Intel Compute stick tip

[OilSheikh]

I recently bought an Intel compute stick and the previous user had deleted the recovery partition.
So, here I was with a device with no Windows and no Product key. The stick comes with Windows 8.1 with Bing by default but you cannot download an ISO for this from anywhere. The only solution is to send it back to Intel, who reinstall the OS and send it back to you.

As I did not have the time to wait for this whole hassle, I was finally successful using this method :
- Use mediacreationtool.exe from Microsoft's website to make a bootable USB with Windows 8.1 32-bit
- Download Wireless, Bluetooth and SOC drivers from Intel's website
- Use a USB hub and conenct a keyboard, mouse and the bootable USB to the stick
- Press F10 during boot and boot from the USB
- Delete partitions and LOAD drivers and load the drivers I mentioned before
- During installation, you will be prompted for the Windows 8.1 product key
- Find a product key for Windows 8.1 core from the net
- Wait until the slow installation finishes
- Once in Windows, install other drivers like audio, graphics, etc.
- Change product key to a legitimate Win8.1 product key and activate Windows

[wazzickle]

Hah seems fairly involved and random - how long did it take you?

How are you finding the compute stick, which model do you have?