Dual boot win 8 and win 8.1

[noig]

Hi All
I have win 8 pro installed after I bought my win 8 ASUS laptop.
At the moment I am thinking/trying of installing win 8.1 as a dual boot to win 8.
The SSD disk looks a bit overcrowded and I'm not sure why as I haven't done anything to it other than install the pro.
I had a first go to install win 8.1 dual boot and came to the last step before installing and it stated:
"Windows cannot be installed on this disk. The selected disk is of the GPT partition style."
Has anyone of you installed 8.1 as dual boot to 8?
Here an image the disk.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[USAFRet]

Why not just upgrade your existing 8 Pro to 8.1?

 

[photonboy]

Why not just upgrade your existing 8 Pro to 8.1?

Agreed.
It's likely possible, but why would you do it? You'd have to buy a new license then you'd have a new version (Windows 8.1) and a older version (Windows 8).

Where you unaware that you can update to 8.1?
(I'm at 8.1.1 which is called Windows 8.1 Update 1 not to be confused with Windows 8 to 8.1 update)

FYI, you will actually have issues at some point if you do NOT do the update.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial

 

[das_stig]

Upgrade free to 8.1 and then 8.1.1 (update 1), no need for a second install.

 

[noig]

Thanks for your replies
I had done an upgrade through the store and the process worked ok. My CAD though had a fit and so I imaged back my C: (backup). Hence I want to install 8.1 as dual boot, try the CAD and go from there. If the CAD with 8.1 install works, remove the 8.
I was keen on doing the 8.1 asap so I can get the updates before the cut-off date.

 

[USAFRet]

For a non-destructive solution, try the new OS in a Virtual Machine. Virtualbox or Hyper-V.

Note that it will require a whole other license key, just like a dual boot would.

 

[noig]

For a non-destructive solution, try the new OS in a Virtual Machine. Virtualbox or Hyper-V.
Note that it will require a whole other license key, just like a dual boot would.

Thanks.
I would not mind the cost of the OS license.
If I would then convert the VM to Phys the CAD license would need to be upgraded.I do not want to work in a VM as I have done that before and it is a pain with a 5-button mouse.
The problem for me to overcome atm is the GPT partition style issue?

 

[photonboy]

So what you're saying is CAD has issues with Windows 8.1 but not with Windows 8?

If that's the case, then stay with Windows 8 for now until the problem is resolved.

If CAD had issues once you updated to Windows 8.1, then I don't think it will work with a fresh install of Windows 8.1.

*
1) Have you tried reinstalling CAD?

2) Do the CAD forums discuss any issues with the Windows 8.1 update?

 

[photonboy]

Your problem may be solved if you reinstall CAD and use this guide:
http://xinyustudio.wordpress.com/2014/01/20/installation-of-autocad-in-windows-8-8-1-failure-and-solution/

Other:
The update to Windows 8.1 (Windows 8.1.1) I believe is an Optional update that you manually check (it was when I did it) under "Microsoft Updates" and may have a fix that solves your problem as well so I'd update to that first before reinstalling CAD.

*So it's a KNOWN ISSUE and there are workarounds as well as fixes in the works so again I don't think a second copy of Windows 8 is the best solution.

At worst, you stay with Windows 8 until the problem is fixed. To speed up REINSTALL times you can use a program like Acronis True Image to make a C-Drive backup Image which then RESTORES to whatever state you were at.

For example,

1. Restore/reinstall Windows 8 plus drivers, programs etc (but not CAD)
2. then make a backup IMAGE.
3. Then update to Windows 8.1, then 8.1.1.
4. Install CAD (may need workarounds)
5. RESTORE the backup Image of Windows 8 if you can't get it working.
6. Install CAD on Windows 8
7. WAIT for several months and try again (go back to Step #2)

 

[noig]

1) Have you tried reinstalling CAD?
2) Do the CAD forums discuss any issues with the Windows 8.1 update?

Thanks PB
I have installed the CAD on 8 without issues and expect that to be the same with a clean install on 8.1
It just does not seem to like the update(from 8 to 8.1) as it interprets the update as a new PC. Have tried to reinstall and it does not accept.
I might just wipe the drive and reinstall 8 go through the store for and 8.1 update and install the CAD. 🙁

 

[photonboy]

1) Have you tried reinstalling CAD?
2) Do the CAD forums discuss any issues with the Windows 8.1 update?

Thanks PB
I have installed the CAD on 8 without issues and expect that to be the same with a clean install on 8.1
It just does not seem to like the update(from 8 to 8.1) as it interprets the update as a new PC. Have tried to reinstall and it does not accept.
I might just wipe the drive and reinstall 8 go through the store for and 8.1 update and install the CAD. 🙁

That makes the most sense. I see no logic to doing a dual-boot setup.

I recommend getting Acronis True Image (Free if possible) and make periodic backup Images. I save the FIRST One, then replace the 2nd one every month. I also use SyncbackSE Free version to make a DAILY, automated backup of my "Documents" folder.

 

[noig]

1) Have you tried reinstalling CAD?
2) Do the CAD forums discuss any issues with the Windows 8.1 update?

Thanks PB
I have installed the CAD on 8 without issues and expect that to be the same with a clean install on 8.1
It just does not seem to like the update(from 8 to 8.1) as it interprets the update as a new PC. Have tried to reinstall and it does not accept.
I might just wipe the drive and reinstall 8 go through the store for and 8.1 update and install the CAD. 🙁

That makes the most sense. I see no logic to doing a dual-boot setup.

I recommend getting Acronis True Image (Free if possible) and make periodic backup Images. I save the FIRST One, then replace the 2nd one every month. I also use SyncbackSE Free version to make a DAILY, automated backup of my "Documents" folder.

If I'd wipe the drive with all those partitions, which I'm happy to as the restore is not useful any longer, would I be able to image back the existing C:,which is part of a different partition setup? Just in case I have to as a fallback?
Update:
Got it eventually and it boots very nicely with the boot interface 8 and 8.1. Very pretty!