Tried to rebuild a Win8 PC - accidentally deleted the partition

Murty201

Hi,
Made a big boo boo that I hope some kind person can help me with.
I've a Win8.1 HP PC that was starting to take ages to open Word/Excel (up to 20 minutes), and with a bit of spare time, I decided to reset it to factory settings (inc wiping files/programmes etc)

But, when I followed the instructions, it would not complete the process as some files were missing. As I had the install DVD, I decided rebuild by booting into the disc. But, no joy. I received a notification that the partition was a GPT formatted drive, so I couldn't install Windows. Google told me to boot to UEFI mode and install. I was then offered 4 partitions to install to, but it would still not allow me to install. Nor could I extend any of the partitions or create a new one.
Then, and I really don't know why I did this, I deleted the main partition where the OEM Win8 install was.

So, now I can't boot into an operating system at all - because there is nothing there.

I have access to the same Win8 PC (my bro & I got one each about five years ago), is there anyway I could create a rescue disc from his machine?

I've plenty of experience rebuilding Win7 and WinXP machines (even Win3.11), but it appears this was a step too far. Not helped by being under the weather. Should have left well alone, I know!! An uninstall of Office might have been enough. And any unwanted programmes.

Any thoughts, or am I fubar'd? It's not even going to make a useful doorstop -as it's just too light!

Murty

Johnboy1951

It is possible to rebuild the partition table table to include the 'deleted' partition.

You need to be very sure that you do things carefully.

I only have experience with Linux apps so I guess - unless you are familiar with Linux - those would be no good to you.

It might well be that the backup GPT still has the deleted partition info in it and this could be used in place of the primary GPT to reinstate the partition.

I guess it really depends on how much has been deleted ......

advertsfox

You can download the Windows 8.1 ISO and burn it to a USB, then install it from that drive if the DVD isn't working. You just need your license key (on the tower / disc)

ISO DL Page - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

8.1 32-Bit - https://software-download.microsoft.com/pr/Win8.1_English_x32.iso?t=29aa1ff3-20d8-4704-87ac-be3c1b60c7cc&e=1545237823&h=27fe8f03ae27ea6360d749e3c9ad9962

8.1 64-Bit - https://software-download.microsoft.com/pr/Win8.1_English_x64.iso?t=29aa1ff3-20d8-4704-87ac-be3c1b60c7cc&e=1545237823&h=3bd751880ed11f95be821e768c51e248

USB Burn Tool - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

Murty201

Thanks for the iso download links advertsfox - happy that they are from MS directly, it's 64 bit, so I'll download the link.

The DVD drive is working still, but the USB Burner is a useful tool as well.

Thanks both of you for your tips - I've only looked at Linux Mint from an end user pov, so wouldn't really be happy there!!!

M

Murty201

Hi,
I've successfully reinstalled Win8.1, but I had to convert the disk from GPT to MBR.

I followed the second of the methods listed on answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/windows-cannot-be-installed-on-this-disk-the/8fa72a3e-10c5-47da-a040-1e0db62af309 (can't add a link as I'm a newbie!)

Method #2:
1. Boot up to installation DVD/CD.
2. Click install but don't follow through.
3. Press SHIFT-F10 to bring up console.
4. Type "diskpart"
5. Once inside diskpart type:
-> list disk (find the one you want to convert)
-> select disk 0 (select the one you want from the list)
-> clean (wait an hour or so until its done)
-> quit
6. Continue with install

This information may be useful for anyone else who encounters this issue.

advertsfox

Great news mate. Another option you could have tried is to disable UEFI in the bios - that way, you could format the disk directly with the installation setup but that's not necessary now (you just did it manually). I'd highly recommend upgrading to Windows 10 straight away whilst you have nothing installed.

Information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/3044374/update-that-enables-you-to-upgrade-from-windows-8-1-to-windows-10

Update Package (64-Bit) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=b434c770-3f8a-44a0-aadc-99b59201fc43

Murty201

Yes, planning on upgrading to Win10 on this machine asap. Vastly prefer it to Win8, honestly prefer Win7 to Win8!

advertsfox

Murty201 wrote: »

Yes, planning on upgrading to Win10 on this machine asap. Vastly prefer it to Win8, honestly prefer Win7 to Win8!

Oh I miss Windows 7 myself mate!