Windows 8.1 Online Purchase 32-64bit F@#K up!

[mo1otov]

Ok..it may be partly my fault for ignoring the voices of warning about buying windows 8.1 online with the intention of doing a clean install and junking my old 32bit OS for a new 64bit system (i need the extra ram for BF4). The smart people in the audience will already know where i'm going with this...

So, after reading about (on the MS website) how I can do a clean install with a usb boot file that i was told i could get when downloading Win 8.1 via the download assistant, I bought and downloaded Win 8.1 thinking at some point i'd be asked to pick either the 32 or 64 bit option. nope! seems MS just read my current computer configuration and gave me what i already have...32 bits of win 8.1. No mention of this was made, or even hinted at, during any point of the sales process.

Imagine my joy when I figured this out. So now i have a useless purchase.

Any suggestions other than calling MS support, waiting hours, and begging for a refund?

 

[Kaido]

Per the FAQ:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

Can I update from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1?

If your PC has a 64-bit capable processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1, but you'll need to buy it as a DVD and perform a clean installation. You won't be able to keep any files, settings, or apps when you update from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.

Please note that the Windows 8.1 Pro Pack is used to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 8.1 Pro, and isn't for cross-architecture installs and doesn't include any media. If you want to change architectures, buy Windows 8.1 Pro.

I found one thread with your situation:

http://forums.wpcentral.com/windows-8/199803-how-i-solved-my-windows-8-32-64-bit-upgrade-woes.html

It appears that your license key buys you both the 32-bit & 64-bit version. However, the download it gives you is based on the existing version of the OS you have, so if you are running a 32-bit OS, it will download a 32-bit upgrade. Therefore, you will need to download the files on a 64-bit machine. What you'll want to do is either install a 64-bit OS temporarily or use another computer, and then use this procedure to snag the Windows 8 64-bit ISO from Microsoft using your purchased key:

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/windows-81-tip-download-windows-81-iso-windows-8-product-key

Then setup the ISO on a USB stick for install (various tutorials available online). Yes, it's moronic they do it this way. The installer should let you select 32 or 64-bit for the upgrade, and should further offer you the option of downloading the ISO so you can burn a disc or make a USB installer.

So give that a shot & report back if it works!

 

[corkyg]

The key you bought is valid for both versions. You just need to d/l the 64 bit ISO file as Kaido says.

And, this thread really belongs in the OS Forum.

 

[Kaido]

The key you bought is valid for both versions. You just need to d/l the 64 bit ISO file as Kaido says.

Thanks for the confirmation! Really wish they had a more simple system:

1. Let you download ISO's
2. Had a dedicated Win8 tool for regular users to burn to DVD or USB
3. Had a single installer with 32 & 64-bit options

I think what would be the best is a single MSI download. Double-click to run, ask if you want to upgrade the existing OS, and if so, to 32 or 64-bit Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, or if you want to burn a DVD or make a USB installer.

And then you have Apple, who just released 10.9 Mavericks for free :biggrin:

 

[CRCSUX]

Thanks for the confirmation! Really wish they had a more simple system:

1. Let you download ISO's
2. Had a dedicated Win8 tool for regular users to burn to DVD or USB
3. Had a single installer with 32 & 64-bit options

I think what would be the best is a single MSI download. Double-click to run, ask if you want to upgrade the existing OS, and if so, to 32 or 64-bit Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, or if you want to burn a DVD or make a USB installer....

I wish the downloader let you choose 32/64bit and pro/non pro. I often want to download an iso but not for the comp im using

...And then you have Apple, who just released 10.9 Mavericks for free :biggrin:

Buy $1000 worth of hardware for $2000 and get a free OS ()

 

[akugami]

Here's a little trick...look up the MD5, SHA1, or CRC hashes for the official MS downloaded WinXP, 7, or 8 ISO's and then torrent for it. After downloading it, confirm the ISO's are untouched using the hashes. This has saved my bacon more than once especially since I have bought digital downloads for Win7 Pro full version and Win8 upgrade and a series of bad luck caused me to lose the downloaded disc images.

 

[Kaido]

I wish the downloader let you choose 32/64bit and pro/non pro. I often want to download an iso but not for the comp im using

Buy $1000 worth of hardware for $2000 and get a free OS ()

Seriously. All you need is a small kickstarter program (like Java & Acrobat do with the small downloader app) to download from Microsoft, with the following options:

1. Would you like to purchase a license key?

a. Yes - Purchase license key within app (linked to your Windows online account)
b. No - Use existing key

2. Would you like to upgrade this machine?

a. Yes - Windows 8 Core or Windows 8 Pro
b. Yes - 32-bit or 64-bit

3. Would you like to burn install media?

a. Yes - download ISO to burn to DVD (built-in burner program) - Core/Pro, 32b/64b
b. Yes - download ISO to burn to USB (built-in writer program) - Core/Pro, 32b/64b

That would give you the option for 3 things:

1. Buy a license
2. Upgrade the computer you're on
3. Burn install media (to install on another computer)

They make it so difficult for instant gratification! That's why stuff like the iPhone App Store has made zillions of dollars - you find what you want, click buy, it downloads automatically, and you're off & running! No fuss!