install windows 8

[buckhunters1]

im building a new pc and wanting to put windows 8 on it i have a windows 8 disk but the pc will not have a disk drive i have an external hard drive could that work or should i get a USB?

what i need to know is can i put the files from the disk onto the hard drive and run it like that or do i need to create a installation media file?

 

[basroil]

You should create install media using the instructions at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media (and the tool they provide). Just remember to set up the bios to allow for USB install.

 

[buckhunters1]

You should create install media using the instructions at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media (and the tool they provide). Just remember to set up the bios to allow for USB install.

but could i use an external hard drive instead of a usb?

 

[basroil]

but could i use an external hard drive instead of a usb?

Usually doesn't work. 8gb USB sticks cost $5 and can be purchased at your local grocery store/pharmacy, you don't really have a good excuse not to use a USB stick and be sure it works.


And just to be clear, you are just talking about install media, not actually running the OS off an external drive right? If you want to run the OS off an external drive, the answer is no, you can't do it with your license. Only Enterprise edition with WindowsToGo will work, and that requires a USB3.0 USB stick to work.

 

[buckhunters1]

but could i use an external hard drive instead of a usb?

Usually doesn't work. 8gb USB sticks cost $5 and can be purchased at your local grocery store/pharmacy, you don't really have a good excuse not to use a USB stick and be sure it works.


And just to be clear, you are just talking about install media, not actually running the OS off an external drive right? If you want to run the OS off an external drive, the answer is no, you can't do it with your license. Only Enterprise edition with WindowsToGo will work, and that requires a USB3.0 USB stick to work.

no i would like to install the os and i already had the hard drive so i was going to just use that but thanks for all the info