Reinstalling Windows 8.1 not working

[Bianchi789]

Hey everyone.

So I am trying to re-install Windows 8.1 on my laptop since it has become really slow and it's about time for a wipe, but the only problem is when I try to do it it says it needs a media USB or CD (I don't have an optical drive), so I downloaded 'Windows Installation Media Creation Tool' to download a copy of Windows 8.1 on my 16GB USB.

Whenever the download finishes (1.5hrs or so) it says there isn't enough room on the drive, though the USB is empty. After trying that a few times with no success, I tried just downloading the .iso with the same program on my 1TB HDD (about 550GB left) and it says the same thing?

I have no idea how having enough room for a 4GB program is a problem. If anyone knows how to fix this or any other way I can re-install Windows 8.1 on my laptop via USB please let me know.
Thanks

 

[dekertek]

Have you tried the Windows 8 "Refresh" option first?

On the Metro start screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Recovery.
Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, tap or click Get started.

ALSO do you have the 4GB free space on your C drive? That is where the file will first be downloaded, after which Windows moves it to your USB or external drive. That could be why you're getting the message about drive space.

 

[johnlarkind]

Why not use system restore feature?

 

[Bianchi789]

Have you tried the Windows 8 "Refresh" option first?

On the Metro start screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer down, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)

Tap or click Update and recovery, and then tap or click Recovery.
Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, tap or click Get started.

ALSO do you have the 4GB free space on your C drive? That is where the file will first be downloaded, after which Windows moves it to your USB or external drive. That could be why you're getting the message about drive space.

yes, i've tried. It asks for the media USB or CD still

 

[Bianchi789]

Why not use system restore feature?

it asks for the media USB or CD, which is my problem.

 

[FALC0N]

In going to guess that your "not enough fee space" issue on your USB is the result of it being formatted in FAT32. Reformat the flash drive in NTFS.

 

[Bianchi789]

In going to guess that your "not enough fee space" issue on your USB is the result of it being formatted in FAT32. Reformat the flash drive in NTFS.

Just tried that, same error unfortunately. Any other ideas?

 

[pralhad9]

clean install of windows 8.1 will format c drive.......but what about other drives.. will it be safe?