Can you PreOrder Windows 8?

gzt7d8

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With the introduction of Windows 7, there were many places including the Microsoft Store where you could pre-order the OS and download on the day of the release.

I saw reference to that somewhere for Windows 8 but can't seem to find it for this release. Found lots of places where you can order a PC and get Windows 8 upgrades for pennies.

Will there be a similar offer with Windows 8 where you can pre-order it and get a discount?

Thanks,
Greg
 

My Computer

System One

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    Alienware Area 51
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I know I signed up for 8 release email alerts somewhere, but hell if I can remember or find it. I know the Surface is online at it's site. And I think the alert for 8 was through an email for/through my Live account. Perhaps M$ newsletter. I get alerts/info through them.

I'm not sure what qualifies for the discounts other than a new rig as you mentioned.

Sorry that I'm not much help. If I do find it I'll let you know. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

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    8.1 Pro X64
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    PC/Desktop
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    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
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    Acer/Intel E946GZ
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    2GB (max upgrade)
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    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
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    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
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    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
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    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
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    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
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    Acer Windows PS/2
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    Wireless Microsoft Arc
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    54mbp/s
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    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Amazon has a sign-up for Windows 8 notification. Its not clear what they will be selling. Reading Windows 8 Secrets it sounds like going to Microsoft and using their web based installer or downloading an iso will be a good a way as any to get it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
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    Dell Studio XPS8100
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    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
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    8 GB
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    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
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    2 x Dell 24" LCD
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    1920x1200
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    900GB and 1.5TB
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    Dell USB
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    Dell Optical
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    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
I think so too. October 26 is the date I think.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
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    PC/Desktop
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    Acer T690
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    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
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    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
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    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I talked to the people at Staples and they will have it on Oct. 26. You can get the upgrade for $49.99 for a limited time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
I talked to the people at Staples and they will have it on Oct. 26. You can get the upgrade for $49.99 for a limited time.

I thought the upgrade was 39.95 for download and 69.95 for the DVD version??
Microsoft offers $40 Windows 8 Pro upgrade | TechRepublic

Users in 131 markets will be able to take advantage of a pricing deal announced by Microsoft to upgrade from Windows XP, Windows Vista or consumer editions of Windows 7, to Windows 8 Pro for US$39.95.

o take advantage of the $40 special, users will need to purchase and download Windows 8 via Windows.com. The pricing deal will begin with Windows 8’s general release and continue until 31 January 31 2013.
Lovers of physical media will be able to create their own backup DVD or USB stick, purchase a backup DVD for US$15 plus shipping and handling, or a packaged DVD version for US$70.
Various degrees of migration will occur during the upgrade, depending on which past version of Windows the user is upgrading from.
“You will be able to upgrade from any consumer edition of Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro, and bring everything along, which includes your Windows settings, personal files and apps. If you are upgrading from Windows Vista, you will be able to bring along your Windows settings and personal files, and if you are upgrading from Windows XP, you will only be able to bring along your personal files,” wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft Windows communications manager.
During the promotion, Windows Media Center will be offered for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro, after upgrading the system. It was previously announced that Media Center would be available as a purchasable add-on.
 

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  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro 64 Bit
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    PC/Desktop
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    Custom Built: Atomic City Computer
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    AMD A4-4000 3.0/3.2Ghz
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    MSI FM2-A55M-E33
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    8BG of Corsair DDR3 RAM
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    Viewsonic 27" VA2703
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    1920 X 1080
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    Seagate 500GB, Crucial 120Gb SSD
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    Thermaltake
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    N/A
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    Corsair Raptor K40
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic Optical
    Internet Speed
    56Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome and Opera
    Antivirus
    Micro Soft Defender
    Other Info
    Getting this on May 1st:
    AMD A8-6600K
I talked to the people at Staples and they will have it on Oct. 26. You can get the upgrade for $49.99 for a limited time.

In that case Amazon should have it too. I should be able to get the DVD on the first day as that's how it usually works with Amazon. It appears that I need the DVD to do a clean install in a separate partition (according to Windows 8 Secrets) so getting the DVD saves a little bit of work.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
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    Dell Studio XPS8100
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    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
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    2 x Dell 24" LCD
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    1920x1200
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    900GB and 1.5TB
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    Dell USB
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    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
I just went to Amazon's website. They have a link you can click and they will let you know when it is available. It didn't say anything about price.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
I've been on the list for a while. I would expect some information soon.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio XPS8100
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Dell 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    900GB and 1.5TB
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
It appears that I need the DVD to do a clean install in a separate partition (according to Windows Secrets) so getting the DVD saves a little bit of work.

Wait... what? You need the DVD to do a clean install? I can't buy the upgrade online and put it on a USB stick to do a clean install?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update 2 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Exteme4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVidia 760
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB (OS)
    Western Digital 1TB (Data)
    Hitachi 2TB (Media Drive)
    PSU
    Corsair HX Professional Series 750-Watt
    Case
    Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech T400
It appears that I need the DVD to do a clean install in a separate partition (according to Windows Secrets) so getting the DVD saves a little bit of work.

Wait... what? You need the DVD to do a clean install? I can't buy the upgrade online and put it on a USB stick to do a clean install?

We were able to do that in the past. I did it with Vista upgrading from Home Premium to Ultimate, which really wasn't an option. Not exactly honest, but a cheaper work around. MS new that was possible and the savvy would pull it off. I think MS has put a kabbash on that now. :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
We were able to do that in the past. I did it with Vista upgrading from Home Premium to Ultimate, which really wasn't an option. Not exactly honest, but a cheaper work around. MS new that was possible and the savvy would pull it off. I think MS has put a kabbash on that now. :(

I hope this isn't so because I don't buy physical products anymore (well... music, movies, books, software, etc.) as I prefer digital copies. Reduces space and waste.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update 2 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Exteme4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVidia 760
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB (OS)
    Western Digital 1TB (Data)
    Hitachi 2TB (Media Drive)
    PSU
    Corsair HX Professional Series 750-Watt
    Case
    Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech T400
We were able to do that in the past. I did it with Vista upgrading from Home Premium to Ultimate, which really wasn't an option. Not exactly honest, but a cheaper work around. MS new that was possible and the savvy would pull it off. I think MS has put a kabbash on that now. :(

I hope this isn't so because I don't buy physical products anymore (well... music, movies, books, software, etc.) as I prefer digital copies. Reduces space and waste.

My profile flag will say otherwise for now, for I'm in WI working for the summer, but as a fellow Illinoiser I think we'll have to face that fact. Sorry :(

BTW, welcome to EF. It's good to have you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
My profile flag will say otherwise for now, for I'm in WI working for the summer, but as a fellow Illinoiser I think we'll have to face that fact. Sorry :(

BTW, welcome to EF. It's good to have you.

Thanks. I actually grew up in Wisconsin, though I now live near Chicago.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update 2 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Core i5-3570 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z77 Exteme4
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance 16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA nVidia 760
    Sound Card
    Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk Extreme SSD 240GB (OS)
    Western Digital 1TB (Data)
    Hitachi 2TB (Media Drive)
    PSU
    Corsair HX Professional Series 750-Watt
    Case
    Corsair Carbide Series 400R Mid Tower
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series H80 High Performance Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech T400
Its not related to a clean install, you should be able to do that with the web-based method. I want to do an install on a separate partition for dual boot.

According to Windows Secrets, page 52 "Assuming you have a Windows 7 install up and running already, you must use a media-based Setup to install Windows 8 after booting the PC from that disk or USB flash drive. That is, you cannot use the web-based installer"

I would guess that if the partition you want to use for Windows 8 already has a validated Windows installation you should be able to use the upgrade version of Windows 8. As I understand it the software is the same its just the Key that is different but I may be wrong here. In any case its clear from the book that you need to use media not the web.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio XPS8100
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Dell 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    900GB and 1.5TB
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
My profile flag will say otherwise for now, for I'm in WI working for the summer, but as a fellow Illinoiser I think we'll have to face that fact. Sorry :(

BTW, welcome to EF. It's good to have you.

Thanks. I actually grew up in Wisconsin, though I now live near Chicago.

LOL! How ironic!

I'm from McHenry working in Mercer. You?

I would guess that if the partition you want to use for Windows 8 already has a validated Windows installation you should be able to use the upgrade version of Windows 8. As I understand it the software is the same its just the Key that is different but I may be wrong here. In any case its clear from the book that you need to use media not the web.

There could be some "Geek" work around, but I doubt it, CalBear. MS is getting pretty strict on software. Gates has always been a stickler on this from the getgo. Now we have the Hollywood thing going on and rightfully so. No one likes things to be stolen from them.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
It appears that I need the DVD to do a clean install in a separate partition (according to Windows Secrets) so getting the DVD saves a little bit of work.

Wait... what? You need the DVD to do a clean install? I can't buy the upgrade online and put it on a USB stick to do a clean install?
I downloaded the RTM to my desktop, then copyed it to a DVD and did a clean install. Actually instead of downloading to the desktop and do a copy/past to a DVD I'm sure you can simply download to the DVD.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
It appears that I need the DVD to do a clean install in a separate partition (according to Windows Secrets) so getting the DVD saves a little bit of work.

Wait... what? You need the DVD to do a clean install? I can't buy the upgrade online and put it on a USB stick to do a clean install?
I downloaded the RTM to my desktop, then copyed it to a DVD and did a clean install. Actually instead of downloading to the desktop and do a copy/past to a DVD I'm sure you can simply download to the DVD.

Thanks for the info, Frank, but I think he's talking about using the final release "upgrade" media to do a cold install, which I think MS put the kabbash on.

BTW, you did this via the ISO burn process, correct?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Wait... what? You need the DVD to do a clean install? I can't buy the upgrade online and put it on a USB stick to do a clean install?
I downloaded the RTM to my desktop, then copyed it to a DVD and did a clean install. Actually instead of downloading to the desktop and do a copy/past to a DVD I'm sure you can simply download to the DVD.

Thanks for the info, Frank, but I think he's talking about using the final release "upgrade" media to do a cold install, which I think MS put the kabbash on.

BTW, you did this via the ISO burn process, correct?

To be perfectly honest, I don't remember exactly how I did it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
Lol! I have a good memory, too. Truoble is, it's too short! :p

This is a nice, clean, and helpful forum as you stated. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
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