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Reset Windows 8.1, recovery media not valid

When I try to reset my Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, an error message says "Insert media. Some files are missing. Your windows installation or recovery media will provide these files." I created recovery media and tried it again, and a new error message says "The media inserted is not valid." It's the same when I try to do a refresh instead of a reset, all via the Update and Recovery menu.


I created recovery media on a flash drive via control panel/recovery/create a recovery drive. The computer will boot from the recovery drive, but when I try to perform a reset there I also get the message "The media inserted is not valid."


I don't have installation media for Windows 8.1 or Windows 8. I downloaded Windows 8 about 11 months ago from the Microsoft Store, upgrading from Windows 7, and I have a valid product key. I upgraded to Windows 8.1 a few months ago via the Windows Store.


I want to remove everything and reinstall Windows, restoring the factory settings. Any guidance?

Hi Perry,

 

I read that you want to reinstall Windows, I would help you with this issue.

 

As you already have a Windows 8 product key, I would suggest you to download Windows 8 setup using the Windows 8 product key.  During the process you will be presented with the option to install Windows now, later, or using media with an ISO file.  So you can choose using media with an ISO file.


Upgrade Windows with only a product key
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only
(Please note, you cannot choose Windows 8.1 setup, as this requires Windows 8.1 product key).

 

Important:  Please backup all important data before attempting to reinstall Windows.

 

Also, refer: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

(This article talks about downloading Windows 8.1 setup, instead you can run the Windows 8 setup and use the Windows 8 product key and then create the installation media.)

 

 

Hope this information helps.

 

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Hi RajithR

I have the same problem, except I upgraded from Vista. 

I did what you wrote but when I insert my product key, I get a message saying that the product key is an upgrade key and can't be used to install Windows 8.

What do I do?

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Hi , Did you solve the problem?, I also upgraded from Vista to Windows 8  on line .

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Last updated January 8, 2022 Views 6,806 Applies to: