So, does the upgrade "really" need to have anything previously on HD?

[roofrider]

and then roofrider could you please explain this method??

Install win8 normally, it wont' activate.
Then do a fresh install win8 again over the existing win8 partition and u'll be fine.

You can not install Windows 8 without entering the product key and if it is a upgrade key it won't install if it doesn't see a previous version on your system. This is not Windows 7 and the rules have changed.

Jim

It installs just fine if u enter the upgrade key during installation but u cant activate with it. Proof : Boxed copies of Windows 8 Pro do not work for clean installs - PC & Tech Authority
That is the problem, MS needs to make everything clear before the purchase is made.
They should not have the bloody clean install option in the upgrade version at all if u ask me.

 

[tcman50]

Yes, this is what I am looking for clarification on.

Here is the reason I ask

--Back in July of 2009, I built my computer and I bought a copy of Vista 64-bit Ultimate for it with a coupon for a free upgrade to Windows 7. But instead of ever using that vista copy, i was playing with the Windows 7 Release Candidate.
--Then, I attended a Microsoft launch event called "The New Efficiency" and Microsoft handed out free copies of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit at that show.

So, I used that "free" copy of Windows 7 Ultimate on my computer build from 2009.

Meanwhile, I did receive my "free" upgrade to Windows 7 that I was entitled to for having purchased Vista so close to the rollout date for Windows 7. Both disks have simply sat on my shelf collecting dust.

So, in theory I can buy an upgrade for Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 for this copy of Vista 64 that I bought...but is still in the shrink wrap and never used. So, I could leave my regular everyday Windows 7 machine as is, and potentially build a new computer and use Windows 8 upgrade on it from my Vista copy.

I don't think so, when you go to upgrade for $39.99, the upgrade advisor needs to see a valid copy of windows installed, once it see's it you can then download the iso and get the key for windows 8 pro. Once you have the .iso, burn it to a disc and you are ready to go, you can install the iso and use the key any way you like, of course keeping in mind it is good for installing on just one computer, not multiple computers.

 

[Phone Man]

Install win8 normally, it wont' activate.
Then do a fresh install win8 again over the existing win8 partition and u'll be fine.

You can not install Windows 8 without entering the product key and if it is a upgrade key it won't install if it doesn't see a previous version on your system. This is not Windows 7 and the rules have changed.

Jim

It installs just fine if u enter the upgrade key during installation but u cant activate with it. Proof : Boxed copies of Windows 8 Pro do not work for clean installs - PC & Tech Authority
That is the problem, MS needs to make everything clear before the purchase is made.
They should not have the bloody clean install option in the upgrade version at all if u ask me.

Well the testing has begun. I see the upgrade will install but fail activation, but in that article they never said if they got it to activate and how. Until some one does the double install we won't know if that will work for the activation. Inquiring minds want to know.

Jim

 

[roofrider]

Well the testing has begun. I see the upgrade will install but fail activation, but in that article they never said if they got it to activate and how. Until some one does the double install we won't know if that will work for the activation. Inquiring minds want to know.

Jim

It's in the comments, 2nd comment by scottoe.
I also read it works in the microsoft forums.

 

[SIW2]

First - you can install without entering the product key - very easily - but I don't feel disposed to broadcast how that is done.

Second - I am certain you can install and activate onto a blank drive -I don't have one to test atm.
I am certain of it because MS will know your drive may fail and you may need to do exactly that.

 

[Phone Man]

Well the testing has begun. I see the upgrade will install but fail activation, but in that article they never said if they got it to activate and how. Until some one does the double install we won't know if that will work for the activation. Inquiring minds want to know.

Jim

It's in the comments, 2nd comment by scottoe.
I also read it works in the microsoft forums.

Thanks, My Ghostery addon was blocking the comments. All the write ups prior to launch said it could not be done that way but I am glad it works.

Jim

 

[roofrider]

Second - I am certain you can install and activate onto a blank drive -I don't have one to test atm.
I am certain of it because MS will know your drive may fail and you may need to do exactly that.

It's not hassle free, will need to do the phone activation and there was a case where the Phone Activation Technician (or whatever he's called) declined the request as the upgrades and not meant to be used for clean installs. But a customer support guy later activated it.
Can be done, but it's not straightforward.

 

[pparks1]

First - you can install without entering the product key - very easily - but I don't feel disposed to broadcast how that is done.

Second - I am certain you can install and activate onto a blank drive -I don't have one to test atm.
I am certain of it because MS will know your drive may fail and you may need to do exactly that.

Second - I am certain you can install and activate onto a blank drive -I don't have one to test atm.
I am certain of it because MS will know your drive may fail and you may need to do exactly that.

It's not hassle free, will need to do the phone activation and there was a case where the Phone Activation Technician (or whatever he's called) declined the request as the upgrades and not meant to be used for clean installs. But a customer support guy later activated it.
Can be done, but it's not straightforward.

Yeah it won't be hassle free. Seems you need to either load your old OS, or load the 90 day enterprise eval first and then upgrade again from that.

I would most likely just use an image instead of actually loading the OS, but I know that regular users won't have this option.

 

[Phone Man]

Second - I am certain you can install and activate onto a blank drive -I don't have one to test atm.
I am certain of it because MS will know your drive may fail and you may need to do exactly that.

It's not hassle free, will need to do the phone activation and there was a case where the Phone Activation Technician (or whatever he's called) declined the request as the upgrades and not meant to be used for clean installs. But a customer support guy later activated it.
Can be done, but it's not straightforward.

I thought you said you could use the double install and it would activate. Now you say you have to sweet talk MS.

Jim

 

[roofrider]

I thought you said you could use the double install and it would activate. Now you say you have to sweet talk MS.

Jim

Speaking to MS is not have to, it's just another option.

 

[kbrady]

Interesting
I was running the Win 8 trial and own a win xp pro license I planned to apply
I paid $39.00, received my key, downloaded and burned the iso file, and ran the upgrade over the trial.
This went fine although it wiped out everything back to a fresh install. Next time I could use Easy Transfer to save these and import
them after. The upgrade asked me for the upgrade key but never for the key for a qualifying product; the trial doesn't count. I activated OK. I have no complaints

 

[nikolator]

A lot of talks and legends...
Here the truth
1. You do not need a buy Windows 8 System builder for clean installation on a new PC, you will receive a tool to prepare CD/USB installation media with purchasing Windows 8 upgrade
2. You do not need activated Windows System on an old PC to receive a key and installation tool.
3. You should just to know that you do not have a choice between 32 bit and 64 bit to receive a tool for creation installation CD/USB, it depends what system is installed on your old PC.
4. If you a got a key, your new Windows 8 depends only of installation media you are going to use (32 or 64 bit)

Now how to make a clean installation on new PC using a key received as an upgrade.
1. Prepare you installation media.
2. Your new PC should be connected to internet.
3. Make a clean installation. Choose ” installation with Local Account (not a Microsft account!). Turn Automatic Windows upgrade "off"
4. Check Control Panel/System and Security/System. You will see ” Product Id: Not available”.
5. Restart.
6 Go Settings/Change PC Settings/General/Refresh your PC without...(You will be asked to use installation media again)
7. After that check the activation - it's activated!

 

[Moodkiller]

A lot of talks and legends...
Here the truth
1. You do not need a buy Windows 8 System builder for clean installation on a new PC, you will receive a tool to prepare CD/USB installation media with purchasing Windows 8 upgrade
2. You do not need activated Windows System on an old PC to receive a key and installation tool.
3. You should just to know that you do not have a choice between 32 bit and 64 bit to receive a tool for creation installation CD/USB, it depends what system is installed on your old PC.
4. If you a got a key, your new Windows 8 depends only of installation media you are going to use (32 or 64 bit)

Now how to make a clean installation on new PC using a key received as an upgrade.
1. Prepare you installation media.
2. Your new PC should be connected to internet.
3. Make a clean installation. Choose ” installation with Local Account (not a Microsft account!). Turn Automatic Windows upgrade "off"
4. Check Control Panel/System and Security/System. You will see ” Product Id: Not available”.
5. Restart.
6 Go Settings/Change PC Settings/General/Refresh your PC without...(You will be asked to use installation media again)
7. After that check the activation - it's activated!

Is this how you personally did it Nikolator???

 

[nikolator]

Is this how you personally did it Nikolator???

Five times, including uefi, non uefi, raid, all brand new builds...

 

[Moodkiller]

haha ok then I'll take your word and method for it .

So with me, who has windows 7 on one hard drive, I will be able to install windows 8 on my new ssd by the method that you listed???

 

[nikolator]

haha ok then I'll take your word and method for it .

So with me, who has windows 7 on one hard drive, I will be able to install windows 8 on my new ssd by the method that you listed???

Are you going to install dual boot according
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2344-dual-boot-installation-windows-8-windows-7-vista.html
Step7?
In this case I do not see any problems.

 

[Moodkiller]

Are you going to install dual boot according
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2344-dual-boot-installation-windows-8-windows-7-vista.html
Step7?
In this case I do not see any problems.

Well, I was hoping to then remove windows 7 completely and make windows 8 my primary and only OS (bit like I have got windows 7 set up now) ??

 

[nikolator]

Are you going to install dual boot according
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2344-dual-boot-installation-windows-8-windows-7-vista.html
Step7?
In this case I do not see any problems.

Well, I was hoping to then remove windows 7 completely and make windows 8 my primary and only OS (bit like I have got windows 7 set up now) ??

So the shortest way is to get upgrade, prepare installer, disconnect Win 7 SSD and make a clean installation of Win 8.
You really do not want to have a mess with dual boot, right?

 

[brummyfan]

Interesting
I was running the Win 8 trial and own a win xp pro license I planned to apply
I paid $39.00, received my key, downloaded and burned the iso file, and ran the upgrade over the trial.
This went fine although it wiped out everything back to a fresh install. Next time I could use Easy Transfer to save these and import
them after. The upgrade asked me for the upgrade key but never for the key for a qualifying product; the trial doesn't count. I activated OK. I have no complaints

Yes, the Upgrade Advisor was cleverly designed, it can check your system for previous windows installations.

 

[SmartEyeball]

Can you use an upgrade key to activate an existing un-activated RTM Pro installation?