Getting Win8 onto new pc.

[Kunschner]

So I have a new build and an old one. The copy of windows 8 will be downloaded as all I have is a product key.
So, would this be a viable course of action:
Put new HDD on old rig.
Install Win8 on new HDD.
Input code.
Hook up new HDD to new rig.
Then boot into fresh OS?

 

[SchizTech]

You can use the Windows 8 setup assistant to create a bootable disk

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/11885-windows-8-upgrade-assistant-download-run.html

scroll to section 21 in this tutorial

The DVD you can then boot on the new PC and install (you can only use a Windows key on one machine at a time, so the old rig will get de-activated)

 

[USAFRet]

So I have a new build and an old one. The copy of windows 8 will be downloaded as all I have is a product key.
So, would this be a viable course of action:
Put new HDD on old rig.
Install Win8 on new HDD.
Input code.
Hook up new HDD to new rig.
Then boot into fresh OS?

No.
Follow this to create your own install media.
http://blogs.technet.com/b/canitpro/archive/2014/03/19/windows-8-1-tips-how-to-download-the-windows-8-1-pro-iso.aspx

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Clean install.

 

[Wolfshadw]

No, because when you install Windows 8 onto the hard drive in the old system, it picks up and collects drivers/registry settings for your old motherboard/hardware. When you install that drive into your new system, it won't recognize any of the new hardware and you'll be forced to install Windows 8 again.

Download Windows 8 to your old system.
Burn the ISO to a DVD
Build your new system
Install Windows 8 onto the hard drive.

-Wolf sends

 

[Kunschner]

Could you install an ISO onto the new HDD?

 

[USAFRet]

Could you install an ISO onto the new HDD?

You use the resulting ISO to create a bootable DVD or USB stick.
Use that to install the OS on the HDD.

 

[Kunschner]

Could you install an ISO onto the new HDD?

You use the resulting ISO to create a bootable DVD or USB stick.
Use that to install the OS on the HDD.

Some tutorials were talking about mounting it with an ISO program or WinRar, is that required or is it as simple as in the link you OP'd?

 

[USAFRet]

Could you install an ISO onto the new HDD?

You use the resulting ISO to create a bootable DVD or USB stick.
Use that to install the OS on the HDD.

Some tutorials were talking about mounting it with an ISO program or WinRar, is that required or is it as simple as in the link you OP'd?

The link I posted initially works perfectly

The setup.exe starts the install process. You will be presented with the option of creating install media.
That is what you do.

 

[SchizTech]

Could you install an ISO onto the new HDD?

You use the resulting ISO to create a bootable DVD or USB stick.
Use that to install the OS on the HDD.

Some tutorials were talking about mounting it with an ISO program or WinRar, is that required or is it as simple as in the link you OP'd?

You can only mount it if you already have Windows installed. You can't install to a blank drive in a new system that way.