install windows 8.1 on new SSD from recovery disk

[cy_ridge_2762]

Hello,

I recently purchased a 275 GB SDD to replace a crashed 520GB SATA HDD. Since I did not have a recovery disk created I ordered the HP Win 8.1 recovery disks. I followed the instructions and the Disk 1 formatting process completed successfully and I was prompted to insert Disk 2. At this point the process freezes after the dvd drive spins up. Nothing I o do will cause the process to continue.  Is the problem due to different drive sizes? 

Thanks for any help.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

See if by making your own plain W8.1 installation media you can reinstall Windows 8.1.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

The only drawback to this is the OEM product key in the BIOS.

However, there are some workarounds such as the one posted below for how to get the product key in the BIOS to work on your clean installation...

http://superuser.com/questions/697253/clean-install-windows-8-1-or-windows-8-from-oem-key

[cy_ridge_2762]

OK. Thanks. I'll give that a try.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[cy_ridge_2762]

Hello again.

Unfortunately I have not been successful in creating a usb install media from the microsoft download site. It fails almost immediately.  I'm running across a T1 line so it should not be a bandwidth issue.

It fails regardless of whether I select USB or creation of ISO file.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I wish I could help you, but I have no idea what the issue is on your end.

I just ran the tool myself, selected W8.1, English (American), and chose to download the ISO file, and it successfully downloaded for me in less than 15 minutes on my internet connection.

Then it took several more minutes to verify the download, and create the ISO file.

Perhaps you can try it from another PC or network.

[cy_ridge_2762]

I am behind a firewall at my job.... that could affect it.  I will try again from home.

Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes that could definitely be the problem.

[cy_ridge_2762]

Worked! Firewall policies at work location were restricting file download.

Thanks for the help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.