Hey there, just joined today but have visited the forums a few times. Last year aorund this time I built a new htpc and used Windows 7 information here and figured out how to install with out a problem. Unfortunately I am having a hard time comprehending how to get Windows 8.1 to install and best way to keep it activated (I dont know where to start, no files downloaded yet). I see there are two repositorys for 8 and 8.1, 8 appeared to have a step by step but dont see one for 8.1 unless I missed. If someone could point me in right dirrection that would be appreciated. About to finish up the build so would like to test it out soon. I would like Windows 8.1 Pro and Have access to WMC since will be another HTPC. Thanks, Tony
Thanks for help. Hope to have time to sit down this weekend and install. I see all these posts about leaked updates/versions? Does that mean I can't do any of the windows updates that get prompted during use?
The leaked new updates aren´t interesting in this regard. It´s only the hype here for the new Windows 8.1 Update 1 which will come soon. You can securely install all updates from Windows Update .
So going through the make bootable usb drive using the windows 7 program and the iso. It gets to the point where it asks for the USB drive and that it should be 4gb. I run through the process and ends up coming up with error "we were unable to copy your files. please check the usb and iso" Now I am only using a 4gb usb with 3.7 useable. Is that the problem or am I missing something else.
Ok installed windows with install key. Next step is to upgrade to the windows 8.1pro wmc. Now where di I find that at?
While you are at the start screen, simply type "Windows Update", hit "enter" and after that new window will open, and you will see "add features" button on bottom right side.
Press 'Win-Key + Pause(might be Break on some Keyboards)' to get to System Panel, there you should see an upgrade option in the upper part. Choose that you already have a Key and use the retail Install Key for ProfessionalWMC.
Thanks that worked perfect. Now just doing waiting process. Now these are just a couple random generic questions: since this is going to be a living room PC is there anyway to not have windows ask for password everytime it starts when logging into my account? not sure if this is the tvs problem or something I'm missing in windows but I've got the resolution set to native of my tv and really any other resolution setting does same but have serious overscan. Don't see option in the settings to fix. Now I also haven't updated any drivers or loaded any since this build doesn't have optical drive I'm going to need to go to asus/intel sites. Thanks again
Yes, it is possible. Press ‘windows + R’ button Now, in the ‘Run’ app, type in ‘netplwiz’ and press/tap ‘ok’ A ‘User Accounts’ pop-up dialog box will open In the ‘Users’ tab, uncheck ‘Users must enter username and password to use this computer’. click ‘ok’. Restart you computer/tablet and you would be logged in without any password or selection prompt. -- Don't know about tv problem though. Try updating all drivers first and maybe it will solve your problem.
So as easy as that? Just hit the ez activate and all good? This wasn't hard process at all. Going through system updates now. Now ow I have played with windows 8 at work we have one computer and that's still just on version 8. Always found it hard to navigate around and too many bars/windows popping up. What are some tweaks I can do to make run smoother/better overall? I plan on going through and un install any junk don't need.
Sorry to bring up old thread but thought I would just go off my old one. I am looking to upgrade from my windows 7 machine to windows 8.1 from the same information giving to me in first post. Is all of this still relevant or is there a different way if i want to upgrade? Can I just use the same codes and the flash drive that was built from last time?