I'm planning to buy/build two types computers: one with a GNU/Linux distro, and one with Windows 8/8.1. My choices will not need to share the same computer as I will buy two.
If the Windows 8 computer that has Secure Boot has been struck with a virus, or just some other reason, can I just start anew and wipe the hard drive, paving the way to a cleaner Windows 8/8.1 installation?
In other words, can I wipe a computer with Windows 8 (and only Windows 8)?
Thanks.
(Nov 18, 2013, 04:59 am)RobertX Wrote: [ -> ]I'm planning to buy/build two types computers: one with a GNU/Linux distro, and one with Windows 8/8.1. My choices will not need to share the same computer as I will buy two.
If the Windows 8 computer that has Secure Boot has been struck with a virus, or just some other reason, can I just start anew and wipe the hard drive, paving the way to a cleaner Windows 8/8.1 installation?
In other words, can I wipe a computer with Windows 8 (and only Windows 8)?
Thanks.
Yes. You can turn off Secure Boot in Bios. It's often called something else, depending on the BIOS. feel free to post here for instructions.
(Nov 18, 2013, 07:57 am)l33tissw00t Wrote: [ -> ][Yes. You can turn off Secure Boot in Bios. It's often called something else, depending on the BIOS. feel free to post here for instructions.
Actually, on that particular PC, I want to keep Windows 8.1/8. If I happen to want to format the hard drive to install fresh, can I do it while leaving Secure Boot on?
(Nov 18, 2013, 18:38 pm)RobertX Wrote: [ -> ] (Nov 18, 2013, 07:57 am)l33tissw00t Wrote: [ -> ][Yes. You can turn off Secure Boot in Bios. It's often called something else, depending on the BIOS. feel free to post here for instructions.
Actually, on that particular PC, I want to keep Windows 8.1/8. If I happen to want to format the hard drive to install fresh, can I do it while leaving Secure Boot on?
Not sure I understand what you mean.
How will you be installing fresh? OEM Recovery partition?
SecureBoot doesn't allow booting off external media.
Once that's off, most will allow (on Asus you need to enable Launch CSM and/or PXE OpROM). Google around a bit.. gotta head to bed!
(Nov 18, 2013, 18:38 pm)RobertX Wrote: [ -> ]can I do it while leaving Secure Boot on?
I do not see why not. I am not too keen on using Secure Boot, however it stands to reason that when a 'wipe-and-load' install is performed, that all the inherited virus' or nasty's of the previous install are gone. Therefor I think that you would be okay. I am sure there are certain dependencies and what-not. Also, idk if
this link is useful to you, but maybe it will help. I hope so.
Cheers!
/RMan
(Nov 18, 2013, 18:38 pm)RobertX Wrote: [ -> ]Actually, on that particular PC, I want to keep Windows 8.1/8. If I happen to want to format the hard drive to install fresh, can I do it while leaving Secure Boot on?
If you want to keep 8.1/8. Partion the /HDD and install on the partitioned side. Secure boot will need to be disabled but it'll keep your 8.1/8 intact.
IMO. Image the O/S as soon as you take delivery of the PC. Then if you need or get a catostrophic event. You can re-install with peace of mind.
(Nov 18, 2013, 20:13 pm)l33tissw00t Wrote: [ -> ]Not sure I understand what you mean.
How will you be installing fresh? OEM Recovery partition?
A fresh install is what I mean.
Then you've no option but to release secure boot
(Nov 18, 2013, 21:03 pm)-nelly- Wrote: [ -> ]If you want to keep 8.1/8. Partion the /HDD and install on the partitioned side. Secure boot will need to be disabled but it'll keep your 8.1/8
Partition the HDD using what tool? The one on the installation?
Heh, Microsoft doesn't make things easy. It's a good thing that I don't have to do this, when all I want in this scenario is to wipe the hard drive and start on a fresh installation.
(Nov 18, 2013, 22:56 pm)-nelly- Wrote: [ -> ]Then you've no option but to release secure boot
"Release" as in disable or leave on?
If you want to remove Win 8 and format you'll need to disable (release) secure boot.
Within M$ (Windows). Computer Management has limitations. A third party software i use a lot is MiniTool Partition Wizard.
Image the O/S when it's virgin IMO.
Then move onto how and what you want installed i.e. O/S's
You can tweak/personalize each O/S once installed via their partitions. Link to the 3rd party software below:
http://thepiratebay.se/torrent/7382590/M...5BThumperD