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Question

win 8.1 download wanted

Dec 27, 2014 12:07AM PST

Hi there
I have an acer laptop that came pre installed with 8.1 on it but no OS disk
The HDD was formated and now has vist on it
There is a sticker on the back with bar code numbers
Not sure if they are the win 8.1 product code or not
But if it is can I download win 8.1 for free onto that machine

Thanks
Batista23

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: Windows 8.1
Dec 27, 2014 12:14AM PST

The recommended thing to do (if you forgot to make the recovery disks) is to order them with Asus.

But depending on what you mean with "the HD was formatted" (disks aren't formatted, only partitions are) it's possible - in principle - that a little bit of editing the partition table will allow you to boot from a recovery partition to install Windows 8.1 again. But probably you need an expert to try that.

Kees

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Answer
The bar code numbers will not work with downloads.
Dec 27, 2014 12:22AM PST
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thats the end to that
Dec 27, 2014 1:24AM PST

that a little bit of editing the partition table will allow you to boot from a recovery partition to install Windows 8.1 again

I paid someone to change the bootmeg table from what ever it was to FAT32 and NFT

R. proffit
reading that artical I see this is going to end up in another pointless 2 weeks of downloading broken and dodgy links that will never work unless you are professor bill gates

So it looks like its all off anyway
just another computer I have been ripped off of once again

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Why would you call it a rip off?
Dec 27, 2014 1:41AM PST

Every machine at the office and other places allowed me to create restore media. Was there more to this story?
Bob

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Visit Asus support
Dec 27, 2014 2:03AM PST

For some support you can order the "install media" to restart the Win 8.1 again.

Now, you had the option of creating you're own restore/recovery discs/media, most OEMs provide that feature just for this purpose you now have trouble with. Also, using the OEM supplied media either on discs or finding the hidden partition to recover from. At least Asus provides the details on how to do this.

http://www.service.asus.com/

Find your model# -OR- serial numbers that apply to it and order or review any info that may help.

The cost of recovery/restore media is cheaper than open purchase elsewhere and it applies directly to your product and MS key to activate the OS, etc.. This is very important for Win 8.x users as no MS decal/sticker is found on the PC as before.

tada -----Willy Happy

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not work again
Dec 27, 2014 2:23AM PST
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I used that one
Dec 27, 2014 2:49AM PST

It booted fine and while not a full Windows 8 did allow what it allowed just fine. In your case you want the full OS DVD but may have not learned how unuseful that is.

It appears you are following the same path as thousands have before you. Don't worry, everyone will understand if you lash out or flame everyone.
Bob

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No it dose not work
Dec 27, 2014 3:19AM PST

no it dose not work (have you ever tried it)
It will start inside OS on my win 7 pc but not on my vista

Upgrade assistance can only be started from windows 7. windows 8.1 is not desinged for insulation on devices running windows XP or vista
Im only telling you what the computer says!

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Works great here.
Dec 27, 2014 3:25AM PST

What is this insulation? I've installed almost every version of Windows over the years innumerable times so I can't guess what step is failing. We know that creating a bootable CD/DVD can challenge folk which is why I often tell folk to backup their system, make the restore media and backup those restore media and in short, anything we can't lose.
Bob

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Re: insulation
Dec 27, 2014 3:35AM PST

I think he means installation. "Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Vista. The upgrade assistant can only be started from Windows 7."

That's true. You shouldn't run a Windows 8 install from XP or Vista. You need a boot disk.

Kees

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May as well be insulation.
Dec 27, 2014 3:41AM PST

The cost and effort involved to install Windows (almost every version) today on laptops is more than folk ever expected. Batista230 not only would learn that they would have to pay for another license but the work involved to get all of the machine working is so painful to those that don't do this that they would again lash out at others (Microsoft didn't make this laptop so why they would call that company out is a mystery.)
Bob

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Answer
you can
Dec 27, 2014 5:15AM PST

1. You should have created your own os disk before installing vista. It is one of the first things suggested when first turn on a new computer.
2. You can go to acers website, search for your specific model and order a set of disks for your laptop. They are cheap. The last set I order was only 20 bucks.
3. IF the sticker is a coa, you may be able to find someone who has a copy of 8.1 install it using the key on the case. The sticker will say exactly what operating system it is for. If it does not, then it is the wrong sticker.
4. there is no legit place to download except the microsoft store.

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The answer
Dec 27, 2014 6:55AM PST

You can go to acers website, search for your specific model and order a set of disks for your laptop. They are cheap. The last set I order was only 20 bucks.

I have been on there web site and found nothing for O/S
Do you have a link for this by any chance

BTW had a look and there is no windows sticker on the back of my laptop

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We don't know your exact model but...
Dec 27, 2014 7:01AM PST
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My bad.
Dec 27, 2014 7:09AM PST
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Answer
You went nowhere
Dec 28, 2014 3:03AM PST

Your posts suggest you're not getting anything done or what you want. It has already been explained that you would get to this point and now you finally see the result. You want win8.1, contact Acer and get the required discs, period. Otherwise, BUY! win 8.x and install. If win 8.0, install and then upgrade to win8.1.

Maybe, you can get lucky. You say you formatted the HD but all you did erase/format working "C" partition and NOT the whole HD, you still have the "hidden partition" present. You will need a working win8.x repair disc to access it or whatever Acer suggests. You can use GPARTED to see just what's on your HD, the partitions present.

According to you, you formatted and installed Vista. You suspect you can get some version of freebie win8.x to install. No, that's not really possible excluding some tech magic, that I don't see. basically, SOL. I suggest you contact Acer and for a small cost get the install recovery/restore discs or flash drive.

tada -----Willy Happy

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You're not the first to say that.
Dec 28, 2014 3:21AM PST

But maybe you're the first one he 'listens' to.

Kees

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He's a real "nowhere man"?
Dec 28, 2014 3:21AM PST

Dafydd.

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Salut, Willy !
Jan 4, 2015 1:52PM PST

In this case, i have no idea, but whenever the trouble catches me, I think of my cousin, he is so familiar to the operating of all kinds of systems. I am not lucky, but I am so blessed, he is so kind and patient, being a great help to resolve all my problems. I am so appreciated.

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Answer
Acer creates a partitian
Jan 5, 2015 9:45PM PST

that will allow you to make system restore disks. Most OEM's encourage you make the system restore disk during the initial setup. The restore disks are specific for the OEM usually have a Software and drivers disk also along with the system disk. The Windows key is added in the factory and it's not needed to run the system restore. Now if you purchase Windows you'll have to use the key that comes with the Windows packaging.