Windows 8 Upgrade Guide for PowerSpec Model B709B1
PowerSpec has tested this system for upgrade to Windows 8.
The results of PowerSpec’s testing produced the following installation instructions for upgrading this system to Windows 8 from Windows 7
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We suggest printing this page to use during installation.

Before you start the upgrade...
  • Check the Windows Compatibility Center
  • To get more infomation or download Windows 8, go to Microsoft Windows
  • Back up all of your data to an external drive
    You can use Windows Easy Transfer (Click Start and type 'Easy') and click 'Windows Easy Transfer'

  • You must have System Administrator Permissions
  • A wired connection to the internet

    You will need drivers for-
  • Video
  • Audio
  • PCI Simple Communications Device (MEI)

  • Click here to download and extract the drivers you will need
    You should save the C:\drivers folder to an external drive
    Note:
    The driver files are self-extracting files and will create a C:\drivers folder

  • Important:
    Windows 8 does not include "DVD playback" software for viewing movies and videos
  • Visit you local Micro Center to purchase software for viewing movies and videos with Windows 8
If you choose 'Upgrade and keep all settings and data'
  • Insert the Windows 8 DVD into the optical drive
  • Select 'Run Setup' in the autorun dialog
  • Enter the Product Key
  • Select 'Keep all settings and data'
  • Verify Choice - Click 'Install'
  • When the upgrade is complete, install the drivers
If you choose to do a Clean Install 'Keep Nothing' all data and settings will be lost!
  • Insert the Windows 8 DVD into the optical drive
  • Select 'Run Setup' in the autorun dialog
  • Enter the Product Key
  • Choose what to keep - Select 'Nothing'
  • Verify Choice - Click 'Install'
  • When the upgrade is complete, install the drivers
Install the drivers...

Connect the drive that has the drivers folder that you previously downloaded-


If you selected Upgrade 'Keep all settings and data' you will need to install these drivers
  • Video
    Open the Video folder
    Run Setup.exe
    Follow the on screen instructions
    Restart the computer

  • Audio
    Open the Audio folder
    Run Setup.exe
    Follow the on screen instructions
    Restart the computer
    When the computer restarts, click 'Next' to complete the driver installation


If you selected a Clean Install 'Keep Nothing' you will need to update following drivers
  • Video
    Open the Video folder
    Run Setup.exe
    Follow the on screen instructions
    Restart the computer

  • Audio
    Open the Audio folder
    Run Setup.exe
    Follow the on screen instructions
    Restart the computer
    When the computer restarts, click 'Next' to complete the driver installation

  • PCI Simple Communications Device...
    Press the Windows Key + Pause
    Select 'Device Manager'

    In the Device Manager, right-click the 'PCI Simple Communications Device



    Click 'Update Driver Software'
    In the next dialog box, select 'Browse my Computer for driver software'

    Navigate to the 'MEI' folder and select 'OK'
    Click 'Close' when the driver has been updated.
If you selected 'Keep Nothing', Restore System Settings and Reinstall Applications
  • If you used Windows Easy Transfer...
  • Press the Windows Key and on the Windows 8 Start screen type "easy"
  • Start Windows Easy Transfer
  • Follow the instructions to restore your data and settings
  • Reinstall your applications from the original source


Windows 8
Beautiful, fast, fluid


Reimagined
From start to finish, we’ve reimagined Windows. It’s designed to work the way you do and keep you connected to the people, websites, and things you love most.

Personalized

Smooth and intuitive, the beautiful new Start screen gives you instant access to the things you care most about. Organize and customize it the way you want.

Rock solid
Built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7 and even more secure with safer browsing, account protection, and parental controls. Your Windows 8 PC starts up quickly and apps run faster.

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