First OS

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Hi

I was just wanting to know, can you use the windows 8 preview, downloaded to a disc, as the first OS for a computer? Has anyone done this?

Its just microsofts student version requires a microsoft OS beforehand. (which is retarded imo)
Or would you have to use linux as your first OS then download the preview to get the student OS?



Thanks
 
I dont think so. I did but on a subsequent reinstall where the first was done with xp. I dont think you'll even get the preview to activate anymore.
 
I think I had to use xp with sp4, I had to slip stream some drivers using nlite to create a new install disc.

It might work with the disk controller in ide mode, then after upgrading to win 8, there's a reg change you can make to go to ahci before then changing that in the bios. Quite a long job doing all that installing though, prob quicker to boot from a linux distro cd.
 
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prob quicker to boot from a linux distro cd.
yeah I was thinking using linux to start the thing but if I cant download a trial version of a MS OS then I'm screwed because thats a requirement.

I hate my uni, first MS's email system that dosent work, now demanding I run a particular OS
 
Hang on, I've had a beer so bear with me. Are you talking about the Student upgrade offer, to Win8 Pro?

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.272002100

If so, download the ISO from another computer or Linux distro on your PC, create your boot media, install with this key XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH, once installed, update the product key with the one you have. Have a cuppa
 
If you got xp you should be able to get that to install but it may require reburning an updated install disc. You can get the intel rapid storage technology floppy drivers from intels website which I think is what I did plus download the latest sp and use nlite to remake the disc.
 
Nonono, download the version you own if you haven't already, the Upgrade installer. Boot your machine from that ISO, either DVD or USB, then use the key above during install, when installed change your product key, that one above will only be valid for 30 days. Not upgrading anything
 
Nonono, download the version you own if you haven't already

I have windows xp oem can I download that? I was told I couldn't


and I haven't done anything yet I'm ordering the parts in a few days (I'm £60 under, without taking it from other bank accounts, so I'm waiting for payday)
I just want to know if I can do it and how to.
 
Just use the Windows 8 image you will get when you buy it, anything else is adding complications to something fairly straightforward ;)
 
It's an upgrade, therefor yu are meant to have a license to upgrade and thus it is easy. Your trying to cheap out and use it for something it was meant for.

And an oem version for non upgrade version isn't £140
 
I'm trying to get the student version which I'm required to get for my studies.....

But is it the upgrade version. If its the upgrade version then you technically need a previous windows license hence it's an upgrade but like anything there's ways around it, and you don't have one which is why you are struggling.
If its oem then you don't need an os.
 
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