Windows 8.1 trial question

DotFifty89 · 13 May 2014 at 08:27

Hi guys, will be ordering a build soon without an o/s to save on costs for the moment, as I heard your able to get a free trial of windows 8.1 free for 3 months. If this is true, how will I get the trial onto the system?

snips86x · 13 May 2014 at 08:29

Does this help?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/hh699156.aspx

meandu229 · 13 May 2014 at 08:44

You used to be able to "rearm" all microsoft trials (office and windows) up to 8 so I guess it will works in 8.1, basically near end of trail CMD -> "slmgr /rearm" and it gives another 90 days, can do this 3 times to get 270 days trial

.
http://pureinfotech.com/2012/11/06/how-to-extend-90-day-trial-period-windows-8-enterprise/

DotFifty89 · 13 May 2014 at 08:46

Thanks, will I be able to go on the internet without an o/s to start off with?

snips86x · 13 May 2014 at 08:46

No, you will need to download it somewhere and burn to DVD or create a bootable USB drive.

meandu229 · 13 May 2014 at 08:54

DotFifty89 said:
Thanks, will I be able to go on the internet without an o/s to start off with?

Some motherboards come with a very very small version of linux embedded in it to do very simple stuff.

DotFifty89 · 13 May 2014 at 08:57

I don't think the mobo I will be getting will have that, thanks for the info though.

Snips do I just download the trial onto a USB stick then plug it into the new build? :s

meandu229 · 13 May 2014 at 09:05

You can use this to put the iso onto the USB stick
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/html/pbPage.Help_Win7_usbdvd_dwnTool

mushtafa · 13 May 2014 at 21:19

I use this to create USB boot drives http://rufus.akeo.ie/

BigDools · 16 May 2014 at 10:18

Once the trial is over what is the next step to buying 8.1 is there just a charge for a key ? anyone got any ideas on the cost etc ?

meandu229 · 16 May 2014 at 10:34

You can get W8.1 if your a student for £50 atm which is a great price if you know someone with a NUS card.

BigDools · 16 May 2014 at 10:40

I do know someone, anymore info on this ? Would it be a full install disc included etc ?

marc2003 · 16 May 2014 at 10:41

BigDools said:
Once the trial is over what is the next step to buying 8.1 is there just a charge for a key ? anyone got any ideas on the cost etc ?

keys are usually much more expensive than the DVD. you're best off buying it from OcUK or anywhere else that sells it for a similar price.

also, the trial is enterprise whereas you can only buy the normal (sometimes called "core") or PRO version. you'll need to re-install when the trial is up.

meandu229 · 16 May 2014 at 10:49

BigDools said:
I do know someone, anymore info on this ? Would it be a full install disc included etc ?

Cant link to it as OCUK sell it but if you search around you can find it from an official site. But no disc afaik just key.