Hello,

I would like to install the evaluation version of 8.1 in my laptop. Problem the windows 7 files are badly damaged, it wont boot and I do not have the installation disk. I do have a desktop with windows 7 running.

1.I want to remove the hard-drive from my laptop, move it to the desk top and format it. (simple);

2. then install the the evaluation version of 8.1 files to the hard-drive of the laptop. 

3. Move the hard-drive back to the laptop.

4. Start up and install the evaluation version on the laptop.

How do I accomplish this task

Thank you everyone for your help

Do clean installation during which the system itself prepares partition.

Better forum for general public is in answers.microsoft.com

Thank you for understanding.

Regards

Milos

Thanks :)

Do clean installation during which the system itself prepares partition.

Better forum for general public is in answers.microsoft.com

Thank you for understanding.

Regards

Milos

• Proposed as answer by Simon_WuMicrosoft contingent staff 22 hours 56 minutes ago
• Unproposed as answer by Simon_WuMicrosoft contingent staff 22 hours 56 minutes ago

Do clean installation during which the system itself prepares partition.

Better forum for general public is in answers.microsoft.com

Thank you for understanding.

Regards

Milos

• Proposed as answer by Simon_WuMicrosoft contingent staff Monday, May 25, 2015 8:24 AM
• Unproposed as answer by Simon_WuMicrosoft contingent staff Monday, May 25, 2015 8:24 AM

Hello,

You can:

1. Pepare a partition for Windows 8.1 and install on it.

2. Boot from Windows 8.1.

3. Remove Windows 7 and remove the boot entry from BootMGR.

Thanks,

Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com

1. RETURN PATH

I think that first of all there is a need to make sure, what is the return pass to original oprating system. There may be recovery partition that is invoked to return original operating system after pressing specific function key (consult user guide).

There are at least another two option for return path, namely recovery DVD or a set of DVDs with operating system. The latter is best for giving more freedom what to install. Recovery partition and recovery DVD bring a set of applications and trials that ane not needed.

Really the best case is when you can install vanilla plain system with factory set of drivers, update it and install your applications.

2. INSTALL TRIAL

When I mentioned that system prepares partitions and boot configuration, I meant that you do not need to to prepare partitions before starting installation from DVD. In initial configuration of trial Windows install you specify that you are doing clen/new installation and delete old partition and set the size of new one. When you confirm the setting, system formates boot partition and copies install files by help on "miniwindows that works from memory".

3. BACKUP

If you have done good backup of original (healthy) operating system, then there is simple return path by recovery from this backup. Be aware that the size of boot partition may play the role.

Regards

Milos

1. RETURN PATH

I think that first of all there is a need to make sure, what is the return pass to original oprating system. There may be recovery partition that is invoked to return original operating system after pressing specific function key (consult user guide).

There are at least another two option for return path, namely recovery DVD or a set of DVDs with operating system. The latter is best for giving more freedom what to install. Recovery partition and recovery DVD bring a set of applications and trials that ane not needed.

Really the best case is when you can install vanilla plain system with factory set of drivers, update it and install your applications.

2. INSTALL TRIAL

When I mentioned that system prepares partitions and boot configuration, I meant that you do not need to to prepare partitions before starting installation from DVD. In initial configuration of trial Windows install you specify that you are doing clen/new installation and delete old partition and set the size of new one. When you confirm the setting, system formates boot partition and copies install files by help on "miniwindows that works from memory".

3. BACKUP

If you have done good backup of original (healthy) operating system, then there is simple return path by recovery from this backup. Be aware that the size of boot partition may play the role.

Regards

Milos