-->
There are 2 different types of people who will tell you that you can't make a difference in this world. They are 1) Those who are afraid to try and 2) Those who are afraid you will succeed.

[Guide] Install Windows 8.1 Blue Preview on Oracle Virtual Box with Guest Additions

Need to install and run the preview version of the Microsoft's latest Windows 8.1 Blue? Learn here about the step by step instructions for installing the Windows 8.1 Preview.


Install Windows 8.1 blue on Oracle Virtual Box



The Microsoft had recently launched an update for it's Windows 8 operating system and name it as Windows 8.1 blue. It has a start button (not actually a start menu) and other some updates which are not found on the Win 8.

Can I install Windows 8.1 on my Pc?


Although it have few upgrades, it still a preview version of Windows 8.1 and so its safe to install it and experience on the VirtualBox rather than installing it directly on the computer.


Minimum system requirements for installing Windows 8.1 on VirtualBox

[needs to be slightly higher than the mentioned specifications]

  • Windows 8.1 ISO file.
  • 1 GHz or faster processor with PAE, NX and SSE2.
  • 1 GB RAM for 32 bit version and 2 GB RAM for 64 bit version.
  • 16 GB hard disk space for 32 bit version and 32 GB hard disk space for running 64 bit version of the Windows 8.1 Blue.
  • Direct X 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher.
  • Multi-touch screen.
  • 1024 X 768 or greater screen resolution for running the Metro style Apps.Hardware
  • Virtualization Technology (VT) & NX/XD must be enabled on the local host. [Learn here about how to enable Virtualization Technology (vt-x) in BIOS]
  • VirtualBox V 4.1.14

Where to download the ISO file of Windows 8.1?


Click here to download the ISO file of Windows 8.1 Blue Preview of 32 or 64 bit version from the official Microsoft website.

Your PC need to restart. Please hold down the power button. Error Code : 0x000000C4




This was the terrible error message which occurs while installing the Windows 8.1 on the virtual box and continue reading this post for solving the problem.

How to install Windows 8.1 on the VirtualBox?



Create a new virtual machine by choosing the version type as "Other Windows" or as "Windows 8" if available and give a name for your virtual machine without space and click "Next".

Now you have to set the memory space for the Windows 8.1 and set the memory as per the version you installing (check how much RAM and hard disk space needed for 32 bit & 64 bit versions in the "Minimum System Requirements" given above) and click "Next".



Mount the ISO file, click the folder icon from the "Select Start-Up Disk" and click Windows 8.1 ISO file. Now if you power ON the Windows 8.1, you will still get the 0x000000C4 error message.

Fix 0x000000C4 error

You need to enables the CMPXCHG16B CPU instruction to solve the problem and to do this open a command prompt on the exact directory where you had installed your VirtualBox and run the following command.

VBoxManage.exe setextradata "VM Namehere....." VBoxInternal/CPUM/CMPXCHG16B 1

If the above command doesn't display any error message then you are ready to install the Windows 8.1 on VirtualBox.

Note:
  • Where "VM Namehere....." is the name of your virtual machine (You can find your VM Name by VBoxManage.exe list vms).
  • You must wrap the VM name inside the quotes, if it contains any spaces in it (It is better to have a VM name without any space).




Now click the "Start" and the Windows 8.1 will display the loading screen and after that click the "Install Now". It will ask the product key and the product key is NTTX3-RV7VB-T7X7F-WQYYY-9Y92F and accept the license terms & conditions. Now select the option "Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced)" and click "Next" to begin the installation.

Now you are almost done, pick a colour and name your Pc then you must connect your Pc to the Microsoft account (ofcource you will need internet connection to do this).

You can save your files on the cloud via the Skydrive once you sign in by the Microsoft account.

VirtualBox Guest Additions for Windows 8.1

There are some issues in working guest additions for the Windows 8.1 on the current VB version and soon the problem will be fixed.

Related Articles:-


Share your problems while installing the Os on the VirtualBox and get the instant help here!

Share this: