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Windows 8 is available for purchase now

windows.com

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Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#22
post #4
post #3

I find this discouraging: To install Windows 8 Pro, customers must be running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7. If you would like to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro, click here. What if I want to install Windows 8 in a VM ? Do I need to install an older version of Windows first ?

You'll need System Builder edition for that.

[deleted]

Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#23
post #8

From what it seems, I cannot download Windows 8 on my Mac for running in Bootcamp or VMWare. I have to download it using an executable from Microsoft that only runs on Windows. This doesn't make sense to me. Why can't I just buy and download? Why not make it simple and easy for people to access it?

Replying to myself here. Sorry, but it's obviously not clear. I don't know if Microsoft wants to hide this or they are assuming everyone has a copy of Windows already or what.

Anyway, I just ran through this process at work. I downloaded the executable. Purchased Windows 8 for the price shown, $39.99.

It took me through some steps. At the end, it gave me the option to create an ISO. I have done this and will try it later tonight when I get home to see if it lets me do a clean install of Windows 8 on VMWare.

Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#26
post #23
post #8

From what it seems, I cannot download Windows 8 on my Mac for running in Bootcamp or VMWare. I have to download it using an executable from Microsoft that only runs on Windows. This doesn't make sense to me. Why can't I just buy and download? Why not make it simple and easy for people to access it?

Replying to myself here. Sorry, but it's obviously not clear. I don't know if Microsoft wants to hide this or they are assuming everyone has a copy of Windows already or what. Anyway, I just ran through this process at work. I downloaded the executable. Purchased Windows 8 for the price shown, $39.99. It took me through some steps. At the end, it gave me the option to create an ISO. I have done this and will try it l…

I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. The Terms and Conditions make it clear this is only for upgrading a machine that already has Windows installed on it:

"Each upgrade license applies to only one PC and you can install the upgrade only on PCs that have a valid base license and one of the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP (SP3)."

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/terms-condition...

During the upgrade process, you have the option of reformatting the hard drive and doing a "clean install", but it must be on the same disk that already has Windows installed on it.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-w...

Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#28

Its on sale for $39.99. Just checked the Apple store and Mountain Lion is $19.99. Way to go MS.

Last night people were able to upgrade to Win 8 Pro for $14.99. You could enter ANY information and get the discount code. The deal seems to be dead now that they are asking for legit Win 7 keys. http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US

"You must purchase a qualified Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 to be eligible for this offer."

Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#29
post #20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They're only selling upgrades for the Pro edition on their website for the time being. So if you already have Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate running in Bootcamp or VMWare, that's where you should be running the upgrade executable. If you're running Windows 7 Home or Home Premium, or don't already have a copy of Windows 7 at all, then what they're selling on their website isn't for you. You'll need to pick it up from a 3rd…

Actually the Win8 Pro upgrade is for all edition of Win7.

Yeah, I did the Windows 8 Pro upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium.

Re: Windows 8 is available for purchase now

#30
post #26
post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Replying to myself here. Sorry, but it's obviously not clear. I don't know if Microsoft wants to hide this or they are assuming everyone has a copy of Windows already or what. Anyway, I just ran through this process at work. I downloaded the executable. Purchased Windows 8 for the price shown, $39.99. It took me through some steps. At the end, it gave me the option to create an ISO. I have done this and will try it l…

I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. The Terms and Conditions make it clear this is only for upgrading a machine that already has Windows installed on it: "Each upgrade license applies to only one PC and you can install the upgrade only on PCs that have a valid base license and one of the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP (SP3)." http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/t…

Yeah, I screwed up.

Then my co-worker got me to mount my ISO in VMWare, run the installer in Windows 8. It asked for the key. I put it in. It activated... I think. Successfully. I used it all weekend so far, without any issues, except I can't figure out how to use it, haha.

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