Windows 8 coming... Yes, no?

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437 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#706756 26-Oct-2012 10:54

tigercorp:
DoggNZ:
insane: That download link suggests that the $49 Win 8 Pro download offer is an upgrade only, and not a full blown install. Is my understanding of that correct?

You can do both when you go through and choose what version (e.g Pro) and if you want to "keep your files" or not. If you can get your hands on the ISO then you can clean install anytime. The key is good for 5 activations.

When you purchase the $50 key you can download Win8 and choose to run it then or save it to iso/usb for a later install.

Obviously if you create the boot media you can choose to do a clean install, but I can confirm that the key will NOT activate for a clean install and you get a message saying it's only for upgrades.

Now where did I put that Win7 disk...

Oh stink. Is it like the good old days where it just checks you have the media for the previous version (I think XP did that?) or does it actually need to be installed?

Wise

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SQLGeek

135 posts

Master Geek

#706758 26-Oct-2012 10:59

Have installed Windows 8 Pro now on my HP Elitebook 8470p purchased in June. Got the upgrade for $19.99 using the promo code.

Had to uninstall several apps including the HP protection tools, so my HDD is no longer encrypted and can’t use the finger print reader.

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#706761 26-Oct-2012 11:05

DoggNZ:

Oh stink. Is it like the good old days where it just checks you have the media for the previous version (I think XP did that?) or does it actually need to be installed?

Yes I would like to know the answer here too. If I do a new install and boot from the win8 iso it will ask to insert the old windows disk? Not sure if I even still have it, but I do have the windows key.

Also, what happens if you currently running 32bit version? Is it possible to upgrade to Windows8 64bit? I know my hardware supports it.

linw

2843 posts

Uber Geek

#706765 26-Oct-2012 11:14

To go from 32 to 64 bit you will have to do a clean install. Let W8 create the partition and format it at installation time.

tigercorp

668 posts

Ultimate Geek

#706768 26-Oct-2012 11:16

DoggNZ:
tigercorp:
DoggNZ:
insane: That download link suggests that the $49 Win 8 Pro download offer is an upgrade only, and not a full blown install. Is my understanding of that correct?

You can do both when you go through and choose what version (e.g Pro) and if you want to "keep your files" or not. If you can get your hands on the ISO then you can clean install anytime. The key is good for 5 activations.

When you purchase the $50 key you can download Win8 and choose to run it then or save it to iso/usb for a later install.

Obviously if you create the boot media you can choose to do a clean install, but I can confirm that the key will NOT activate for a clean install and you get a message saying it's only for upgrades.

Now where did I put that Win7 disk...

Oh stink. Is it like the good old days where it just checks you have the media for the previous version (I think XP did that?) or does it actually need to be installed?

Found the disc (Dell installation disc that came with lappy) and threw it in but now the activation process just says "this key didn't work. Please check and try again...". Tried it again after a restart but get the same thing.

Looks like Windows will need to be installed.

Batman

Mad Scientist
29717 posts

Uber Geek

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#706769 26-Oct-2012 11:16

afaik you cannot upgrade 32 bit to 64 bit ever

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#706780 26-Oct-2012 11:27

This is information from Windows 7 when users had the same problems, Hopefully it will work?

For those wanting to activate an upgrade key without having to re-install windows there is a couple things you can do.

You'll be faced with this problem every time you want to re-install your upgraded OS.

Refer to the answers in this forum.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/i-cannot-activate-windows-7-after-a-clean-install/4b303584-e05c-4436-8795-4c491b053280

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#706789 26-Oct-2012 11:38

linw: To go from 32 to 64 bit you will have to do a clean install. Let W8 create the partition and format it at installation time.

Thanks I know that.
My question is more around if you have a licensed Windows 32bit system, is it possible to upgrade (install from scratch) windows 8 64bit.

Or does the install check if your original OS was 32 or 64bit first, and install the windows 8 equivalent.

nathan

5695 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#706805 26-Oct-2012 11:54

NonprayingMantis: I just don?t get the idea of having a big midnight store opening for a piece of software. I get the microsoft want to be more like apple, but the thing they are missing is that Apple don;t do this for OS upgrades, they do it for new devices.
With a device you have limited stock because they can only make them so fast, so going to the store the next day might mean you miss out if they run out of stock, but what is the point of queuing up at a store at midnight for windows 8 when there are effectively infinite copeies available that you can just download it direct from microsoft in the comfort of your own home. (and, what is more, it is almost half the price to download it rather than buy in store)

The stores are selling the new Windows 8 based hardware too, it's not just about the software

Personally I'd do the digital download and save money rather than buy retail, but some people prefer the retail experience, they want a boxed copy, they don't have good broadband to download iso etc etc

Batman

Mad Scientist
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#706807 26-Oct-2012 12:03

BraaiGuy:
linw: To go from 32 to 64 bit you will have to do a clean install. Let W8 create the partition and format it at installation time.

Thanks I know that.
My question is more around if you have a licensed Windows 32bit system, is it possible to upgrade (install from scratch) windows 8 64bit.

Or does the install check if your original OS was 32 or 64bit first, and install the windows 8 equivalent.

i don't think you know ...

you either have the 64 bit iso or the 32 bit iso ... they are DIFFERENT dvds ... if you install the 64 bit DVD you get 64 bit. it cannot upgrade over your existing 32 bit. you can delete the entire drive/partition and "clean install" but not upgrade (install the new OS and bring over all your existing stuff)

if you put in the 32 bit DVD you can do whatever you want

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#706814 26-Oct-2012 12:15

joker97:
BraaiGuy:
linw: To go from 32 to 64 bit you will have to do a clean install. Let W8 create the partition and format it at installation time.

Thanks I know that.
My question is more around if you have a licensed Windows 32bit system, is it possible to upgrade (install from scratch) windows 8 64bit.

Or does the install check if your original OS was 32 or 64bit first, and install the windows 8 equivalent.

i don't think you know ...

you either have the 64 bit iso or the 32 bit iso ... they are DIFFERENT dvds ... if you install the 64 bit DVD you get 64 bit. it cannot upgrade over your existing 32 bit. you can delete the entire drive/partition and "clean install" but not upgrade (install the new OS and bring over all your existing stuff)

if you put in the 32 bit DVD you can do whatever you want

Im talking about downloading from the link listed previously for $49.99. Not the DVD's that are available in the stores.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-NZ/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_ShopHP_FPP_Light

From the Windows 8 download link I do not see any references to Windows 8 64bit and Windows8 32bit iso's? I gather its both? And you can choose which option you want to install?

As others have mentioned its possible to download the upgrade iso, and install from scratch (providing you have an existing license)

So my question, if I have 32bit windows license will I have the option to install Windows 8 64bit?

dontpanic42

1574 posts

Uber Geek

#706816 26-Oct-2012 12:19

Nathan, could you please clearly explain how the digital download upgrade works.

I have a licensed copy of Windows 7 x64 installed on my main machine. I prefer to do a clean install of Windows 8 x64. Does the digital download upgrade include a download of an ISO that you can burn to a disc?
If so, will I be required to prove that I had a genuine Windows 7 license?

I assume the digital download upgrade can only be obtained using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant?
If so, does the upgrade assistant download an ISO for you after you have entered your purchasing details?

Cheers. :)

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#706818 26-Oct-2012 12:20

it mentions about reinstalling all your apps ('apps' seems to be the new word for 'programs' - thanks a lot apple) which gives me the frights a little bit.

I've never upgraded my OS before, always just relying on device upgrade cycle to move to newer OS's so don't really know how it works

This is probably a dumb question but what does 'reinstall apps' mean for things like Steam.
I have dozens of GBs of steam games acquired over the years, with no CDs for most. Will I have to reinstall and redownload them all if I install windows 8?
What about things like Office 2007. I'm not even sure I have my CD for that anymore so will I lose it?
various other bits and pieces like VLC, iTunes etc etc. Will I need to make a giant list of every porgram I have and redonwload/reinstall them all?

Klipspringer

2385 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#706827 26-Oct-2012 12:27

OK upgrading from 32bit to 64bit using the upgrade assistance is not supported. Looks like those that are running 32bit versions of windows have no choice but have to buy the DVD's

Behodar

10418 posts

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#706853 26-Oct-2012 12:46

DoggNZ: Edit: Windows 8 Media Center pack for free

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/feature-packs

Did this work for anyone? I put in a request at about 11:00 and no email yet. Just me, or everyone?

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