Solved Question about $40 Windows 8 Pro Upgrade

Lazure

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Ok, so I decided to grace my laptop with the $40 upgrade, using Microsoft's Upgrade assistant thingie. First off, what happens to the Windows 7 CD-KEY stickered on the bottom of my laptop? Does that become invalidated? Or can I dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 ?

Also, is there any way I'll be able to burn the digital download onto a DVD myself to install it fresh, rather than letting it upgrade my current Windows 7 installation?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit, Ubuntu 13.04 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 950 @ 3ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth X58
    Memory
    Crucial 6GB DDR3 1066mhz Triple Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    1GB EVGA GTX 460 SE (Nvidia)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual LG Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 Series SSD
    640GB WD Caviar Blue
    320GB WD MyBook (converted to Internal SATA)
    1TB Seagate Barracuda
    PSU
    Corsair 650TX 650w
    Case
    CoolerMaster HAF 922
    Keyboard
    Logitech G110
    Mouse
    Logitech G500
    Internet Speed
    20mbps Down, 2mbps Up
If you want to dual boot with Win 7, you have to buy the retail version, upgrade version can only be used to upgrade the current version of Windows.
When you download the upgrade version with Upgrade assistant, you will be given choices to install now, create a media to upgrade latter, you have to choose "create media to upgrade latter", .iso file will be downloaded, you can burn a disc using imgburn or similar utility.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire E1-571
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer Type-2
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Sound Card
    High Definiton Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    PSU
    Generic
    Keyboard
    QWERTY
    Mouse
    ELANTECH Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    12.68Mbps
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
When you use Upgrade version it requires a previous version of XP, Vista or Win7 to be installed.
After using the Win8 upgrade you can't use the previous Win7 OS anymore.

If you want to dual boot you will need to buy the Win8 OEM System Builder Full version.

When you run the Upgrade Assistant, then the Win8 Setup, it will download the upgrade files, you can choose 1) Install now, 2) burn to media or 3) save as ISO to use later.

Edit: brummyfan, you beat me to it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
Ok, thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit, Ubuntu 13.04 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 950 @ 3ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth X58
    Memory
    Crucial 6GB DDR3 1066mhz Triple Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    1GB EVGA GTX 460 SE (Nvidia)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual LG Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 Series SSD
    640GB WD Caviar Blue
    320GB WD MyBook (converted to Internal SATA)
    1TB Seagate Barracuda
    PSU
    Corsair 650TX 650w
    Case
    CoolerMaster HAF 922
    Keyboard
    Logitech G110
    Mouse
    Logitech G500
    Internet Speed
    20mbps Down, 2mbps Up
If you want to dual boot with Win 7, you have to buy the retail version, upgrade version can only be used to upgrade the current version of Windows.
When you download the upgrade version with Upgrade assistant, you will be given choices to install now, create a media to upgrade latter, you have to choose "create media to upgrade latter", .iso file will be downloaded, you can burn a disc using imgburn or similar utility.

This is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. In fact, I'm coming to you from a dual boot 7/8 system from the upgrade I downloaded this morning. The upgrade version will install into a fresh partition, so long as Windows 7 (or other qualifying Windows) is installed somewhere. You DO NOT have to install "over the top" of an existing Windows.

And yes, you will be able to burn your installer to DVD/USB. Once it's all downloaded, it will ask you what you want to do - you can tell it "burn to DVD/USB" or words to that effect, rather than installing then and there.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compac Presario SR5518F
    CPU
    Dual Pentium E2180 (2 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MS-7525 (Boston)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT
It might work, but you are supposed to stop using the Windows 7 install after it has been upgraded.
 

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.
Ok, so I decided to grace my laptop with the $40 upgrade, using Microsoft's Upgrade assistant thingie. First off, what happens to the Windows 7 CD-KEY stickered on the bottom of my laptop? Does that become invalidated? Or can I dual boot Windows 7 and Windows 8 ?

Also, is there any way I'll be able to burn the digital download onto a DVD myself to install it fresh, rather than letting it upgrade my current Windows 7 installation?

Per the License Terms at Windows Upgrade Offer - Program Information

Each upgrade license will apply to only one PC and may only be installed on PCs with a valid base license to a qualifying operating system (i.e., Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7).


While the offer will be limited to eligible customers who purchase a qualified PC, the upgrade may be installed on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying operating system (see Windows 8 System Requirements). Customers should visit their PC manufacturer’s website for more information about how to upgrade their PC to Windows 8, including updated software and drivers.

This part is true in both the 14.99 upgrade offer with PC purchase and with the 39.99 upgrade being offered right now. However I must mentioned with the the license terms are a bit different with the 14.99 offer in how the license states it out. YOu need to read the exact license for the version you have.

Yes you can opt to download it as an ISO or USB install when you download it. I would recommend as an ISO as you can easily burn that to a DVD or USB stick.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
It might work, but you are supposed to stop using the Windows 7 install after it has been upgraded.
In that case, we're supposed to stop the usage of that 7 key on any computer?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
I wasn't concerned about using that key elsewhere, just continuing to use my windows 7 license on the computer I upgraded. The computer that windows 7 key had come with and been licensed for. But it's already too late, I replaced my Windows 7 partition with a Windows 8 one. However, if I feel the need to get Windows 7 back on there, I'll have to see if the key it came with still works.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-Bit, Ubuntu 13.04 64-Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 950 @ 3ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth X58
    Memory
    Crucial 6GB DDR3 1066mhz Triple Channel
    Graphics Card(s)
    1GB EVGA GTX 460 SE (Nvidia)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual LG Monitors
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080, 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 Series SSD
    640GB WD Caviar Blue
    320GB WD MyBook (converted to Internal SATA)
    1TB Seagate Barracuda
    PSU
    Corsair 650TX 650w
    Case
    CoolerMaster HAF 922
    Keyboard
    Logitech G110
    Mouse
    Logitech G500
    Internet Speed
    20mbps Down, 2mbps Up
It might work, but you are supposed to stop using the Windows 7 install after it has been upgraded.

That is insane, and I can't believe it. Doesn't mean it isn't true, but I can't believe it. It's all on one computer, what does MS care? I mean, after all, I bought their bloody upgrade.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Compac Presario SR5518F
    CPU
    Dual Pentium E2180 (2 GHz)
    Motherboard
    MS-7525 (Boston)
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce 8500 GT
It might work, but you are supposed to stop using the Windows 7 install after it has been upgraded.

That is insane, and I can't believe it. Doesn't mean it isn't true, but I can't believe it. It's all on one computer, what does MS care? I mean, after all, I bought their bloody upgrade.

I wasn't concerned about using that key elsewhere, just continuing to use my windows 7 license on the computer I upgraded. The computer that windows 7 key had come with and been licensed for. But it's already too late, I replaced my Windows 7 partition with a Windows 8 one. However, if I feel the need to get Windows 7 back on there, I'll have to see if the key it came with still works.

Yes.
I also think it will still (legally) work.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
The upgrade does not prevent you from re using your windows 7 key, and it shouldn't do anyway. The upgrade discount is simply there for customers who already paid in full for a previous OS, and you get a new seperate key for it. The only thing you need a previous valid OS for is to be able to download the upgrade offer. Once its downloaded, its a new seperate OEM key for use ON THE SAME COMPUTER. If you previously owned a retail license for an earlier copy of windows, you can reuse it on any other computer. If you had an OEM license you can still dual boot on the same system (and you can with a retail copy).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel I7 980
    Motherboard
    Asus Rampage III Extreme
    Memory
    12 Gb Geil Ultra Series
    Graphics Card(s)
    KFA2 Nvidia GTX 670
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer G24
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 128 Gb + 512 Gb SSDs
    2 x Samsung 2 Tb HDDs
    PSU
    Tagan BZ-1100
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    Phanteks ph-tc14pe
    Keyboard
    Microsoft sidewinder X4
    Mouse
    Gigabyte M8000X
    Internet Speed
    7.2 Mbps HSDPA
The upgrade does not prevent you from re using your windows 7 key, and it shouldn't do anyway. The upgrade discount is simply there for customers who already paid in full for a previous OS, and you get a new seperate key for it. The only thing you need a previous valid OS for is to be able to download the upgrade offer. Once its downloaded, its a new seperate OEM key for use ON THE SAME COMPUTER. If you previously owned a retail license for an earlier copy of windows, you can reuse it on any other computer. If you had an OEM license you can still dual boot on the same system (and you can with a retail copy).

NO, you would be in breach of the Windows 8 EULA.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I installed the $15 upgrade on my work box. Now, for my gaming box, can I pay $15, run the upgrade assistant, and reuse the USB I made for the work box with the new key? Or do I re-download Win 8 again?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel i3 3220 @ 3.3Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte H77M-D3H
    Memory
    Kingston Value RAM - 8GB DDR3 1333MHz CAS 9
    Graphics Card(s)
    Onboard Intel 2500
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA 2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq G2420 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 x Samsung 256GB 830 SSD
    1 x Seagate 7200.12 500GB
    1 x Western Digital 3TB EZRX
    PSU
    Corsair CX 430 v2
    Case
    HAF 912 Advanced
    Cooling
    Stock - 1 x 12cm, 2 x 20cm
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Basic Wired 600
    Mouse
    Combo with keyboard
NO, you would be in breach of the Windows 8 EULA.

EULAs arent legally binding in the EU. If the software allows you to reinstall / dual dual boot Windows 7 after upgrading to 8, then you can do that if you want to. Microsoft arent going to do anything to stop you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self built
    CPU
    Intel I7 980
    Motherboard
    Asus Rampage III Extreme
    Memory
    12 Gb Geil Ultra Series
    Graphics Card(s)
    KFA2 Nvidia GTX 670
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer G24
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 128 Gb + 512 Gb SSDs
    2 x Samsung 2 Tb HDDs
    PSU
    Tagan BZ-1100
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    Phanteks ph-tc14pe
    Keyboard
    Microsoft sidewinder X4
    Mouse
    Gigabyte M8000X
    Internet Speed
    7.2 Mbps HSDPA
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