How to create Windows 8 bootable disc and installing via bootable ISO image

If you are a regular Windows user, it is well worth the time to upgrade your Windows 7 or Vista OS to the latest OS launched by Microsoft. There are some definite perks of the new OS like quicker booting, better optimization of system and memory usage, greater USB transmission speed thanks to USB 3.0 and a more powerful, inherent antivirus system. If you have the required hardware to support it, the multi-touch is a treat to use. While Microsoft has a handy ‘install from website’ link on the official page, using a bootable disc is a safer way to start the Windows 8 journey.

System requirements

1. 1 GHz or faster 64 bit (x64) or 32 bit (x86) processor
2. 1 GB of RAM for 32 bit processor and 2 GB of RAM for 64 bit processor
3. 16 GB of space on hard disk on 32 bit processor and 20 GB of space on 64 bit processor
4. DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or better driver

Download

First of all, you have to download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO file. If you have a 64 bit processor, download it here (http://iso.esd.microsoft.com/WCPDL/BD1B8A49393E30CC9C4E5C88457D73E964F1F3B18/Windows8-ConsumerPreview-64bit-English.iso) or if you have a 32 bit processor, you can download it here (http://iso.esd.microsoft.com/WCPDL/BD1B8A49393E30CC9C4E5C88457D73E964F1F3B18/Windows8-ConsumerPreview-32bit-English.iso). If you already have the Consumer preview, you can upgrade it to Pro by clicking on this link: (http://view.atdmt.com/action/FY13_Win8_Buy_DownloadPro_PT?href=http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?linkid=259439). Download Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from here (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool). ; Even though the name has Windows 7 in it, it works with Windows 8.

Burn the ISO file to DVD

Once you have downloaded the file to the hard disk, double click the .exe file. A Security Warning will pop up; click ‘Run’. A Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool Setup Wizard will appear. The wizard makes the process a breeze; simple keep clicking ‘next’ on the first three screens and click ‘Finish’ on the fourth screen.

Run the tool

When the Download Tool is installed, insert the bootable disc. When it is recognized and ready, open the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from the Start menu. A User Account Control box pops up asking whether you want the program to make changes in your computer; click ‘Yes’. In the first screen of the Download Tool, you will be asked to ‘Choose ISO file’; locate it from the hard disk and click ‘Next’. In the next screen, you will be asked to ‘Choose media type’; click ‘DVD’. In the next screen you can see the bootable disc in the drop down list; select and click ‘Begin copying’. The process will take five to ten minutes depending on the computer’s hardware. When the Backup operation is completed, click the close button on top right. You can check whether the process has been successful by opening the contents of the disc in Windows Explorer.

Booting from disc

After the copying, insert the disc into the computer and restart the computer. You will be given instructions to access the boot menu; using Enter and navigation keys, select the CD-ROM on to which you have burned the ISO file. Soon, the new Windows logo will appear on the screen, marking the start of Windows 8 Setup. Finally, when the whole setup is done, restart your computer to start using Windows 8.

Warning: Please read the instructions thoroughly before using the guide. The information is provided solely for educational and instructional purposes, so understand that we cannot guarantee how any individual device will respond to it.  You must understand the liabilities of such a process and the harm it may render to your precious gadget. Only when you are completely sure of the pros and potential cons should you elect to go through the process.

Disclaimer: The author is to be held responsible for the potential damage this guide may bring to your gadget.

It is that simple to install Windows 8 on your PC via a bootable disc ISO image. There haven’t been any major complications in the process, but still as a safety measure, create a back up of all important files on your computer. Once you have completed all the processes, you will be able to take full advantage of the perks of Windows 8.