Has anyone figured out how to install Win8 upgrade onto a clean HD?

[VirtualLarry]

Since Win8 requires the key during install (no 30-day trial install like Win7), I don't know if it's possible to install Win8 upgrade as a full version.

 

[ViRGE]

No one has the upgrade version yet. We'll have to wait until next week to find out the answer to that one.

 

[klopas]

This is good to know. I was debating on whether to chance buying the upgrade at $70 or the system builder version for $140. Think I'll be getting the system builder version.

 

[Kingbee13]

This is good to know. I was debating on whether to chance buying the upgrade at $70 or the system builder version for $140. Think I'll be getting the system builder version.

I'd wait a bit and give it a chance first, you'll have to forgive my terrible memory but I was almost sure I read (from Microsoft) that if you bought the upgrade version it could be applied to a different PC, I know that sounds insane but Microsoft has never been very restrictive about these sort of things in the past, I'll see if I can find the reference for that. ..or if I just pulled it from the ether

Edit: I found what I was referring to, but it wasn't quite what I thought it had been

"Upgrade Software

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. Visit http://windows.com for information about Windows 8 minimum 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"


http://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US/Home/ProgramInfo

 

[vailr]

Read this article about Windows 7:
Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-128512
Windows 8 will likely be similar.
Should be updated with more exact info pertaining to Windows 8 in the near future.

 

[kleinkinstein]

I read somewhere that Win8 upgrade will only be an upgrade and unable to natively install via workarounds like Paul Thurrott's. Suxs, I know!

 

[Elixer]

I dunno, for all the people who will be doing upgrades on laptops, if their HD crashes, their should be a way for them to reinstall win8 on their without going through hoops.

 

[Mem]

I just did Win7 to Win8 Pro upgrade via Microsoft digital download for £24.99,no issues,infact typing on my upgraded Win8 Pro PC, tried some games via Steam and Origin ie Skyrim and ME3 MP etc... ,no issues .

The upgrade is quite fast and painless.

 

[Elixer]

I just did Win7 to Win8 Pro upgrade via Microsoft digital download for £24.99,no issues,infact typing on my upgraded Win8 Pro PC, tried some games via Steam and Origin ie Skyrim and ME3 MP etc... ,no issues .

The upgrade is quite fast and painless.

Quick, now format the HD, and try to do the upgrade again. :biggrin:

*edit, looking around some more, I see that you can do a clean install with the upgrade, but it won't activate, until you do the same trick that was used in win 7 with the registry setting tweak, + slmgr method.

I would still wait a few days, since the 26 is when the flood gates open on this side of the pond, and then we will get a ton more info.

 

[nitsuj3580]

I had a similar question. This link seems to answer it? Looks like you need Windows 7 initially but can then do a 'clean' install.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...on-a-new/e8826718-2557-4970-897e-dcb4d1bfb712

How to do a clean install:
Step 1: Use the Upgrade Assistant to qualify the PC and pay the $40 (US)
Step 2: When the "Install Windows 8" message appears, select "Install by creating media" to create a bootable USB flash drive or an .iso (a disk image) file.
Step 3: Wait for the Assistant to download the Windows 8 Pro installation package and create the bootable media or .iso file. The flash drive must be have 3GB or more of free space available.
Step 4: Burn the .iso file, if that's the path you chose, to a blank DVD.
Step 5: Use that USB drive or DVD to boot the PC.
Step 6: When you get to the screen in Setup that asks, "Which type of installation do you want?' choose "Custom."
Step 7: Select a disk partition for the OS in the next screen. At this point, you can create a new partition if there's enough space available, or reformat the drive.
Step 8: Continue with the installation of Windows 8 Pro.

You will likely have to do a phone activation after installation is complete.
1. Press Windows key + X then click Run, then type: slui.exe 4
2. Next press the 'ENTER' key
3. Select your 'Country' from the list.
4. Choose the 'Phone Activation' option.
5. Stay on the phone (do not select/press any options) and wait for a person to help you with activation.
6. Explain your problem clearly to the support person.