The method you use to install Windows 8 will depend on which type of installation you are performing:
• Clean installation
• Upgrade installation
• Virtual machine installation
• USB flash drive installation
A clean install is when you install
an operating system on a storage device that has been totally erased.
When you get a new computer, you should receive it as a clean install.
In the case of a previously used computer, the clean install option
removes all settings and data from the system.
When you have a serious virus or want to
return your system back to a “new” state, you will sometimes want to
perform a clean install—but rarely. Usually you perform a clean install
only once: when you first get Windows 8.
To perform a clean install of Windows 8
1. If you have downloaded Windows 8 as an ISO file, burn that file to a disc.
2. If you have an
installation disc from a retail package (or from step 1), insert it in
your optical drive and start your computer.
3. In the Windows Setup dialog box , select the language, the time and currency format, and the keyboard type; then tap or click Next.
The Windows Setup dialog box begins the installation process.
4. Tap or click Install Now to initiate the installation.
5. Enter the product key from the packaging or from your sales source , then tap or click Next.
Enter the product key in the text box.
6. Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA) by selecting the “I accept the license terms” check box. Tap or click Next .
Accept the EULA.
7. Double-click or double-tap the Custom Install button to perform a clean install .
For a clean install, select the Custom Install button.
The Custom Install lets you create
partitions and a multi-boot setup (if desired) and can allow you to keep
your old version of Windows along with Windows 8. A boot menu at system
startup will allow you to choose between different operating systems
installed on your computer.
8.
In the “Where do you want to install Windows” step, you will need to
select a disk partition to install Windows 8 onto; that is your boot
partition. For a virtual machine installation or on a new computer, you
will need to create a partition. Tap or click Drive Options (advanced) .
Installing on the default boot disk
If your mass storage device doesn’t
appear in the list, you may need to install a driver for it. Obtain the
driver from the manufacturer, and click the Load driver link to select the driver file to install.
9. Tap or click New , select the storage device, enter the disk size you desire, tap or click the Apply button, and tap or click Next.
This step lets you prepare a partition for installation.
Windows formats the partition you
select (if necessary). If you select a partition size less than your
disk size, Windows Setup will post an alert box stating that additional
partitions may be created for system files. Click OK to close this alert
box and continue.
10. After Windows 8 copies all the files to your machine, it restarts and displays the Personalize screen . Enter your computer name, pick a color scheme (you can change it later), and tap or click Next.
Name your computer and select a color scheme.
11. Review the Settings screen , and tap or click the Use Express Settings button.
The Express Settings screen
12. On the Sign In To Your PC screen , enter the user name for the account(s) you wish to create; then tap or click Finish.
Create one or more user accounts that you will use to access your system.
The clean installation completes, and the Start screen displays .
The Start screen after a clean install
Tip
With the exception of the product key, all of
the settings that you enter during the installation can be altered from
within the Windows 8 interface.
Tip
Windows Media Center
is not included in the installation. If you have the Pro edition you can
go to the Add Features to Windows wizard, enter your product key, and
then select Media Center from there. Media Center appears as a tile on
the Start screen.
