How can I create a bootable Windows 8 USB or DVD on a Mac 10.9.x?

[Madcut]

I am building a desktop PC right now but do not currently have a computer nor do I have a Windows installation disc or usb. I have a Windows 8 license from a former computer I owned that I plan to transfer to this new build. My roommates all have Macs and I was wondering if I could create a bootable Windows 7 (which I would upgrade post-install) or 8 device which would boot on my non-Mac system.

What would be the easiest way to do this? Hopefully it wouldn't take too long, as I don't want to be on their systems for more than would be polite. I'm just trying to avoid paying for an install disc online and having it shipped, or paying full retail price at a local store.

Thanks for any tips!!

 

[senseijtitus]

Bootcamp can create a USB for PC. Just only check the "Create a Windows 7 or later version install disk" checkbox. A similar question from How to create a Windows 7 installation USB from OS X? shows that Bootcamp has the "ability to create install USBs" for Windows.

Use this link. It is for creating UBUNTU Linux bootable USB. But should also work for Windows as well.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-mac-osx


Also try this link.

http://michael.anastasiou.me/create-windows-7-8-bootable-usb-drive-mac/


But for this guide to work properly, eject any mounted disk before creating.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Is the windows 8 a retail upgrade or oem system builder or oem from PC manufacturer?

Did it come preinstalled on the PC?

If you purchased win 8 oem system builder version you can move it to a new PC
But if you have win 8.1 oem you once again can not transfer it to a new PC

Keys for retail & oem differ
Keys for 8.0 & 8.1 differ

Let us know how you get on creating the USB or DVD boot disk

Note if you do not have a Win 8 DVD this implies you have a manufacturers oem windows which is not transferable

Nowadays only retail ISO's are legally available for download from Microsoft from people with retail keys

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Madcut]

It is a student version of Windows 8.0 that was purchased download-only my university. I called Microsoft and gave the CSR the product key and he said that it is transferrable. He said to call them back if I have any issues and they can fix it.

senseijtitus: I have heard people say that Bootcamp can create bootable Windows USBs for PCs, but then everyone who tried doing so said that it doesn't work...

The last link you posted seems to be for installing Windows on Mac, no?

I'll check out the Ubuntu one.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

Did the old win 8 PC break down ?
Or get sold ? With win 8 on it?
MS usually ask you to confirm windows is only in use on one PC
Except the rare win 7 three user upgrade set

Just wondering if you downloaded the windows ISO which is still on the old PC?

Since Microsoft are so helpful ask them where you can get a ISO which is compatible with your student key

If you have a Windows ISO file or DVD you can create a bootable USB with a grub4dos or grub boot loader which can launch the ISO image


Tutorial found but not tried you need to know about using Linux
http://www.addictivetips.com/ubuntu-linux-tips/winusb-create-bootable-windows-installer-usb-in-ubuntu-linux/

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Madcut]

I ended up just buying an OEM copy of Windows 8.1 on Amazon. It's become too much of a hassle trying to get all of this together and I'd rather just have the discs, product key, and receipt together.

 

[Madcut]

Ordered same day shipping from Amazon yesterday and it still hasn't arrived. Supposed to be here in the morning. So annoying. I have everything set up. Cables zip tied. Clean silent boot up. Ready to go, just need an f'ing OS. I might have to do the Mac install thing anyways if it keeps getting delayed.