Install Windows 8 pro upgrade without previous edition of windows

dproberts55

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Upgrade to Windows 8 pro without previous edition of windows

I recently built my own computer, I was running windows 7 without a key (30 day grace period). I wanted to take advantage of the 39.99 upgrade as I had an old copy of XP (2002 edition) laying around. I kept getting BSOD when trying to install XP, so I just went a ahead and purchased the 39.99 upgrade to pro thinking it would just ask me for my XP code in the install process. It never did. Win 8 installed without a hitch. Is this just temporary? I looked in System folder and it says windows 8 is validated. I used the key that came with the 39.99 upgrade. It says on the Microsoft website that you are supposed to have a valid copy of windows installed before Windows 8 will install. Anyone know what is going on? Is this just temporary? I just don't want to get Win 8 install just like I like it then have to re-install everything
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
I've read various reports of this.

So, you had Windows 7 installed on the machine, just not activated as you didn't provide a key during the install. Then you were able to run the upgrade to 8 and input that key and away it went.

I think MS is just being very lenient with the upgrade assuming that practically everybody in the world already has Windows anyway. And getting $40 is better than nothing if they didn't actually have Windows licensed on a machine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Exactly, never had a valid copy of windows on my hard drive, I reformatted it during Windows 8 install, and it installed without a problem. Just crossing my fingers I don't have to go back and try and figure out how to get XP on my system, then install Win 8. If MS truly is being lenient, maybe I'll try selling my XP as those are going for like $50-$70 on Ebay.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 8
I recently built my own computer, I was running windows 7 without a key (30 day grace period). I wanted to take advantage of the 39.99 upgrade as I had an old copy of XP (2002 edition) laying around. I kept getting BSOD when trying to install XP, so I just went a ahead and purchased the 39.99 upgrade to pro thinking it would just ask me for my XP code in the install process. It never did. Win 8 installed without a hitch. Is this just temporary? I looked in System folder and it says windows 8 is validated. I used the key that came with the 39.99 upgrade. It says on the Microsoft website that you are supposed to have a valid copy of windows installed before Windows 8 will install. Anyone know what is going on? Is this just temporary? I just don't want to get Win 8 install just like I like it then have to re-install everything

Glad to report that it works! Just like dproberts55 above me, I used a Win7 retail disc and did a clean reformat. I did not enter a serial number and left the OS on 30-day trial mode.
I went to the Windows 8 upgrade page and downloaded the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant and made the purchase from there.
My guess is that the Upgrade Assistant never checked for a product key!!
This is great news especially since I've never owned a Windows OS (had a volume-licensed WinXP then a pirated Win7 in my teens). Feels good to finally have a legit OS for my homebrew.
I was able to burn my DVD ISO and do a clean reformat using that Win8 disc.
Thanks to dproberts55 for posting his results and making it known this is even possible.
To Microsoft, thanks for letting the few of us that have been too broke to afford your excellent OS finally get on the bandwagon. Now that I have Win8 Pro, I won't mind shelling out another $40 for Win9 in a few years. Microsoft now has a new loyal customer..

I almost forgot to mention, after I entered my payment information (credit card number, billing address) and clicked the "make purchase" button (or whatever it says), the Upgrade Assistant said that the purchase could not be completed. So I clicked "back" (you're never supposed to do this) and rechecked my payment information (card number, etc.). I clicked "make purchase" again and again it failed. I then used a completely different card and the purchase went through. I later checked my checking account via online banking and I had BEEN CHARGED THE FIRST TWO TIMES!! YES, THE FIRST TWO THAT HAD SUPPOSEDLY FAILED!
I don't know if anyone else has experienced this or will experience it but those 3 charges, each for $39.99 work out to being just under the price for Windows 8 "System Builder" DVD on Newegg for $140!
I called Microsoft and they politely informed me that I'll be given a refund (seriously, bless them, they're too good to us) but I wondered if this was Microsoft's way of getting close to fair market value for their new OS..
I'm just happy I got Win8 Pro.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Professional
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Did it myself!
    CPU
    Intel i7 2600K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Sabertooth P67
    Memory
    G.Skill 16Gb 1600MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    2x GTX570's SLi
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi USB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2410
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
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