new build windows 8.1

BigDools · 10 Jun 2014 at 09:44

Hi,

Im close to finishing my new build and moneys tight , i was wondering if there is any other options with regards to getting windows 8.1 without having to spend £70/£80 . i know there is a free trial and ive heard it can be installed on a fresh build via usb once the free trial is up can i purchase a key to use that install as ive heard you have to do a fresh install . My other thought was students get good discount for windows 8.1 but im unsure if this would work on a new build does anyone have any info or has any experience in this . appreciate any info

Steveocee · 10 Jun 2014 at 10:26

You are correct, you get 3 months to "try" Windows before having to put a key in. You shouldn't need to re-install to activate it though.

Do you have to use Windows? There are lots of Linux alternatives you can use for free instead or you can install one to use in the interim until you sell some organs to afford Windows?

marc2003 · 10 Jun 2014 at 11:14

the trial version is enterprise. as you can't buy this, a re-install would be needed when the 3 months is up.

Pho · 10 Jun 2014 at 11:45

marc2003 said:
the trial version is enterprise. as you can't buy this, a re-install would be needed when the 3 months is up.

http://superuser.com/a/496669/27742. This may work.

I managed to trash the SSD in my work PC and re-installed Windows 7 Enterprise, got everything set-up, then wondered why it hadn't activated. I forgot we'd come out of the Enterprise agreement about a week before :mad:

so rather than reinstall I used a similar trick for Windows 7

.

KIA · 10 Jun 2014 at 12:38

£50 for Windows 8.1 Pro Student. Google it.

You can use one of the placeholder keys to give you a trial version. No idea how long it will last before it has to be activated.

1) Download Windows 8.1 Update 1 ISO.
2) The ISO comes straight from Microsoft. Compare the SHA-1 file hash to verify authenticity.

Windows 8.1 with Update (multiple editions) (x64) - DVD (English-United Kingdom)
File Name: en-gb_windows_8.1_with_update_x64_dvd_4048142.iso
Languages: English
SHA1: 1F18420D65956DFE56E2359DA71AB6C363146570

You can use HashTab to calculate the SHA-1 hash of the file.

4) Install using one of the place holder keys:

Core: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT
Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

BigDools · 10 Jun 2014 at 12:46

thanks for the replies i think i will go wit the £50 option i will just have to see if the girlfriends student logins work . thanks