Running windows 8 setup from oem partition

[ic1male]

Computer here with three partitions on the single HDD. OEM recovery partition, then C drive with windows 8 installed then an empty partition.

How can I run the Windows 8 setup from the OEM partition so that I can install Windows on the empty one? There only seems to be options for wiping the drive completely (automated OEM reimage) or using the refresh or reset options. The priority here is to not delete a single file from the existing installation on C.

Without boot media it doesn't seem possible. Is there a way to start setup from the command prompt in the recovery environment?

TIA.

 

[robinbredin]

If that is a Dell, then it is normally F8 on boot, then do a factory reinstall.

 

[ic1male]

If that is a Dell, then it is normally F8 on boot, then do a factory reinstall.

It's not a Dell but a factory reinstall will just wipe the disc and then install Windows from scratch. I can't have the existing data touched.

But it looks like my client will have to just get his important data off and reinstall all the applications. I can't be messing about.