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How to download windows 8.1 from mac or linux

Here ya go man grab it while you can before I get a stern talking to from the mods and the admins. Link deleted

Too late.
admin allisolm
 
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I think you could only move OEM copies to another computer with Windows 8 if you bought the system-builder copy for personal use. That may have been only if it wasn't pre-installed, but I'm not sure.

In any case, 8.1 went back to the old system so I think you're out of luck.

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH COMPUTER MANUFACTURER OR SOFTWARE INSTALLER, OR MICROSOFT WINDOWS 8.1
Thank you for choosing a computer preinstalled with, or updating to, Microsoft Windows 8.1. This is a license agreement between you and the computer manufacturer or software installer that distributes Windows 8.1 with your computer; if you first obtain this software as an update to Windows 8 via the Windows Store, this is an agreement between you and Microsoft Corporation (or, based on where you live, one of its affiliates) instead. This agreement describes your rights to use the Windows 8.1 software. For your convenience, we’ve organized this agreement into two parts. The first part includes introductory terms phrased in a question and answer format; the Additional Terms and Limited Warranty follow and contain greater detail. You should review the entire agreement, including any linked terms, because all of the terms are important and together create this contract that applies to you. You can review linked terms by pasting the forward link into your browser window once the software is running. The Additional Terms contain a binding arbitration clause and class action waiver. If you live in the United States, these affect your rights to resolve a dispute with the computer manufacturer or software installer, or with Microsoft, so you should read them carefully.
By accepting this agreement or using the software, you agree to all of these terms and consent to the transmission of certain information during activation and for Internet-based features of the software. If you do not accept and comply with these terms, you may not use the software or its features. You may contact the manufacturer or installer to determine its return policy and return the software or computer for a refund or credit under that policy. You must comply with that policy, which might require you to return the software with the entire computer on which the software is installed for a refund or credit, if any.

How can I use the software? The software is licensed, not sold. Under this license agreement, we grant you the right to install and run one copy on the computer on which you acquired the software (the licensed computer), for use by one person at a time, but only if you comply with all the terms of this agreement. The software is not licensed to be used as server software or for commercial hosting, so you may not make the software available for simultaneous use by multiple users over a network. For more information on multiple user scenarios and virtualization, see the Additional Terms.

May I make a backup copy? Yes, you may make a single copy of the software for backup purposes, and use that backup copy as described below.

Can I transfer the software to another user? You may transfer the software directly to another user, only with the licensed computer. The transfer must include the software, proof of purchase, and, if provided with the computer, an authentic Windows label including the product key. You may not keep any copies of the software or any earlier version. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.

If you're being strict about the interpretation, that's how I'd read it.

You could argue that transferring to another computer under your ownership isn't specifically mentioned, but then again it does again state that the only recognized right granted is for installation on the original computer, so...
 
I think you could only move OEM copies to another computer with Windows 8 if you bought the system-builder copy for personal use. That may have been only if it wasn't pre-installed, but I'm not sure.

In any case, 8.1 went back to the old system so I think you're out of luck.



If you're being strict about the interpretation, that's how I'd read it.

You could argue that transferring to another computer under your ownership isn't specifically mentioned, but then again it does again state that the only recognized right granted is for installation on the original computer, so...

There's always gray areas. They mention an agreement between me and the manufacturer so if the laptop and the new pc are made by the same manufacturer our agreement would have to be scrutinized by MS. But in any case I will try and see if it works.

Extracting the product key out of the non-booting laptop was very easy so at least I have jumped that small hurdle.
The worst that can happen is that it won't work. And I can live without Windows anyway. Having Windows would just be in a dual-boot or VM.
 
The op did link that but because it is an exe, you cannot run it on Linux to create the media. That is what the OP is asking.

OP - In this case I would make it on a computer that run windows, and then you could just make the usb key or isos

I understand that, but that is the *only* legitimate way to download windows 8/8.1 outside of a new purchase agreement or access to a technet/dreamspark/academic alliance arrangement.

He can always install *any* modern version of windows he does have media for in a VM under the 180 day trial, create the media with the tool, and then nuke the VM.
 
OP - In this case I would make it on a computer that run windows, and then you could just make the usb key or isos

No Windows running here. The laptop does have a windows partition. Is it possible to extract the OS from that partition? I'd guess it's not worth the trouble.

This may be the right time to stop using Windows.
 
Indeed but now a ray of hope that it's out there somewhere!

Hopefully one day they will understand. The delivery system does not matter....
Best of luck on your venture into an open source only echo system. Its a hard road but can be fun if you are into learning a different way of doing things.
 
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Hopefully one day they will understand. The delivery system does not matter....
Best of luck on your venture into an open source only echo system. Its a hard road but can be fun if you are into learning a different way of doing things.

I am well into the open source only eco system. I kept Windows around lately just to keep up with the state of the art. I used to ride bikes a lot but don't as much and so hadn't been into a bike shop in a long time. Well the state of the art for bicycles is amazing. I wasn't as amazed though with Windows 8.1 and now it doesn't boot. So easy to say goodbye.

Long story short, I've never had a problem just saying "ok you want me to pay this much or jump through these hoops (e.g. DRM) to use your product" and deciding I can do without your product and I sure don't feel compelled to pirate the product either.

People have all the power but very few wield it, but they should. Just say no and walk away.
 
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