Windows 8 upgrade questions

Fire_fly · 16 Oct 2013 at 13:13

Sorry, but another couple of Windows 8 questions here.

I'm considering getting the Windows 8 Pro upgrade deal from hotdeals. As Windows 8.1 is out on Friday and the upgrade version goes off the market I have a few questions before I buy it.

1. Do I have to install Windows 8 before Friday, or can I do over the weekend when I have some free time.

2. Is it possible to upgrade from windows 7 but keep my Windows 7 (Retail) key 'clean'? I have an old copy of Vista that I can upgrade but will I have to install that first or can I just use the key from it?

Glanza · 16 Oct 2013 at 13:16

If you've already bought it you can do it after Friday.

Orionaut · 16 Oct 2013 at 14:15

re #2, I am pretty sure the "double install" trick will allow you to do a clean install of the win 8 upgrade.

PapaLazaru · 16 Oct 2013 at 14:28

Make sure you clean install! The upgrade path can cause problems.

Fire_fly · 16 Oct 2013 at 14:33

Thanks guys.

I think my copy of Vista is only 32 bit so will that cause any issues?

I might just save my self the hassle and upgrade straight from Win 7.

E:

Make sure you clean install! The upgrade path can cause problems.

Is the tool still available from MS to download an ISO copy with a Win 8 key?

paradigm · 16 Oct 2013 at 14:49

Fire_fly said:
Is the tool still available from MS to download an ISO copy with a Win 8 key?

Yes, yes it is.

paradigm said:
You can download the setup executable (from which you can create an iso) here:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=262204

Fire_fly · 16 Oct 2013 at 15:47

Thanks,

Have ordered the upgrade, hopefully it will be delivered before the weekend.

evohicks · 16 Oct 2013 at 20:59

So this can definately be installed clean as opposed to upgrading?
Sounds tempting.

Fire_fly · 17 Oct 2013 at 13:24

I'm not sure but I will give it a go to try a clean install however I think you may have to upgrade first then clean install.

But I don't think I can upgrade from my old 32 bit OS to a 64bit Win 8 and I don't want to upgrade my Win 7 key unless I really have to. ( I want to be able to back to Win 7 should I run into major problems with Win 8)

evohicks · 17 Oct 2013 at 13:31

With Windows 7 you can use your license key for 32 bit and 64 bit, I have done it, all you need is a copy of the 64 bit and use your own key.

~>Dg<~ · 17 Oct 2013 at 13:34

you can do a clean install with your normal key for win8 and upgrade version.

Fire_fly · 17 Oct 2013 at 13:45

Sorry about the simplistic nature of the replys, I'm just trying to avoid confusion on my part.

evohicks said:
With Windows 7 you can use your license key for 32 bit and 64 bit, I have done it, all you need is a copy of the 64 bit and use your own key.

I have a 32bit copy of Vista, so I can just install that, upgrade it to 32bit Win 8. Then fresh install a copy of 64bit Win 8 using the upgraded product key.

~>Dg<~ said:
you can do a clean install with your normal key for win8 and upgrade version.

So I can use the upgrade product key to get the win 8 ISO from MS and just install that?

Sub2964 · 18 Oct 2013 at 02:32

Please answer Fire_fly's questions, I'm in a similar boat (sort of)
Have XP and can get Win 8 Pro upgrade. I want to do a clean install of 8.1 How do I do that?

evohicks · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:54

Fire_fly said:
Sorry about the simplistic nature of the replys, I'm just trying to avoid confusion on my part.

I have a 32bit copy of Vista, so I can just install that, upgrade it to 32bit Win 8. Then fresh install a copy of 64bit Win 8 using the upgraded product key.

So I can use the upgrade product key to get the win 8 ISO from MS and just install that?

I said that in Windows 7 you can use your license key for the 32 bit and 64 bit version's, I didn't mention Vista or any other version of Windows, so I cannot comment on your Vista question.
However, my copy of Windows 8 pro contains a 32 and 64 bit disk.

Fire_fly · 19 Oct 2013 at 19:29

Update for Sub2964's benefit

I did a clean install from the Windows 8 upgrade disk. It all installed ok after formatting my SSD and Windows says it has activated after entering the code that came in the package. So touch wood it should be OK.

I have not upgraded to windows 8.1 yet due to possible compatibility issues with my WIFI card.