Today Microsoft released the Windows 8 RTM to MSDN and we had to install it on our Acer Iconia W500. The install process was very similar to our previous Release Preview install but there were some noticeable differences at the end. Overall, the install process seemed to have taken longer than the earlier installs but when it was all said and done, the Windows 8 install took about 20 minutes.
First thing was to get the Acer Iconia into the Boot Manager by pressing F12 after pressing the Power button and Windows Key at the same time.
The first thing that comes up is the new Windows Logo which looked really cool.
Next up we choose what language we are going with for the install
Now you just hit “Install Now”
After a brief initialization of Setup you will begin the install process
First thing is first and you must enter your Windows 8 key here
After your Key is accepted you must accept the Windows 8 EULA
Once the EULA is accepted it is now time to choose which install you are going with upgrade or custom. I go with the custom install because I intend to do a clean install from scratch.
The next screen shows the available Hard drives and how they are formatted. I choose the bottom right had option which is “Advanced” to delete the current setup.
When deleting the partitions you will of course get a warning
Once the partition is deleted you will only see the once drive and one partition which I intend to install on.
Now that you are done with the drives and hit next, the install will begin by copying the necessary files to the Acer Iconia.
After the files are copied the next few steps go buy pretty quickly.
Once the install is done the Acer Iconia will Reboot and will begin the setup phase
The first screen I haven’t been able to capture in the past as it goes by so quickly but I finally got the summary screen that tells what is about to happen.
First configuration piece is the color you choose and the PC Name.
The next step is the Wireless Setup which is for you to choose your network.
Now type in the wireless Password
After the Wireless is configured it is time to run through some default settings and for starters you have the option to do it manually or go with the express.
If you choose the manual settings the fist screen you see is whether to allow network connections to the Acer or not
Then you will have some internet settings to configure and notice the controversial IE Do Not Track setting is turned on by default (The last setting).
Now it is time to decide if you want to automatically send information to Microsoft to help them out with understanding how you use your device.
After deciding to help Microsoft you will now decide on some protection settings which are on by default.
Once all the default setting are decided on you are presented with the option to sign in with your Microsoft Account.
Windows will attempt to locate your account after your enter in your ID
When your account is located you will then be asked to enter your password
Now that your account has been verified you will be asked for a second piece of information to join authorize this PC to your Microsoft Account usually a cell phone number comes up which will send you a text message for confirmation.
Windows 8 will now create your account on the Acer Iconia,
After your account is created on the Tablet, you will see the new Windows 8 Tutorial which show you how to use new options such as putting the mouse in the corners or swiping from outside in. This is new to the setup process.
Finally, there is also a new screen that changes colors while you wait which simply says “We’re getting your PC Ready” and “Installing Apps”
When it is all said and done Windows 8 RTM will load and the install is complete.
When you are ready, check out this how to reinstall Windows 8 apps guide and if you want, Amazon still has the Acer Iconia 500 on sale.
