Win 8.1 Refresh

Hello
I used the Win 8 iso file to create the dvd and also have the Media Center.
I asked about refreshing Win 8.1 by refreshing, using the Win 8 disc to install then using the store to get Win 8.1. Then going to 'This PC' and clicking to 'add media' to get the Media Center.
I was advised to use the built in refresh, however, I noticed the following link below about needing the recovery partition which I do not have.

Could someone please help me understand how to refresh my Win 8.1 and still have the Media Center recognizing I don't have the recovery partition.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

Thank you
Peter

 

Windows 8.1 reset is broken unless clean installed, and I have a feeling refresh might be too. I used a hack to make an ISO from Microsoft which works.


What is the issue with Media Center?

 

Hello again
I guess that means it cannot be done but could you please elaborate.
It seems many people are in trouble if they are trying to do this.
Thank you

 

Trying to do a refresh?

 

Start a cmd.exe (Command) prompt with Admin rights.

Do this by clicking the start button, typing cmd and when the icon shows under search, right click and run as administrator.

change to the base of your c drive:

Type

Code:

c:

then

Code:

mkdir RecImage
cd RecImage

then

Code:

recimg -CreateImage c:\RecImage

Let it finish and then Windows should use it as the refresh image.

 

Hello again
Please read the sentence I copied from a Window's article; it is part of the link but I should have been specific.

["If you upgraded your PC to Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 with a DVD, use that disc. If you don’t have Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 media, contact Microsoft Support."]

I have Win 8.1 pro not RT and have a Win 8 disc with the key for the media center.
I was just inquiring about refresh/reset and you are right that they are not functioning.

I have no issue with media center and was asking how to retrieve it once I refresh or reset. I think I know now by going to 'This PC' > right click then clicking the add feature at the top.

I have copied your instructions and will wait a while to see what is going on. I am running well and have external images. I was considering refresh and am glad I inquired before I jumped in. I read an article that described the plight of many who did not know about the malfunctions - I feel badly for them and hope MS fixes this issue sooner than later.
Thank you again for the commands.
Peter

 

Yeah, it is confusing how they worded that.

You have to refresh with 8.1 media, or the way I listed here (not 8).

You retrieve media center by entering your product key for it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/feature-packs

It is tied to the product key you have. Refreshing doesn't remove the product key, so it should remain present, or you should be able to redownload it.

 

I wonder if I could insert the Win 8 disc and do a clean install, then go to the store for the Win 8.1 upgrade as I did before. Once there I could obtain the media enter as I did by right clicking This PC and clicking 'add' at the top..

 

You could...

Does it not allow you to do that if you have 8.1?

 

I don't have the iso file nor the 8.1 disc if that is what you mean.

I only have the Win 8 disc.

 

Its not contained on the disc. Its the product key that unlocks it.

 

I have both the key for Win 8 and the media center.
I think I threw you off by referencing the Media center which was only a part of my inquiry. I have the center ok.

Is there an iso for 8.1?

 

Yeah, definitely thrown off.

No ISO for 8.1, officially. There is a hacky way though.

Warning: This may no longer work.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

Start install for windows 8.1. Enter product key. Once it starts installing, close the installer with red 'x'. Now go and click 8.1 to install. The installer should prompt you for install type. Choose the media one, and on the next screen, ISO.





This may no longer work. You will need your product key.

 

I appreciate the information but during the absence I researched it. I need a Win 7 OS to begin with and during the 7 to 8 I stop it. At that point I can select the 8.1 iso. However, after all that, the disc will only install 8 which you then use to upgrade to 8.1. Many site do not tell you a Win 7 OS is needed.

I am not sure MS is winning many fans these days. Between complexities for the general audience and the problems with Windows compounded by other factors, the Chromebook is looking a lot easier. I have been using one for a while and keeping a laptop handy for heavy lifting it does what I want a lot simpler. MS is exhausting for the average person. Thank you for all of your replies.

 

My method doesn't require Windows 7, assuming it still works.

Also, PM me.