Guide to run Windows 8 Pro from a External Disk using a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)
I created this guide to have the option to install windows 8 pro in an external disk with the purpose to test it without touching my current disk and also to have the hability to boot from it directly when i connect the disk to my notebook, and when it was disconnected still using my notebook as if it were not installed. It is also useful when you haven't space on your disk and you can not replace it
I use a VHD because i think is the best way to test the new windows 8 using all the capacity the your PC, to difference where you are using a Virtual Machine where only use a part of the capacity of your pc.
Anyway exist many way to do this, this is only one that worked for my and i wanted to share with you.
Thing that need before begin:
you need a External Disk at least 40 GB
booteable pendrive with windows 8 Pro or Dvd
you need to create a VHD disk
Remember backup your information, this guide worked for me and others, that's not mean that works for everybody
Step to Make a USB stickI used "Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool" from Here, I don't explain this because is easy and only you need to follow the step that the app provide
Step to create a vhd disk
What is a VHD:
VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) is a file format which represents a virtual hard disk drive (HDD). It may contain what is found on a physical HDD, such as disk partitions and a file system, which in turn can contain files and folders. It is typically used as the hard disk of a virtual machine.
Open Computer Management, select Storage and select Disk Management.
Now you can see all the disk in your Computer.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The picture is only a reference, is not shown the real disk
Select the External Disk
In the right side, there is a option that say; "more action", click there and select "create a VHD".
You'll see a screen like this:
Choose where you want save the vhd disk and the name for the vhd disk. (i personally save it in my external disk)
Now you'll see this screen:
Close Computer Management and open it again to Initialize the Virtual Disk.
Right-click and you new unallocated space and select "new simple volume"
The wizard start, click next
Dont modified the size of the disk and next
Assing the letter and next
Format as ntfs and next
Click finish, now you create a vhd disk to install windows 8
Remember what name you used for the vhd disk and where you saved it.
Step to install windows 8 Pro using a VHD disk
Restart your computer with your new USB key plugged in and startup your BOOT MENU
Select your USB Unit to run Windows 8 Pro Installer.
Start the SETUP process and click in install now
Stop In the screen that show the hard drive and NOT SELECT THE DISK
Instead hit SHIFT-F10 to get to a console. We want to attach our VHD and install to THAT instead.
In the cmd screen type DISKPART, now attached the VHD with these commands:
Code:
DISKPART> select vdisk file=d:\VMs\Win8.vhd
DISKPART> attach vdisk
In my case D but you assign the letter where you have saved the vhd disk.
[B]Tip: Before you enter Diskpart, I recommend "CD x:" to find your actual Storage Device. (X - Multiple possible Drive letters, not the same as when you're in Windows).[/B]
Next, ALT-TAB back over to the list of disks and hit REFRESH, You'll see your VHD show up.
Select it and click on next, Note that installation will warn you that this VHD can't be booted to, go ahead and install to that empty VHD.
Here i let windows install for itself, and that it reboot a couple of time.
Now we come to this screen:
Proceed with installation, personally i used a windows account to get all the functions of windows 8 pro, later you can change to local account.
When you finish you will get into you new Windows 8 Pro booting from your vhd disk
Now when you reboot you will have the new windows 8 bootloader menu:
but here the Problem, remember that i using a external drive, and when i disconnected it windows does not boot anymore or having to do lots of commands to achieve a successful start, forcing you to connect the external disk to boot the computer, to avoid this:
Boot into Windows 7
Run msconfig
In the Boot tab you will see the following:
Code:
windows 8 Default OS
windows 7 Current OS
Select Windows 7 and press make default. Now you get this:
Code:
windows 8
windows 7 Current OS; Default OS
With this simply step we can use the windows 7 bootloader to Dualboot our pc and no longer requires us to have connected external disk when we only use windows 7.
Any questions you want to ask me I'm here to help you as much as I can. I would be appreciated any comment or suggestion about this guide or simply it like you, let me know about it and press the Thanks Button
I have some modifications for you...
1.) You do not need a 40GB Hard Drive (not sure why so many tutorials make this claim) as you could make a 5GB VHD and still run Windows 8 but will be limited on data to install/store (which any important data should be saved to SkyDrive (or your Cloud solution) or an external Partition (or use "Local Disk" aka your actual Windows X Edition).
2). Do not use a Dynamic Expanding VHD, always Fixed (just a personal success story for me)
** OPTIONAL: Save the VHD on the Hard Drive you're making the VHD from **
3). I would simply just rename (NO SPACES for 1st TIMERS) the new VHD once initialized as Windows will Format/Do its magic in the Install.
4). Depending on how many "Storage" devices you have will depend on the Drive letter, usually goes from C - I.
Tip: Before you enter Diskpart, I recommend "CD x:" to find your actual Storage Device. (X - Multiple possible Drive letters, not the same as when you're in Windows).
5). During the hard drive select option, you won't get a warning about the hard drive if you follow step #3.
6). No need for MSCONFIG as your new Windows 8 created a new MBR (Master Boot Record) on the actual hard drive, which you should warn people upfront. Therefore even if your other Hard Drive (assuming you're doing external) is disconnected and holds your VHD, since it already detected another Windows OS, it automatically adds it to the Boot Record as the MBR Shows that purdy Windows 8 Startup Drive/OS Selector.
Otherwise, good tutorial . As for the above, that is strictly from my own personal experience as a developer/IT Prof & blah blah, I have done this probably 30 times now just for Windows 8 as we have multiple Tablet/Slates & Laptop + Desktops that needed this done for our Tech Support, Dev's, and our EU/Product Testers.
Should also mention, if you mess up or don't like your new Windows 8? Simply delete the VHD (in other Windows) and go to MSCONFIG and remove the Windows 8 entry from the MBR/Startup.
@lseidman
Thanks for your feedback mate , about it:
for the point 1: i suggest this space because it is the space the microsoft suggest always when install windows and how this guide is for everybody i don´t wanted change it, i know that can be used a lower space.
for the point 4: i forgot to mention it, i have already changed it into the post
for the point 6: i add the part about msconfig and this is my personal experience i don´t know if is good or bad when i leave the windows 8 boot and i disconnected the external disk, the current operating system does not boot (windows 7), i get always a windows error: "windows can not initialize the component winload.exe" and i tried many config when i have installed it but again it is just a way to do it. Anyway mate, i really appreciate your answer :good:
2k of view and no comments , feel free to post
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
win 8
can it be installed in simple partition of the external drive not virtual one.
I have two partitions on the external drive can i simply install it one of them.?
addy89 said:
can it be installed in simple partition of the external drive not virtual one.
I have two partitions on the external drive can i simply install it one of them.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally i have some trouble when i tried in that way.... You can try but always make backup of your files
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
win 8
I have done according to the guide but the problem is it cannot locate boot device(ext hdd).
and another thing i have a hp netbook mini 1001tu.its hard disk crashed.and not getting new spare.
i so i wanted to know that if i create a windows 8 external and put it in use with the mini.so that it can be used.:cyclops:
addy89 said:
I have done according to the guide but the problem is it cannot locate boot device(ext hdd).
and another thing i have a hp netbook mini 1001tu.its hard disk crashed.and not getting new spare.
i so i wanted to know that if i create a windows 8 external and put it in use with the mini.so that it can be used.:cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question is...does this method erase space from the external HDD permanently? Or once I don't want to boot can I delete the vhd file and get back all the space?
tpma4life said:
My question is...does this method erase space from the external HDD permanently? Or once I don't want to boot can I delete the vhd file and get back all the space?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u deleted the vhd u get the space again, but do it through disk management
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Very nice
Would this allow me to boot into windows 8 pro on a windows 8 rt surface device?
mikexmayhem said:
Would this allow me to boot into windows 8 pro on a windows 8 rt surface device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont test it. I only test it in notebook and desktop pc with windows 7.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
mikexmayhem said:
Would this allow me to boot into windows 8 pro on a windows 8 rt surface device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. RT uses ARM, Pro uses x86.
Too difficult this method... Check my old how-to :highfive:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597261
PYCON said:
Too difficult this method... Check my old how-to :highfive:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597261
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not say too difficult, is only other method, to help people
Easy! not diffcult at all
PYCON said:
Too difficult this method... Check my old how-to :highfive:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597261
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed Windows 8 on a VHD it was not a difficult procedure and everithing is working fine.
The advantage of this method is that a backup of Windows is very simple now: just drag the .vhd file to another disk
One remark: When my BIOS is setting to startup from USB it will not start the bootloader...
Thanks DeltaSync!
For those who are able to Windows To Go does this. Requires Enterprise though.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_To_Go
Tréo500 said:
I just installed Windows 8 on a VHD it was not a difficult procedure and everithing is working fine.
The advantage of this method is that a backup of Windows is very simple now: just drag the .vhd file to another disk
One remark: When my BIOS is setting to startup from USB it will not start the bootloader...
Thanks DeltaSync!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your words mate, glad all working fine for u
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks this is exactly what i'm looking for!
I'll try it soon.
Related
THIS IS NOW OUTDATED!!
It uses the old sqsh method WITH a rootfs. So if you're wanting to use the NoMoRootfs method, this won't work. Please use the already complete builds in the Kaiser/Vogue threads as they are working the best at this moment.
I hope to update this when I have some free time. Will include a how to for NAND also.
What's What:
zImage
Linux kernel which initializes hardware
initrd.gz
Initial ramdisk. Usually, startup scripts, device drivers (modules) and related files (e.g. Bluetooth firmware), as well as some basic system tools (shell etc.). This has grown and split into the rootfs.img.
rootfs.img
Contains the ril (how our phones communicate with the network) and other necessary files to get the system going.
haret.exe
Bootloader to reboot the device into Android
default.txt/startup.txt
Contains settings for the boot process, and special kernel configuration parameters
system.img/system.sqsh
Contains the Android core, default applications and some more system files and tools.
*.user.conf
Contained in conf folder. Sets compcache/swap parameters.
How it works
When you run Haret, it wipes Windows from memory so it's not running anymore, (although it keeps it on the actual phone storage) then it "reboots" the phone into android. So think of it like this... Windows is on the phone storage and Android is on the SD card. Haret shuts down Windows (keeping it on the phone storage) and then boots up the phone using the SD card in place of the phone storage. When you turn the phone off/reset it will boot back into Windows.
Haret looks at the default.txt/startup.txt for it's bootup parameters, it then loads the zImage which initializes all of the hardware (screen, keyboard, etc.) and initrd which contains the initial startup scripts. The rootfs is then called which creates the data.img and moves the system and data to partitions (if available). It looks in the system.sqsh for a file called ion.build, donut.build, tattoo.build, etc. which tells it what kind of system it is. This also tells it to run the ion.user.conf, donut.user.conf, tattoo.user.conf.
Setup:
Download this package.
If you can't run this then you'll have problems with other builds. If you can run this, things are on the right track.
Format your SD card to Fat32, if not already. Make sure there's NOTHING on your SD card.
Extract the android folder to your SD card.
Rename the default-*.txt file to either default.txt or startup.txt.
-default.txt will make it so you have to tap "Run" when you start haret.
-startup.txt will cause haret.exe to automatically run instead of having to tap Run.
Now when you run haret.exe you should see some scrolling text.
Don't touch anything and let it run.
You should soon be presented with a startup animation and then be ready to setup your new Android phone.
Advanced:
Partitioning SD
Installing Ubuntu (Live CD)
DOWNLOAD UBUNTU
You should now have an .iso image.
DOWNLOAD IMGBURN
Install ImgBurn
Select "Write image file to disc"
Click on the magifying glass/folder next to where it says "Please select a file..." and select the .iso file you just downloaded.
Uncheck Verify (underneath "destination")
Click on the picture on the bottom left to burn.
Once it's burned restart your computer with the disc in the drive.
You should then see the following image:
*If you boot into Windows you'll have to consult your motherboard manual on how to boot from a CD*
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Select your language and then select Try Ubuntu
Installing Ubuntu (USB)(thanks sd73ta)
I haven't tested this but you can make a bootable USB drive with Ubuntu using UNetbootin
1 - download unetbootin
2 - insert a blank usb drive
3 - select ubuntu (the highest numerical) live version and run
4 - when its done reboot your pc
when it first boots look for instructions on how to enter setup usually F2 or Delete
5 - change your startup options so usb is before hdd
6 - save changes
Now it should boot to ubuntu
Partition your SD Card
Follow my vid:
Extract the android folder to the Fat32 Partition
Install Android to Partitions
Run Haret
Pay close attention to the scrolling text.
When you see "Press Voldn to run Android Installer" press the left softkey(the key just right of the green phone button)
It should now be placing the system.sqsh onto the first ext2 partition and creating a new data.img on the second.
To see if this actually worked, when you restart your phone into Windows you should see a folder called "backupsystem" with an installedsystem.sqsh file inside.
Swap/Compcache
*WARNING: Using a swap file/partition can decrease the life of your SD Card*
To use swap/compcache you'll need to edit your *.user.conf file which can be opened using any text editor. It should be easy to follow what everything in the file does, but if you can't figure it out SEARCH FIRST and then ask.
To utilize the swap partition you'll have to change
cc_backingswap_en=0 from 0 to 1
OR
linux_swap_en=0 from 0 to 1
Very Advanced (NAND)
NAND refers to the actual phone storage (where Windows resides). This wipes Windows from your phone and writes Android to the internal storage. It's not completely developed yet, but it's getting really far really fast.
There is already a thread HERE that discusses everything you need to know about running Android from NAND.
Upgrading to different builds
Simple Install(no partitions)
Most new builds will just be a system.sqsh file. If thats the case then you'll need to replace the system.sqsh file with the new one. It's also best to delete the data.img file.
If the new build contains a zImagexx-xx-xx or rootfsxx-xx-xx.img, then you'll need to replace those too. When you replace them, make sure to rename them to zImage and rootfs.img, unless theres a new default.txt where you don't have to rename them. Make sure you READ EVERYTHING the thread says about the build so you don't ask questions that have already been asked.
Advanced Install(partitions)
Almost the same as the Simple install but instead you'll just need to place the new system.sqsh file in the android folder and then pay attention to the scrolling text. You'll want to run the installer (Voldn) and when it asks to upgrade press Voldn. You can backup your data, and I would suggest wiping the data also to prevent any bugs.
Problems & Fixes
If your screen looks like it has random dots and things dont look quite right, open the "default.txt" and change board-htckaiser.panel_type=0 to 1, 2, or 3. This depends on your device and you should try each one to get the best result.
If you close the keyboard and the screen is now stuck in landscape, go to Settings > Sound & Display and uncheck Orientation.
If you just upgraded to a new build and are getting popups about things not responding (force closes) then you probably didn't get rid of the data.img file or wipe the data partition. If you have a blank data file/partition and are still getting errors, then look through the builds thread to see if others are having the same problems and if theres a solution.
If you can't get a data connection to work, go into Settings > Wireless Controls > Mobile Networks > Access Poin Names and if there is something present, select it and make sure all the settings are correct for your carrier according to THIS LIST. If there is nothing there, press the menu key (start button) and select New APN and enter the settings manually.
*More when I can think of them.*
FAQThere's a very nice FAQ HERE
loserskater said:
Resereved just in case... maybe FAQ/etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for making this loserskater! i found your post through the vogue general section and the file descriptions were exactly what i needed to know.
Hey loserskater! First off great post, I followed your instructions, and unfortunately although linux initiates the boot process it halts giving me the following error: Failed to allocate the storge;
This was using the basic setup I will now try the advance setup with live cd and let you know how it goes..
-b3ck
b3ck said:
Hey loserskater! First off great post, I followed your instructions, and unfortunately although linux initiates the boot process it halts giving me the following error: Failed to allocate the storge;
This was using the basic setup I will now try the advance setup with live cd and let you know how it goes..
-b3ck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I had a couple files mismatched... updating the first post now. Just tested and its working fine now.
exellent thread, im gonna link to it in my sig!!!
loserskater said:
Sorry, I had a couple files mismatched... updating the first post now. Just tested and its working fine now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks! Downloading now, I'll let you know how it goes =)
...
So far so good, I am looking at the ANDROID animation right now, so quick question since I am running this from an exe from the windows mobile os, is windows mobile still running in the background while I am using the ANDROID part, or does it completely shut down windows and load up the linux os, just wondering.. thanks.
...
Everything works great still can't get the 3G part working but I read somewhere that is because the tilt uses a different MHz than t-mobiles 3G, dunno if I can get it to work or not.. any ideas?
-b3ck
So what androids can I use with my HTC Tilt? yours works great, can I use just any of the ones I find on the 2 other forums you liked to in your post?
-b3ck
Great (and much needed) thread, loserskater - THANKS.
I have simple question: just how is the correct *.user.conf file selected? Is there a selection mechanism in system.img, or is there some other mechanism?
Thanks again for the partitioning walkthrough. And Ubuntu 9.10 is pretty darn nice, too!
b3ck said:
So far so good, I am looking at the ANDROID animation right now, so quick question since I am running this from an exe from the windows mobile os, is windows mobile still running in the background while I am using the ANDROID part, or does it completely shut down windows and load up the linux os, just wondering.. thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you run Haret, it wipes Windows from memory so it's not running anymore, (although it keeps it on the actual phone storage) then it "reboots" the phone into android. So think of it like this... Windows is on the phone storage and Android is on the SD card. Haret shuts down Windows (keeping it on the phone storage) and then boots up the phone using the SD card in place of the phone storage. When you turn the phone off/reset it will boot back into Windows. (added to first post)
b3ck said:
Everything works great still can't get the 3G part working but I read somewhere that is because the tilt uses a different MHz than t-mobiles 3G, dunno if I can get it to work or not.. any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the second post under problems & fixes and make sure you're APN settings for your carrier are correct. I have 3G and I'm on AT&T.
b3ck said:
So what androids can I use with my HTC Tilt? yours works great, can I use just any of the ones I find on the 2 other forums you liked to in your post?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in Kaiser Rom development or the Vogue General forum for builds. Follow my upgrading procedure and you should be OK. If you're having problems with that build look through the thread and see if others are using different zImages, rootfs.img's, etc.
wanderso said:
Great (and much needed) thread, loserskater - THANKS.
I have simple question: just how is the correct *.user.conf file selected? Is there a selection mechanism in system.img, or is there some other mechanism?
Thanks again for the partitioning walkthrough. And Ubuntu 9.10 is pretty darn nice, too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look in the first post under How it works. (just added)
Yes Ubuntu is a very user friendly and popular version of linux. It was my primary OS for awhile and didn't have any problems with it. The best part is if you mess something up, you can just reinstall the OS and start over.
I use unetbootin instead of a live cd. this creates a live usb drive.
1 - download unetbootin
2 - insert a blank usb drive
3 - select ubuntu (the highest numerical) live version and run
4 - when its done reboot your pc
when it first boots look for instructions on how to enter setup usually F2 or Delete
5 - change your startup options so usb is before hdd
6 - save changes
Now it should boot to ubuntu
hope this helps. I havent done this in a while so if I missed something let me know and I'll fix it
Thanks for your help, very much appreciated!
Your the man!!!!!!!!
Thank you sir for this great tutorial!!!! it was the diff between me using android and me wanting to never try it again.
Thanks for great instructions!
I don't know what I did wrong, but the "Voldn" installer did not copy my system.img to the first partition. Only after I manually copied the content I was able to boot.
Question: how big the first partition should be? The system.img is only 74Mb, but all the related to the subject demos suggest to create a 256Mb ext2. Is not it a waste of space on a 2Gb sdcard?
zc2 said:
Thanks for great instructions!
I don't know what I did wrong, but the "Voldn" installer did not copy my system.img to the first partition. Only after I manually copied the content I was able to boot.
Question: how big the first partition should be? The system.img is only 74Mb, but all the related to the subject demos suggest to create a 256Mb ext2. Is not it a waste of space on a 2Gb sdcard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use two 128 MB partitions to save space. You just don't want to get too small or you'll start having issues
I tried to install Android on my htc touch and it comes up with "Launch a script file. Default path is the same where the executable lives." What do I need to move and where to get it to work? Thanks
Thanks for the answer.
I made 128Mb and 269Mb. After I reboot my Tilt I found the Home and the Green Call button do not work anymore! And some other system settings were changed as well.
I had to run the instaler for three times before I finally got the system working.
This is great!
Could someone alternately host the Starting_Point file please? I have tried to download it multiple times and it doesn't complete ever.
Does anyone else have data access issues? I am unable to get any data with this build
vexersa said:
Does anyone else have data access issues? I am unable to get any data with this build
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check the second post under problems and fixes (last one)
NOTE:
THIS GUIDE WAS CREATED WHEN WINDOWS 8 WAS IN THE DEVELOPER PREVIEW STAGE. IT MAY NO LONGER BE VALID, IT HASN'T BEEN TESTED WITH THE RELEASE PREVIEW OR RTM.
Well, I didn't have any DVDs available with me so I figured I'd install Windows 8 from an SD Card, and it succeeded, so here is a guide to install it from an SD Card or USB Stick.
AT LEAST AN 8GB SD CARD OR USB STICK IS NEEDED
THIS GUIDE ASSUMES YOU HAVE ANOTHER PARTITION TO INSTALL WINDOWS 8 OVER OR YOU'RE GOING TO INSTALL IT OVER YOUR CURRENT PARTITION. Learn how to create a new partition here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/gg309170.aspx
1. Download the ISO here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516
2. Download Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (this was meant for Windows 7 ISOs but it works fine with the Windows 8 ISO: http://images2.store.microsoft.com/prod/clustera/framework/w7udt/1.0/en-us/Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe
3. Format your SD Card/USB Stick to NTFS, do not do a quick format, fully format it.
4. Install and open up Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool (This application requires at least .NET Framework 2.0)
5. Choose your ISO:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
6. Choose media type (choose USB!):
7. Insert your USB Stick or SD Card and select it:
8. Wait for it to finish creating your bootable USB Stick/SD Card:
9. You should see this, If you don't something went wrong:
10. Choose "Safely Remove G: (or whatever drive letter your USB stick/SD Card is.)", but don't actually remove the USB Drive or SD Card physically.
11. Shut down your computer and press F12 (or whatever button it is that lets you choose what media to boot off of, it's F12 on my Inspiron 1545.)
12. If you followed these instructions exactly, and you using an SD Card, but it does not work, your computer probably does not support booting off SD. But I urge you to repeat step 10 a few times before giving up, the first time I tried it, it just sat at a flashing _, but the second time, it worked.
13. Follow instructions setup gives you.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FAQ
Q: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool seems to have stalled?!?
A: It probably hasn't, mine stayed on 98% for 30 minutes. If it has been more than say, 3 hours, cancel, reboot your computer and attempt again.
Q: Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool tells me it's not a valid iso!?
A: Make sure your ISO is not corrupt, compare SHA1 hashes with valid ISOs here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516
If the hashes are different, redownload your ISO.
Q: I'm using an SD Card but my computer won't boot from it?!
A: Your computer probably doesn't support booting from SD Card, the only option would be a new computer.
IMAGE SOURCES: WindowsVJ - SizzledCore - Softonic - Elmajdal
Wow, that was quick. A noob question, migrating from windows 7, what data I'm going to lose after installing Windows 8?
insanedreamz said:
Wow, that was quick. A noob question, migrating from windows 7, what data I'm going to lose after installing Windows 8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't install it over your Windows 7 partition, Windows 8 is currently a developer preview, it's stable, but has issues. I recommend creating a new partition and installing Windows 8 there, here's a how-to guide on creating partitions: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/gg309170.aspx
Put windows 8 x64 through Windows 7 usb tool on my 4 gb stick,failed at 99% but the os and the installation works..
Anyways,thanks for the guide
helicopter88 said:
Put windows 8 x64 through Windows 7 usb tool on my 4 gb stick,failed at 99% but the os and the installation works..
Anyways,thanks for the guide
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem .
If you create a new partition, will it work like a dual boot? where I can install in the new partition, launch Windows 8 in my laptop and afterwards I can reboot back into my regular Windows 7 ?
Ive got a 60gb partition on my hard drive, everytime i try to install win8 onto that partition it fails, its the same format as my C drive and my recovery drive and it will allow me to install on them fine but why not my new partition
im going to try one more time and i will take note of the error message so i can post it here
(once i finish formatting my drive.... again)
roloracer said:
If you create a new partition, will it work like a dual boot? where I can install in the new partition, launch Windows 8 in my laptop and afterwards I can reboot back into my regular Windows 7 ?
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Click to collapse
Yes. You shrink your Windows 7 partition and use the unallocated space to create an NTFS partition. Yes, it will dualboot.
I found instructions on how to install to a VHD (virtual disk image) that you can then actually boot from at this site:
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/Guide...s8DeveloperPreviewOffAVHDVirtualHardDisk.aspx
It saves having to repartition (or install over a current OS). It has actually failed for me so far, about 25% through the install I get an error about required files missing, but I seem always get that bloody error with every preview of Windows going back to at least W2K, so it may work well for some of you. Seems like the most risk free way to try.
I'm just about to try a different USB key set to boot using unetbootin, and if that fails I'll try the tip above about fully formatting with NTFS (I did a quick format). Maybe one of those will help.
Sturgie said:
Ive got a 60gb partition on my hard drive, everytime i try to install win8 onto that partition it fails, its the same format as my C drive and my recovery drive and it will allow me to install on them fine but why not my new partition
im going to try one more time and i will take note of the error message so i can post it here
(once i finish formatting my drive.... again)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take note of the Error, your computer, the format, what type of removable media you're using (SD card or USB stick), and the version of Windows 8 you're attempting to install. We may be able to help you then.
Not sure I like windows 8.
All your apps being in that metro ui thing rather then the old program list.
But if you change the registry to remove it and get the old program list back you lose some explorer changes.
Sent from my Phone
NikolaiT said:
Take note of the Error, your computer, the format, what type of removable media you're using (SD card or USB stick), and the version of Windows 8 you're attempting to install. We may be able to help you then.
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Click to collapse
Im using a HP pavillion dv6 3130us laptop, the iso is on a DVD and its the 64bit english developer preview, my partition is a NTFS format, im currently doing a full re format of the drive, once thats done ill try again and take note of the error message for you
thanks
Dang my file managed to corrupt itself =[
stevenmu said:
I found instructions on how to install to a VHD (virtual disk image) that you can then actually boot from at this site:
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/Guide...s8DeveloperPreviewOffAVHDVirtualHardDisk.aspx
It saves having to repartition (or install over a current OS). It has actually failed for me so far, about 25% through the install I get an error about required files missing, but I seem always get that bloody error with every preview of Windows going back to at least W2K, so it may work well for some of you. Seems like the most risk free way to try.
I'm just about to try a different USB key set to boot using unetbootin, and if that fails I'll try the tip above about fully formatting with NTFS (I did a quick format). Maybe one of those will help.
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Click to collapse
Ok, so I tried again from a USB key created with unetbootin and it worked perfectly. Just had a quick play with Win8 so far and I love it.
I used my OG Droid1 in USB Mount Mode through CWR and it worked great lol
good work
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:09 PM ----------
but is there's any way to run windows 8 with windows 7
try vmware?
i'm running win 8 on my Toshiba laptop.
looks good and runs smooth
ubuntu101 said:
good work
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
---------- Post added at 02:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:09 PM ----------
but is there's any way to run windows 8 with windows 7
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error message
The error message displayed when i tell in to install on my 60gb ntfs partition is:
'windows cannot be installed to this hard disk space. the partition containts more dynamic volumes that are not supported for installation'
Windows 8 on a Gigabyte S1080
Just finished the install. Burnt the iso to a DVD and copied the files to a USB flash drive. Worked perfectly. Haven't had time to play with it yet, but the install was a lot smoother than I expected.
I was lukewarm about Windows 7 on a tablet. This looks a whole lot better!
where can I find a product key?
Hey,
I'm running windows 8... i recently dual booted ubuntu and got tired of it, how would i got about getting that disk space back... would i have to reformat? i'm missing like over a hundred gigs worth of space because of. I would really love to be able to do it with out having to format the computer if possible.
NOTE: Before you do this, you should make sure your Win8 bootloader is intact. You can do this from the Win8 boot menu; there are troubleshooting tools which will allow you to fix the boot loader. I don't remember the exact commands offhand, look them up.
You can get the space back easily; just delete the partition(s) that Ubuntu is on, and extend your Windows partition into the free space.
Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc, you can just type it into Start and hit Enter).
Select the partition to which you installed Ubuntu.
Delete it (can be done from right-click menu).
Select the partition with Windows on it (should be the biggest remaining one).
Extend it (can be done from right-click) to fill the available space.
GoodDayToDie said:
NOTE: Before you do this, you should make sure your Win8 bootloader is intact. You can do this from the Win8 boot menu; there are troubleshooting tools which will allow you to fix the boot loader. I don't remember the exact commands offhand, look them up.
You can get the space back easily; just delete the partition(s) that Ubuntu is on, and extend your Windows partition into the free space.
Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc, you can just type it into Start and hit Enter).
Select the partition to which you installed Ubuntu.
Delete it (can be done from right-click menu).
Select the partition with Windows on it (should be the biggest remaining one).
Extend it (can be done from right-click) to fill the available space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
worked like a charm thanks alot
Wrong forum, dude.
Were removed family photos on the tablet ASUS VIVOtab RT (windows 8 rt). History files has been disabled. ONE DRIVE is not working. What should I do?
Were they on internal storage or on a SD card?
Are you running RT 8.0 or 8.1?
EDIT: Fair warning: you probably can't, unless something like OneDrive was backing them up somewhere. RT can't run file recovery software much better than an iPad could.
Were they on internal storage or on a SD card?
Lost files were on the internal storage.
Are you running RT 8.0 or 8.1?
I use RT 8.0.
As the X86 emulator, you can run the program to restore the photos? Installation program X86 is successful, but when I run an error peloader(
Yeah, the x86 emulator probably doesn't support the APIs required for such programs; they're pretty obscure and surely weren't the dev's first priority. I really, really wish that tool's source code would be released so people could continue working on it...
Since you're on 8.0 (and already jailbroken, even) the question becomes "what open-source undelete utilities for Windows are available?" Typing "open source file undelete" into Bing gives http://kickassundelete.sourceforge.net/ as the first hit. What's more, it's entirely written in C#, as far as I can tell, even supports Mono. It might not even need to be recompiled and should be trivial to recompile if needed.
Obligatory reminder: Don't use the tablet (any more than absolutely necessary) until you have a chance to run the undelete tool. There's a pretty fair chance of the data getting overwritten, or even just getting TRIMmed out of the SSD, if you do so.
After the program kichkassundelete warning popup window appears. Even as an administrator program does not see the internal and external storage. What should I do in this case? How to get full access to the device with windows RT?
tank6662005 said:
After the program kichkassundelete warning popup window appears. Even as an administrator program does not see the internal and external storage. What should I do in this case? How to get full access to the device with windows RT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my Surface RT, this program also cannot detect the internal C: drive. However it can detect and scan USB drives (fat32 & ntfs) if it's run as Administrator (it prompts for this during load). So the program does seem to work to some extent. I have no idea why the C: drive is hidden/blocked.
May need to look for another program then, damn. Post-Vista, the system drive is *slightly* more protected against such access... but it's easy to work around if the developer knows what they're doing. Maybe KAUD only fully works on XP? I'm not sure; I haven't used it.
Hi All
After many many issues and tests, I have finally managed to boot a copy of Windows 8 stored on my Galaxy Nexus 32GB which can be loaded up on any machine and used as a WINDOWS TO GO drive. I'm making this thread from this setup and I honestly cannot feel the speed difference.
Method:
1. Procure official Windows 8 DVD and extract install.wim from 'sources' folder
2. Procure Wimlib from http://sourceforge.net/projects/wimlib/
3. Download DriveDroid from Google Play
4. Set up DriveDroid for Standard Android Kernel and create a 10GB image file on the phone. Do not create a partition table for it just yet.
5. Mount the image to a Windows 8 PC.
6. Use diskpart - select the disk, clean, create primary partition, format quick ntfs, set active
7. Use Wimlib to APPLY the image to the Removable Disk Drive that you just made (use the --strict-acls switch)(read the additional documentation)
8. Once the image is applied, use the command "BCDboot X:\Windows /s X: /f ALL" where X is the drive letter of the removable disk you made.
9. All done! Reboot and boot regularly (haven't tried UEFI yet) Will take time to install drivers and screen will be inactive for some time. Let it complete everything and start up.
Attached screenshots.
Note - ImageX and DISM have created problems for me before. Avoid using those.