win 8 upgrade question

[jdwright]

If I use my win7 install as the upgraded os, can I still use the win7 box? I have a new computer that I would like to use win8 on, but I still want win7 for my second box.

Thanks for the help!

 

[bigrash]

Yes, I believe you can install the old os on another desktop.

 

[ViRGE]

No, you cannot. You're effectively sacrificing your Win7 license for a discounted Win8 license.

 

[jdwright]

hmm...well, my current second box has a copy of xp running...maybe that will be the sacrifice. I wish I felt better about upgrading =(. Seems there is quite a bit of negative vibe going around. I'm tempted to buy another copy of win7 instead...

 

[jdwright]

so I just talked to a service rep for Microsoft and they said I'd have to have winxp sp3 installed on my new computer before I could upgrade to win8....this sux...anyone have a different experience?

Thanks for the help!

 

[bbhaag]

I think that sounds right. Why not just install sp3 and be done with it? What's holding you back from installing sp3?

 

[jdwright]

the new box will be 64-bit and the xp sp3 box will be 32-bit. I suppose I could download the installer image on this box that is win7 64-bit, but will the installer work correctly on the xp install? the mysteries continue...=/

thanks for the input though =)

 

[bbhaag]

the new box will be 64-bit and the xp sp3 box will be 32-bit. I suppose I could download the installer image on this box that is win7 64-bit, but will the installer work correctly on the xp install? the mysteries continue...=/

thanks for the input though =)

EDIT:nvm misread your post. Wait no. You cant download a 64bit upgrade and expect it to work on a 32bit system. That's crazy.

 

[jdwright]

so, essentially, the upgrade is not an option for me - as I want to keep win7 on this box. Well, I've got a $20 coupon for win8 through newegg after buying all the components...maybe I'll browse a bit...

 

[jdwright]

well, the install would be a clean win8 install - keeping nothing. I just read that if you can download and burn the installer on a 64bit install, you can clean install 64bit over a 32bit. Does that make sense? And, is it worth the chance?

 

[bbhaag]

I'm so confused....I thought we were talking about XP SP2? I'm out man good luck in what ever option you decide to go with.

 

[jdwright]

I'm confused too, but I'll keep researching...it's what I do...almost compulsively...I have a problem...=P

 

[ViRGE]

You're overthinking this. Wipe whatever computer has WinXP (the license sacrifice) and then go install Win8 on the machine you wish to use it on. You can do a clean install of Win8 with the upgrade media and license, and then make a single registry change to activate it.

http://winsupersite.com/article/windows8/clean-install-windows-8-upgrade-media-144648
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2279344&highlight=

 

[jdwright]

Well, after reading those pages, it appears that as long as I download and burn to media on a win7 64bit machine, I should be able to install straight onto a newly built computer. With the possible exception being that I might have to do a registry tweak.

Am I following correctly?

 

[ViRGE]

Well, after reading those pages, it appears that as long as I download and burn to media on a win7 64bit machine, I should be able to install straight onto a newly built computer. With the possible exception being that I might have to do a registry tweak.

Am I following correctly?

Correct.

 

[jdwright]

Good deal. I'm going to do that now. The last few pieces of my new box will be here tomorrow and I'll get windows 8 rockin on it ASAP =).

Thanks for the help!

 

[jdwright]

So, downloaded win8pro upgrade and can't get it to install on clean drive =(. Any suggestions?

 

[Elixer]

Are you using a usb stick image, or are you using a dvd ? Actually, it don't matter which, just select custom install, instead of upgrade install, and you can do pretty much what you need.

 

[jdwright]

I did just that and it keeps throwing an error =(. Not sure what the issue is...

 

[ViRGE]

What is the error?

 

[jdwright]

Turns out it was a bad stick of ram =/. Tough to troubleshoot the new machine AND try to install an unfamiliar OS. Anyway, it's officially installed and now I'll have to connect to the network and try to get activated. I'm sure I'll be back for advice on that registry change that might be necessary =P.