8.1 Install from USB to SSD

[AP28VIKES]

Hey all, I recently upgraded to an SSD and am currently in the process of installing Windows 8.1 to the SSD and making it my boot drive. I was running Windows 7 previously and I am using a USB install in order to get 8.1 on my SSD. When I boot my computer off of my USB, everything is good to go until after I put in my Product Key.

After that there's a Compatibility Report that states,"The computer started using the Windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. (Do not select iCustom (advanced) to perform an upgrade. iCustom (advanced) installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.)

I am absolutely lost as to what to do from here. Any help would be fantastic.

Thanks guys.

 

[USAFRet]

Hey all, I recently upgraded to an SSD and am currently in the process of installing Windows 8.1 to the SSD and making it my boot drive. I was running Windows 7 previously and I am using a USB install in order to get 8.1 on my SSD. When I boot my computer off of my USB, everything is good to go until after I put in my Product Key.

After that there's a Compatibility Report that states,"The computer started using the Windows installation media. Remove the installation media and restart your computer so that Windows starts normally. Then, insert the installation media and restart the upgrade. (Do not select iCustom (advanced) to perform an upgrade. iCustom (advanced) installs a new copy of Windows and deletes your programs and settings.)

I am absolutely lost as to what to do from here. Any help would be fantastic.

Thanks guys.

Did you start the install from inside a running Windows 7 instance, or did you boot directly from the USB insall stick?

I think it is telling you to run it from the existing Windows 7.

 

[AP28VIKES]

I'm booting directly from a USB install stick. If it run it from the existing Windows 7, how to I put it on my SSD? The existing Windows 7 is on my normal 7200 rpm HDD.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm booting directly from a USB install stick. If it run it from the existing Windows 7, how to I put it on my SSD?

That is a good question...lol.

What specifically did you purchase? An "Upgrade" from Win 7?
If so, it needs to run from the Win 7 instance.

Start Win 7
Then start the Upgrade thing
When it asks Where, ignore the message you put above, and select Custom(Advanced). That should allow you to select what drive to put it on. Maybe.

See what happens. You can always stop before it actually does anything drastic.

 

[AP28VIKES]

Ok I'll give that a go. I purchased a Windows 8.1 Product Key. I'll get back to you after I've tried this out

 

[AP28VIKES]

Just attempted to install it from Windows 7 and it didn't give me an option to select where to install it. I'm now lost again lol

 

[USAFRet]

Ok I'll give that a go. I purchased a Windows 8.1 Product Key. I'll get back to you after I've tried this out

From where? And with what install media?

 

[USAFRet]

Just attempted to install it from Windows 7 and it didn't give me an option to select where to install it. I'm now lost again lol

Well, I don't know how to fix that.

 

[AP28VIKES]

I think I may have it. I'm using the Microsoft USB Download Tool with my ISO document to put it on a usb to launch it. We'll see how it goes

 

[USAFRet]

I think I may have it. I'm using the Microsoft USB Download Tool with my ISO document to put it on a usb to launch it. We'll see how it goes

Yes, that's the usual way to do it. How did you have it on the USB before?

 

[AP28VIKES]

When I initially downloaded 8.1 it prompted me to either install it, or put it on a media device for a fresh install. I opted for the media device.

 

[USAFRet]

When I initially downloaded 8.1 it prompted me to either install it, or put it on a media device for a fresh install. I opted for the media device.

Did it say "Install later" ?
That should have worked.

In any case, if all you have is the ISO, the yes, use that MS tool to create a valid bootable USB stick. Biit from that and see what happens.

 

[Gundersen_99]

Just take a backup of everything you need from your computer on a external hard drive or a usb stick. Completly turn off your computer and power it on again. It should say somthing like "click ESC to boot inn to bios". Boot your computer inn to bios and navigate to boot option, select your bootable usb as your first booting device, Reboot and choose install windows 8 in advanced option. Erase and format your SSD and click next. It should work, if not try to make a new bootable USB and do the process again.