, , wondering, since laptop running windows 8.1 now, , if happen laptop , need recover windows, may use windows 8.1 , instead of windows 8(which preinstalled)? happened key, because windows pre installed, , dont have key?

hi,

this explains can since microsoft stopped support windows 8.

do clean install of exact same edition of 8.1 8 is.

windows 8 > 8.1 free upgrade released microsoft , workaround if unable via store, etc.

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you can download , create own windows 8.1 installation media reinstall operating system with..

"create installation media 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 may assist you

"create installation media windows 8.1"

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

in first screen of simple wizard, need choose following:

language. english – en-us if you're in 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).

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"how create bootable usb or dvd windows 8 or 8.1 iso"

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

warning

this not work install windows 8 or 8.1 uefi. that, see tutorial below instead.

uefi bootable usb flash drive - create in windows

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how clean install:

"how clean install of windows 8 or windows 8.1"

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

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with windows 8/8.1 product key on preinstalled operating systems (hp, acer, etc) embedded in bios in motherboard, lost and/or worn c.o.a. sticker problem no more.

when reinstall pick product key , activate system automatically.

if not, follow these steps:

"how activate windows 8 , 8.1 phone"

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

"get activation errors"

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

"how activate microsoft product using microsoft product activation center"

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

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if wish to/need to keep record of it:

"windows 10 embedded product key tool"

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

"we’re proud introduce immediate release of our newest utility windows users: neosmart technologies embedded product key tool. designed users of windows 7, windows 8, , windows 10, our embedded product key tool retrieve , display windows setup product key embedded in bios or efi, allowing store safe-keeping or use reinstall windows official windows setup image."

you can 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/

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you can system image backup of use reinstall in future.

use system image backup

you can still use system image backup in windows 8/8.1.

"system image backup in windows 8.1"

https://www.winhelp.us/system-image-backup-in-windows-8-1.html