OS and Software → Microsoft > Upgraded to Windows 8, but not asked to format

Upgraded to Windows 8, but not asked to format

I had not used Windows 8 and a friend needed it on their computer. They had purchased the $119 option to download from Microsoft. They were unable to get the download, due to a slow DSL connection I think.

I have their computer while they are gone for a while. Before doing anything I made a couple of backups. I then partitioned their HD so I could have a dual boot system I'd they desired.

I downloaded the files and chose to not make a CD/DVD when asked b/c I thought I'd read that using a CD for installation prevented being able to reformat the drive. I guess they don't even have a bootable CD at a Microsoft Store?

So, I expected to be provided the option to reformat the drive since I wasn't using a CD, but did not receive that as an option. I've never been a fan of upgrading in place, but I guess that is what just happened.

Their virus protection was out of date and they had a few issues so I'd really like to find out how to accomplish this upgrade to Windows 8 after a format. I have the cloned version of the Windows 7 system that I can use to restore back to it, but I don't know what to do differently.

I'm holding off loading data until I know if I'm stuck with an in place upgrade or not. If I leave it as is will wiping the free space help the typical issues when not reformatting before changing between O/S versions?

They offered the option to make a dvd, that was your external booting option. You should have made the dvd anyway.

Now that you've already upgraded it let them try it out, if they like it then no problem, but here you have the issue that you might have trouble downloading Win 8 again after you've installed it. That is why you should have made the dvd.
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I distrust those people who know so well what god wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires- Susan B. Anthony
Yesterday we obeyed kings, and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to the truth- Kahlil G.

There's no intrinsic reason why 'running from DVD' means you can't format the hard disk.

On the other hand, depending on how the installation procedure works, there may be intrinsic reasons why 'running from existing OS' means you can't format the hard disk. Like, for example, if the setup is being done from the disk partition you're expecting to reformat.

So, if totally clean install is your goal, I'd be betting on the DVD.

(This is general stuff, not Windows 8 specific. The NT family has always been this way).

Note however that it is technically possible that the particular installation kit is 'upgrade only' i.e., does not support install-from-nothing. I don't know either way.