M17xR4 Windows 8 to Windows 7 back to Windows 8 - advice?

So my Alienware system came pre-installed with Windows 8 when I bought it over a year ago, at the time I wanted to downgrade to W7 which I successfully did thanks to a bit of help from folks on this very forum.

Now with 8.1 out, and games like Battlefield 4 running better on the latest OS I'm tempted to go back to 8, I am however in need of some advice. I have a Windows 8 disc and key at hand, I'm just in need of some pointers as to what do I need to prep before again installing W8.

Will I need to change back to UEFI from legacy in the bios settings or have any files on hand via USB before the install? any advice would be great.

Cheers.

 

Install using Windows 8 disc and key then upgrade to Win8.1 through the store...backup Win8.1 activation - clean install option.

Backup Win8.1 activation, first run cmd(admin) "dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup /resetbase" without quotes >operation concluded succesfully >reboot>Folder options /Show hidden folders>backup activation, copy C:\Windows\System32\spp\store\ 2.0 folder

 

What about the Bios settings I had changed for W7 etc? do I change them back after I installed 8?

Ta.

 

No need to change settings Legacy boot/secure boot disabled only if you want to use UEFI / fast boot then BIOS settings must be changed before installing windows, this option won't support unlocked (unsigned) BIOS / vBIOS.
Edited previous post.

 

I'm not sure I quite get you. I'm on legacy boot now because I had to change from UEFI boot to install Windows 7 but I'll want to use fast boot for W8.

 

Before installing windows change legacy to UEFI Boot option>enable secure boot, edited post #2 missed ''Win8 pre-installed''.

 

I just tried this, when I press any key to boot the Windows 8 disc I'm just left stuck on the alienware logo?!

Appreciate the support btw

 

Change the boot order in the BIOS, set first CD/DVD.

 

Before you install windows 8 or 8.1 you might want to go through this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/735333-official-alienware-official-windows-8-1-support-thread-questions-discussions-here.html

In my opinion, you should disable secure boot it does you no good ! you enable or disable UEFI based on whether you wish to have UEFI boot. Please read Mr. Fox's guide to install Window.s 8. If you can't find it let me know i will point you in the right direction.

 

Ok, will I need to have any drivers at hand when installing? For the W7 install I needed the IRST drivers on a usb.

Again, thanks.

 

follow this guide you should be all set http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/695478-official-alienware-official-windows-8-support-thread-questions-discussions-here-8.html#post8974490

 

Windows will install IRST driver, update IRST (Control Panel) later on.
First install .Net 3.5, Windows 8 USB install option.

Plug USB stick, cmd(admin) type "DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:X:\sources\sxs" without quotes, Source:X: use the correct letter (USB)"Success" >reboot.

Drivers.
- Driver Details | Dell US
- Driver Details | Dell US

Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

Windows 8 Pro upgrade option or retail ?

 

Cheers guys, I'll be giving the install a run through tomorrow, will let you know how I get on.

 

Installing Windows 8 I'm getting a message saying a media driver is missing, I figured it would be the RST Control Panel so I loaded up the driver via USB, but clicking 'next' tells me the driver it was looking for wasn't found, any idea what else I'm missing?