Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
3 Posts
0
55831
XPS 12 Duo, Factory Reinstall
So i have a 12 duo, and it has been acting slow lately and i figured it is time to bring it back to its younger days. I tried doing the reset within windows 8, but it asked for installation/recovery media, which i don't have. And i know what you're thinking, just use the recovery partition. No can do... it is gone. I do not remember getting rid of it but anyways, its not an option. I tried creating a recovery usb via this link but my key did not work for retail versions. What can I do? Thanks in advance!
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
16K Posts
0
August 16th, 2014 16:00
You need a Reinstallation DVD or Recovery USB, see the notes here:
http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/request-a-reinstallation-dvd-from-dell/
pence
3 Posts
0
August 16th, 2014 19:00
Thank you for your quick response! I found my service tag from an old email. Unfortunately I bought the xps 12 duo right when it came out and my warranty is expired :( I remember the days when the installation disk used to come with new computers! Is there any other options? Just wish I could get the iso and mount it to my own flash Drive!
Philip_Yip
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
16K Posts
0
August 18th, 2014 07:00
Microsoft have really messed up the deployment of Windows 8.0/8.1 by failing to provide a .iso.
See my videos for details, the first one being important if you are wanting to install using a Windows 8.1 .iso.
Obtaining the .iso is the main problem as the Microsoft downloader will reject your OEM product key as shown in the second video.
The only official means to procure installation media is to call Dell Technical Support and ask for it. The Reinstallation DVD allows for clean install while the bootable USB doesn't allow for clean install and preinstalls McAfee and drivers. The bootable USB won't be Windows 8.1 if the system came with Windows 8.0 and thus you have to install Windows twice (i.e waste the time going through the Store to upgrade).
Clean installation with a Windows 8.1 .iso will lead to superior performance but for an official download link you need to purchase Windows again, hence many people obtain the .iso from an unofficial location. This is of course unrecommended but I fully understand why people look to unofficial locations for installation medial
pence
3 Posts
0
August 18th, 2014 11:00
So if I get a retail copy of win8/8.1 iso from an unofficial location and install from a USB, will my bios still activate it? Using a program I found my key and it says for Windows 8 Pro. Installed from oem media. Gives me a CD key and product ID. Neither if which work with the retail copies. I've read somewhere that using a generic key will work then once installed have it use the oem key for activation. Should I go this route or sit in hold for hours with Dell? Haha Or please any other suggestions?