IT Tips & Hacks: Making a Clean Installation of Windows8

Dear Friends,

Today I am not writing on any hack but on Windows8 Consumer Preview.

Do you know that Microsoft has just launched Windows8 for every person to try out at home? For those of you who want to test it, I’ve created this tutorial to guide you through all the important installation steps:

Steps-

ü To download the latest version from Microsoft. Go to http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso/ and download the desired version.

ü Now you need to burn the .ISO image on a blank DVD disk to make Windows8 installation disc.

ü Now boot your computer using your Windows8 installation disc.

ü Windows8 takes a while to load the setup files, during which you will see mostly a black screen, similar to the one below.

ü Once the setup files are copied, the installation starts by asking the language, time, currency and keyboard input settings you want to use. Make the selections you want and click Next.

ü Click the Install now button to start the installation.

ü You are asked to enter the product key required to activate your Windows8 installation. For the Consumer Preview version there is a public key available: DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J. Type the key and click Next.

In case it doesn’t work for you, go to this Microsoft page at

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/faq#section_1

ü Now you are asked to read the license agreement. Check the I accept the license terms box and click Next.

ü You are asked to choose between making an upgrade or a custom installation. Simply choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

ü Now you are asked to select where you want to install Windows8. Select the desired partition and click Next.

ü The installation finally starts. The setup will take some time to copy all the required files and install the operating system.

ü Once the installation is done, the Windows8 setup will automatically reboot your system.

ü After the reboot is done, Windows8 will require some time to get things ready.

ü Then, you are asked to personalize your Windows 8 installation. Start by giving a name for your computer. Click Next.

ü Next, you need to choose if you want to use the Express settings Windows8 comes bundled with, or you want to customize your installation. Click Customize.

ü Now you are asked if you want to turn on file sharing or not. Select the option you wish.

ü You are asked about the default behavior of Windows Update and that of IE. Change the desired things and click Next.

ü Next, you are asked if you want to send different types of information to Microsoft. I recommend you to leave everything turned on so that Microsoft gets enough information to develop a grand product. Click Next.

ü Then, you are asked about troubleshooting options and what you want to turn on. Click Next.

ü Now you’ll be on Sign in to your PC screen. Type your Windows Live ID and click Next.

Then, you are asked to enter your Windows Live ID password. Type it and click Next.

NOTE: If you don’t want to sign in using a Windows Live ID (or Microsoft account), click on Don’t want to sign in with a Microsoft account link at the bottom of the window and follow the instructions shown.

Then, you can provide an alternate e-mail to recover your account password, in case you forget it or it is changed by unwanted guests. Provide the e-mail account and click Next.

ü Windows8 takes a while to prepare your system and all the settings.

Once everything is done, enter the default Windows8 Start screen.