I am constantly asked installation/partitioning advice on installing Windows.
Below is my advice on installing Windows 8.1.
My advice on Partitions:
– If you intend to move your Libraries: 60GB
– If you do not intend to move your Libraries: Use full disk.
Set partitions sizes AFTER installation. See:How To Resize Your Windows 8 Partition
If you have a standard Windows 8.1 Disc:
1 – Backup the previously installed Operating System if any.
I use Acronis True Image.
The only freeware I recommend is Clonezilla.
2 – Disconnect all hard drive/SSD’s except the one you wish to install Windows on.
3 – Wipe drive using diskpart:
– Boot from your installation media.
– Choose Choose Repair your computer > Click Advanced options > Click Command Prompt
– Type > diskpart
– Type > list disk [ENTER] If you are on a multiple disk system find your main disk (be sure).
– Type > select disk 0 [ENTER] (where the disk number is the number of your main disk).
***WARNING – this next step WILL WIPE YOUR DRIVE. ALL, I REPEAT ALL, INFO WILL BE LOST.
– Type > clean [ENTER]
– Reboot and install Windows 8.1.
If you have a standard Windows 8 disk (NOT a Windows 8.1 disk):
1 – 1 – Backup the previously installed Operating System if any.
I use Acronis True Image.
The only freeware I recommend is Clonezilla.
2 – Disconnect all hard drive/SSD’s except the one you wish to install Windows on.
3 – Disconnect the computer from the internet.
4 – Diskpart:
***PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYTHING IN THIS SECTION***
We are going to use diskpart. It is an advanced utility that can wipe out your stuff with the press of a key.
There are no “are you sure” ,double-check pop-ups. When you press ENTER thats it.
Keep in mind. Disks are numbered starting at 0. Partitions are numbered starting at 1.
( [ENTER] means press the Enter key ):
– Boot from your installation media.
– Choose Choose Repair your computer > Click Advanced options > Click Command Prompt
– Type > diskpart
– Type > list disk [ENTER] If you are on a multiple disk system find your main disk (be sure).
– Type > select disk 0 [ENTER] (where the disk number is the number of your main disk).
***WARNING – this next step WILL WIPE YOUR DRIVE. ALL, I REPEAT ALL, INFO WILL BE LOST.
– Type > clean [ENTER]
3 – Reboot (still disconnected from the internet) and install Windows 8.1 with the generic key.
Activate Windows 8.1
– After install, connect to internet.
– Run the following commands from an elevated command prompt ( Win + X key Command Prompt (Admin) ).
( [ENTER] means press the Enter key ):
slmgr -upk
[ENTER] (this removes the install key)
slmgr -ipk +CDKEY
[ENTER]
(the +CDKEY is your original, legitimate CD Key with dashes. XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Do not use the plus sign.)
slmgr -ato
[ENTER] (this starts online activation)
– Done
If you have a PC manufacturers disk:
1 – Follow manufactures instructions to reinstall Windows.
2 – Uninstall programs you do not need. Useful tools to aide you:
– PC Decrapifier
– CCleaner (portable)
– Bleachbit (portable)
– Wise Disk Cleaner (portable)
3 – YOU DO NOT NEED A REGISTRY CLEANER!!!!!!!