Windows 8 Installation Disk

Anyone know how I can get the iso for creating a Windows 8.1 installation/repair disc without the key for the machine?

Someone asked me if I could help them fix an HP Windows 8.1 laptop, and the key is embedded with no sticker. The PC is in a boot loop where the OS tries to start and then tries to repair itself but cannot and just reboots. The messages are "Attempting to recover installation" and then "Restoring your previous version of Windows...". Only see the messages for about 2 seconds each. Windows 8.1 is the original OS I see from a sticker on the machine.

I used a W10 installation disk to see that there weren't any restore points on the PC and I was able to use command prompt from that environment. No help. Looks like the PC may have hung up during an update reboot, idk, but there seem to be 3 partitions associated with the drive. One I guess is BIOS/System but two of them are labelled Windows. Not sure why there would be two Windows partitions. I am sure this person doesn't have an installation disk to have caused that to happen.

I can get into BIOS but it's not any help. Not very many options, but I tried booting with secure boot disabled etc. Nothing there. I think the only option will be to reinstall Windows 8.1, so that's why I need the installation disk.

Other things I have tried:
1. Boot holding shift to get to repair options
2. Boot holding Windows key to get to repair options
3. All the f keys

The machine is in very good condition, and it's a pretty nice machine for an older one, so I would like to help this person if possible.

BTW, don't know why but I tried to boot to a rescue disk (Falcon 4.6 and Hiren's) but the PC would not see either. Was looking into the options for retrieving files in case of the reinstall. Any input on this would be helpful. Tried to boot again with secure boot off but that didn't help.

 

It sounds like you say, Windows 8.1 possibly stuck on an udpate to W10, especially as your W10 disk gives you some access.
Whilst in command prompt, admin, you could try

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
And
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Full explanation here
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-dism-command-line-utility-repair-windows-10-image

 

Thanks baklogic. Can't seem to change directories to point the command to the c drive. Typing it at the x:\sources command prompt gives an error which says, "DISM does not support servicing Windows PE with the /Online option." I assume this means it is pointing to the recovery/installation disk. This is why I was attempting to change directories. The command cd C: does flash the C:\ prompt and leaves it there but then the x:\Sources prompt immediately appears again. This is using the preboot W10 installation disk recovery command prompt. I was able to run sfc /scannow which threw back "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation." This was after the scan completed. No mention of errors.

I can do a straight dir command and see the disk contents. I see almost no files in the documents areas, but I don't want to reinstall until I know there aren't any important files on the PC. At any rate, I see that there is evidence of a W10 upgrade. idk, actually it may have been what was working before. Got the PC from the owner's friend who had no clue about what was on the computer.

The two partitions I have an angle on now. dir D: shows that partition is labelled recovery. I guess that would be normal for Windows 10. So I guess it's safe to assume W10 was on the PC(?), but I don't want to assume anything at this point. At least if I reinstall Windows with W10, there is a chance that the key will work no problem.

Got any tricks up your sleeve or any advice? It would be great if I could know W10 is what's installed. Also, I have looked in BIOS but didn't see if the OS is 64 or 32 bit. I have both installation disks, and I know I need to know. Also, I don't know if it's home or pro. If you know of any way I can determine that would be amazing

 

If you still want to install Windows 8.1 look here : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

 

Well, thanks Claw (Nick T). Hope everything is going good. Been watching the NFL draft and pulling for the Saints to do well. I'm a Saints fan even though first team is the Falcons here. Ever since I had the chance to visit N.O. way back, I have always been a Saints fan too. Actually, I kind of love them all in a way...NFL football...

I see the folder on the C:\ that indicates W10 has been installed via the upgrade. The directory C:\Windows10Upgrade I guess would be a pretty good clue eh? However, I don't know if it just downloaded the upgrade stuff or if it actually was installed. Also, I don't know if the W10 upgrade broke the PC or what. However, I do have hope I could install W10 and that the key would work, so I plan to run that by the owner whenever I see him. I guess it's no guarantees on that, but as it is the PC sure isn't going to be of any use to anyone.

Mostly I guess the best plan for now is for me to see if I can find out what version of Windows is on the PC and then what bit, so I install the correct version of Windows for the computer. I only have the Pro disks, 32 and 64, as mentioned. I doubt very seriously the owner would have any idea what was on the computer. Think he just uses it for internet and whatever simple uses came to his mind.

 

The system marked recovery is more than likely the manufacturers recovery drive for factory recovery to W8.1
The upgrade is possibly the free Home version, I found mine only updated to home, from w8.1pro....
See how much ram it has- can be a clue- 2 to 4gb could be 32bit, 8gb + probably 64bit.
Otherwise if we have the Laptop model, we can look up the spec at HP - EASIEST, AS IF W8.1 WS x64, THEN W10 WILL INEVITABLY BE x64.
Have you tried RSTRUI.exe in command prompt (admin)

 

I assume you have tried in cmd prompt admin......
bootrec.exe /fixboot
bootrec.exe /fixmbr
It is easy enough to remove the hard drive, and connect to another laptop/pc using an external enclosure, and a usb cable, to get Data off.
The HP obviously has a recovery partition, as you noticed- Pressing F11 key is, I believe the one for HP, before the windows logo appears (I usually start tapping as soon as I press the start button, whenever I did these laptops), as it skips past so quick. Although Windows 10 would stop this working sometimes, I have found recovery still worked on some.
If the recovery works then you would have the original setup at factory.
If that is Windows 8, or, 8.1, then as/if it had Windows 10 on it when it failed, then it will accept W10 again, without reactivation, if it was an update, as it records the embedded code in the bios. You can, I believe, download

or , ​

could

​

run the Windows 10 update on-line for that
You may find this useful
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02638587/

 

If you feel you need the iso files for any w7-8-10- ad have not got one available download this tool
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/microsoft_windows_iso_download_tool.html

 

Images available here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1gWp-_cIrl3eEdwT3VteHpiQmM?usp=sharing

 

Thanks for the help. Took an educated guess after speaking with the owner and installed W10 Pro 64. Turned out to be a good guess and so everything worked out fine. Thx for helping out, poor fellow was without Netflix for 2 months. He was pretty happy lol ...

Thanks to the mekanic for the download link. I am considering downloading a Windows 8.1 copy for helping out friends

 

I kept more than a few old images just in case. Always like to have a "Plan B". And at times, C,D,E, and F 'n' G...