[Build Log] Mini-ITX PC - Middle School

[tiny voices]

No you do not. I just did it. You select save ISO and then it saves to where you select. No key needed. You only need the key when you install it.

I understand that OP has win7, but for whatever reason I thought he had a windows 8.1 key but not boot media.

 

[zeyuanfu]

I don't suppose you used this tool?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

 

[tiny voices]

No I did not. That is the tool to upgrade your current installation ON YOUR COMPUTER, NOT to make boot media.

This is the link you want: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

 

[zeyuanfu]

Oh, okay. They do the same thing, though, don't they?

 

[tiny voices]

No they don't. At all. I just now used the tool I linked to download the .iso file for windows 8.1.

One is a program to upgrade your computer to 8.1 from 7 if you bought a key. It has nothing to do with ISO's at all. It simply runs an upgrade file. The other is a program that downloads the .iso and creates a DVD or USB for you. No key required.

Completely different.

 

[zeyuanfu]

The tool I linked to also downloads a W8/8.1 ISO, but it needs a key first.

 

[RazerZ]

DonkeyOatie, have you tried the steps I posted above? If so, what went wrong?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

No I have a good, real Win 7 disk, bought for a machine that died before I could us it.

I also tried a Win 7 from school, which also did not work.

I;m going to make the USB and see if that works, in case there is something wrong with my DVD drive or its interface.

 

[tiny voices]

Well the link I followed did not need a key. I did not complete the download, but it began no issue with no key needed. This is because your link is for the UPGRADE, and mine is for the 8.1 install media. Completely different things.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

DonkeyOatie, have you tried the steps I posted above? If so, what went wrong?

Not yet RazerZ. I'm at home, the computer is at school , and so is my Win 7 disk. 🙁

 

[zeyuanfu]

Meh, the tool I linked to still download ISOs. You have the option to install immediately or to save the install media.

 

[tiny voices]

But you need a key? Even just to download the install media (.iso)?

 

[zeyuanfu]

Umm, the tool also installs directly, and Microsoft didn't want anyone to steal W8.1...
You were right, it's an UPGRADE utility.

 

[tiny voices]

Exactly. That is what I figured. I actually have used that tool myself to switch from 7 to 8.1.

 

[RazerZ]

DonkeyOatie, have you tried the steps I posted above? If so, what went wrong?

Not yet RazerZ. I'm at home, the computer is at school , and so is my Win 7 disk. 🙁

I see, that's what I was thinking. If you have a 4+ GB USB drive/dvd with you at home, here are the files you could use:

Windows 7 Home Premium (x64): http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso

This is a legal ISO file by microsft hosted on digital river..

and this tool to create a bootable usb/dvd: http://wudt.codeplex.com/

The tool is SUPER easy to use. Just used it myself today for the same installation. I believe it only had four steps, picking your iso, picking your device, formatting your device, and installing the iso.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I have a USB (16Gb) and a DVD drive, but my Win7 DVD is at school. 🙁

I'm planning to use one of the laptops at school to do the business tomorrow. It's end of term exams so things will be crazier than usual and I have heaps of grading to do.

 

[tiny voices]

FedEx me the papers. I'll grade 'em real fast :lol:.

 

[zeyuanfu]

I believe email or fax are much faster

 

[DonkeyOatie]

63 8th grade chapter tests, 63 8th grade term exams, 63 lab notebooks, 63 lab practical exams, 21 test-prep quizzes, 21 6th grade term exams, and about 200 IB rubrics, all by the end of the week. (Friday 14)

 

[zeyuanfu]

Umm...
That's a whole lot of work. You must spend LOTS of time grading those.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

What do you think, teachers spend all their time drinking coffee in the lounge? It's a good week when I work less than 60 hours. This will be an 80 hour week. 🙁

 

[tiny voices]

DAMN! I feel like I need to buy you a beer once all that is said and done. :lol:

 

[DonkeyOatie]

DAMN! I feel like I need to buy you a beer once all that is said and done. :lol:

Thanks, but I was forced to leave the old country because I HATE beer 🙁

Lab books take 5 - 8 minutes each, tests, 5 minutes each, exams 10 minutes, rubrics a couple of minutes. The math is not good 🙁

Paperwork, recording in the computer, and doing the report cards not included (That's for NEXT week)

 

[tiny voices]

Between you and I, I'm not much of a beer drinker myself. :lol:

 

[DonkeyOatie]

I had to do my University Graduation pub crawl on spirits. 53 shots in about four hours while walking 6 or 7 miles, up hill and down dale. (But better than doing 53 seven ounce glasses of beer)