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    Factory Reset - Windows 8

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by tinker_xp, Sep 6, 2014.

  1. tinker_xp

    tinker_xp Notebook Consultant

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    Hi All,

    I'm going to be doing a factory reset shortly as I'm having issues with my laptop. Although I have the recovery disc (Laptop shipped with Windows 8) and I've created a recovery usb stick also, however is there a way (I think the answer is no) to factory reset the laptop to Windows 8.1 and not go about installing a bazillion updates.

    No worries if not, just would be nice to restore the laptop to Windows 8.1 as opposed to 8.

    Thanks.
     
    tinker_xp, Sep 6, 2014
    #1
  2. MatthewAMEL

    MatthewAMEL Notebook Consultant

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    If your AW came with 8.1, then yes, you can use the provided SW to restore to 8.1.

    If it came with Win8, then no. Restore to 8, then update to 8.1.
     
    MatthewAMEL, Sep 7, 2014
    #2
  3. mariussx

    mariussx Notebook Evangelist

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    On Windows 8.1 you can refresh OS:

    Settings-Update and recovery-Recovery-Remove everything and reinstall Windows or Refresh your PC without affecting your files. If you go with your own recovery media/AW recovery media, it will re-install Windows 8 I assume your laptop came with from the factory. If you had to upgrade to 8.1, you will have to do so again.
     
    mariussx, Sep 8, 2014
    #3
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    ^^This sums it up. If you had W8 when you bought it, AlienRespawn is not an option. If you need 8.1 back then just try refreshing it (you may need to install some drivers afterwards).
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 9, 2014
    #4