Clean install Win8 on blank partition won't work

I am attempting to do a clean install of Full 64 bit Win 8 Pro on a computer that previously had 32 bit WinXP Home. I formatted the partition, so it is now blank, using my backup hard drive to access disc management. I finally got to the point of entering my product key, but I'm told "We couldn't verify the product key. Please check your installation media." I attempted Arie's suggestion of pressing the WinKey along with Q to edit the register, but nothing happens. I tried the WinKey with all other letters, also, and nothing comes up. What do I do now?

 

Are you referring to this? http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Windows8/How-To-Clean-Install-Windows-8-Upgrade.html

 

I decided to reinstall winXP to see if that helps. I did the install till the computer reboots before XP is installed, but an error prevented me from going further (3 attempts failed). I attempted again to install Win8, but got the same response as before. I found I could access regedit through Troubleshoot -- Advanced -- Command Prompt, but when I got to Current Version/setup/OOBE/ I discovered there was no OOBE. Under setup, I only find DPI, PnpLockdownfiles and PnpResources. Any suggestions as to what to do now?

 

Hi Barry, I take it that you are using a DVD 64bit install?
Have you shut down the comp and re-booted to see if it will continue OK?

I've installed an Upgrade DVD 64bit W8 Pro to an empty hard drive without any problem. This is what I'm using now. Neil.

I see you've moved on from when I started my Post. I think I would clean up and start afresh at this point.

 

lj50: yes that is what I was referring to.
Neil: I have shut down the computer and rebooted, even doing a fixboot, but nothing fixes the problem. I bought this software from Ebay and the package was open. Is there any way to find out if the problem is that I was given the wrong key?
Yes, I am using the 64 bit DVD. I guess I could try the 32 bit one, but would like to run this at 64 bits.

 

I don't know what I can do to clean up, but I've made several attempts, all with the same result. I'm burning ISOs of the DVDs, in case I have to send it back, but I'd like to know how to verify if the key is good or not.

 

I think I may have discovered the problem. I forgot my DVD burner can be temperamental when it comes to data discs. That is probably the reason I couldn't load WinXP. I put the DVD on an ISO and placed it on my flash drive. Now I just need to figure out how to get my computer to read my flash drive first. So far, I haven't had any luck with that. Any suggestions?

 

I'm following these instructions to create a bootable flashdrive. I'll let you know how it works. http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/a/install-windows-8-usb.htm

 

It looks like the flash drive is the answer, as Win8 is now loading.

 

Hi Barry, Sorry I didn't get back sooner but my sister was visiting from out of town. You appear to have got yourself on the right track.
I don't know how to test the validity of the COA other than a phone call check with MS.
You will obviously find out when you try to install and activate.
Rather interesting that your copy was in an OPEN state. My purchase was from Ebay UK and all sealed up with a message that said - once the seal was broken - there was no refund.
I took minutes deciding how I would get a refund if the DVD or COA were invalid, but I took the plunge and broke the seal and all was OK.
I've got my fingers crossed for you and trust it will install without problem. Neil.

 

Sounds like you need to replace that DVD drive.

You can do the same thing (create a bootable USB) with Rufus...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9uKlrrIRbg​

 

I performed a clean install with an win 8 pro upgrade 64bit disk on a drive I wiped using drive erazer without any problems. That link I referred to was only used to activate win 8 pro.

 

I do need a new DVD drive, but all installed fine (if you consider Win8 to be fine). I had a little glitch in there needs to be a 32 bit boot program added when you are using a 32 bit system to make a 64 bit installation flash drive. I got online and Win8 was activated automatically. My problem is I noticed I was running out of space when I attempted to download 8.1. I decided to delete the partition before my OS partition, as it was FAT32, and Win8 doesn't even read that. I figured I could resize my OS partition with that. Unfortunately, by deleting that partition I also messed up the boot. I have no idea how to fix the boot using Win 8. I'd appreciate some help. I can access the drive from the other drive on my computer, but I can't resize the OS partition from there, as the partitions were made by different operating systems, so have different version numbers. I'll have to resize it once I get back on Win8.

 

Did you format the USB flash drive to NTFS.

 

Yes, the flashdrive is NTFS. That worked fine, but I messed up my boot and can no longer open Win8.

 

Who is the HDDs manufacturer?

 

You may have to reformat the drive and start over again.