Is it possible to get the Win 8 disks to restore? I had a hard drive fry on me once which made it impossible to restore from the partition.
1038786
Yes, you can create your own backup disks through the windows backup utility, or you can contact Dell and purchase them for ~20 bucks
2205274
It's preloaded with Windows 7 and comes with the restore disks for both Win 7 and 8. Hope this helps!
594625
I think you will have to buy a copy and reimage it. I have been very happy with Windows 8. You might want to try it for a while before investing in 7. Good luck!
827116
Negative, Windows 8 is pre installed and no disks come with it. However, it does give you the option to make your own disk at first start up.
283124
I didn't. I received no disks at all. In fact, I didn't think about it at the time, but I cannot find a printer driver to download so that my printer will work with Windows 8 so I'm printerless!
2216696
The machine comes preloaded with Windows 7 Professional 64bit already. You're good to go. The supplied recovery media is for Windows 8, however. Re-installing Windows 7 will be difficult. I'd recommend preforming a complete system backup to an external harddrive as soon as you get the machine.
2086210
Tried installing 8.1 and it failed to boot afterward. Microsoft said restore factory image and try again...I restored from system image taken right before I tried upgrade or everything would have been lost. Black screen they thought was video driver problem with 8.1. They did say "the new f8 key is now shift f10 since it has new features for advanced startup mode". They also said if 8.1 fails to start up but you keep trying more than than 5 or 6 times it "should" roll back the 8.1 install. I also found out that restore point is by default turned off in win 8 so turn that on too. Bottom line back up everything BEFORE attempting upgrade or else... Tried installing 8.1 and it failed to boot afterward. Microsoft said restore factory image and try again...I restored from system image taken right before I tried upgrade or everything would have been lost. Black screen they thought was video driver problem with 8.1. They did say "the new f8 key is now shift f10 since it has new features for advanced startup mode". They also said if 8.1 fails to start up but you keep trying more than than 5 or 6 times it "should" roll back the 8.1 install. I also found out that restore point is by default turned off in win 8 so turn that... » Read More Tried installing 8.1 and it failed to boot afterward. Microsoft said restore factory image and try again...I restored from system image taken right before I tried upgrade or everything would have been lost. Black screen they thought was video driver problem with 8.1. They did say "the new f8 key is now shift f10 since it has new features for advanced startup mode". They also said if 8.1 fails to start up but you keep trying more than than 5 or 6 times it "should" roll back the 8.1 install. I also found out that restore point is by default turned off in win 8 so turn that on too. Bottom line back up everything BEFORE attempting upgrade or else... « Show Less
1399079
Not on my computer. The HFS4WIN.exe file won't install on Windows 8. I spoken with 3 different people in Seagate support and get nowhere. I think they are aware of the problem but don't seem to know how to fix it.
222394
I used a backup program (Acronis True image) to copy the OS onto the SSD. It then guided me how to change to boot from the new SSD. No reinstall of Win 8 needed, just copy to SSD and set that drive as boot drive. Pretty easy. It never asked for windows key in the process. For an easier process still, buy the migration kit for your specific SSD which will come with the hardware you may need as well. I was in your shoes and like you thought it was going to be harder than it was. Good luck and enjoy the 5-second boot up afterward. JF
1712730
Sorry I don't like win8! I prefer win7! Good luck and hope some1 can answer your ?
681087
Cynthia, I do own one of these disk drives but use it on a Windows 7 system. I can't think of anything that would stop the use on a 8+. You have the option to call the tech help, maybe get some help there. Sorry I couldn't be more help[ myself.
1372518
Hello, You can call HP Tech Support and check if Recovery Disc with Win 7 for this model available. Best regards, Amuras
278080
Take, this possible solution.http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/restore-windows-8-with-system-image-recovery/
2166706
For Vista, Windows 7, and 8 you wont need the disk. Xp I believe you do. If your cd/dvd drive cant read the disk you can try http://support.microsoft.com/fixit/ or have a pro fix it.
1941987
Yes I can help,I had the same problem your disk you got is junk,don't waste any more time,call Amazon to send New stuff.
1248766
Yes. I installed Win 8 without recovery media, and activated it with the serial number in BIOS, and then upgraded to Windows 8.1 successfully.
26830
Almost all hard drives are OS agnostic, meaning they can be formatted and schemed to the appropriate OS. The website says its preformatted to NTFS. I've formatted it in several formats (such as HFS/+, FAT32, NTFS, Ext2/3, as well as in both the GUID and the MBR schemes) and they've all operated correctly.As far as booting win8 off it, I have no idea. I use it as a backup/recovery for my mac, and its never failed me yet.