I installed it and it seems to work fine, but every now and then I get a message saying I need to 'activate windows'. When I try to do this, the activation key doesn't work (I called them and had them enter it and it still didn't work) Is that because...
1519970
I do not know why you would be having a problem activating. You could take a look at this: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-activate-windows Activation carries very few real benefits. It's a nuisance to have an unactivated copy, but you can ignore the activation messages and still use the computer for now. Certain Microsoft products such as Microsoft Security Essentials might require an activated version of Windows before you can use them (at least this happened in 7). I don't know if not having it activated will cause you problems down the line, so I recommend getting that fixed as soon as possible. Try contacting the seller and let them know the key you got doesn't work.
255296
I had to do something with windows to get it to work. Can't remember what exactly. As for Europe i m guessing it shouldn't make a difference.
1797344
I have Windows 7 on it and it works just fine... Although I don't know how it handles on a day to day basis, I use mine as a Torrent Downloader and nothing else... Install was a breeze via USB THUMB DRIVE
2101854
The same was for me. I tried to re-install it and it worked. But even this helps do not be happy:) - it worked only about 40 hours for me
1989969
You're way beyond my level of understanding. Mine came with Windows 7 installed and works just fine, even after a later re-install when the hard drive was wiped clean to get rid of a virus.
1630607
No. I wouldn't count on any of the drivers working. You most likely will have to download a generic driver or let windows update find it for you
453056
All you have to do is format the hard drive and install Windows 7. As for the drivers I am sure you can get drivers to work, you may have to mix and match, look for an older model that comes with Win7, and search the drivers for that model, should work, most of the components are the same. But I have not done it to this particular system... I want to cause Win8 is crap!!! But I have done this before on other systems and it worked so....
865534
I'm guessing your trying to install Vista so Win 8 will "see" it so it will activate. You can actually do a clean install (to freshly formatted drive or partition) without any operating system on the drive and it will activate. Mine did. If for some reason it won't activate on the first install , install it to a clean hard drive twice, just install it over itself not connected to internet. After the second install connect to internet and it will activate. There are several ways to do a clean install of an upgrade version, just do a search for " How To Clean Install Windows 8 Pro Upgrade" I'm wondering why Vista won't install and if you will have the same problem when installing Win 8? I hope not.
574756
Sue; you will have to contact whomever is selling the unit..............I'm just another person who bought the unit off Amazon..... and by the way... I think Windows 8 is a POS...
222265
I just got it, they install it already just find the Key on the side of your tower; plus the cd comes with it as well. ^.^
1166630
Honestly I was disappointed to the point that I rarely use the laptop now. I use my desktop computer for everything I do on the web, and if I have time then will just uninstall Win8 and install Win7 instead. I'm hoping that it is not a hardware issue though, as it is already 3 months since I purchased mine.
247680
It worked nicely with windows 8; I upgraded to windows 8.1 and it stopped working. I am an IT guy with many years of experience but I am not able to make it to work. Still waiting for AOC to do something about it, looks like a driver issue.
834321
Someone downloaded 8.1 for me and had no problem, but the fact remains than Windows 8 in any form sucks. I've had it for several months now and I still hate it. I've had every version of Windows since Win. 98, and this is the only one I've hated. Getting 8.1 does help some and so I'd say it's worth doing, but the OS is just in general a total mess, IMO.
730610
I did the installation with Windows 7 Professional and had no problems. According to Microsoft it should also load with Windows 8.
1721730
I haven't been able to get it to work and heard others haven't as well. It is an issue with gamesforwindows which was the service they used before the integrated xbox into win8.
726696
I had no problem at all installing the drive . My problem came in when I installed my copy of Windows 7 and the old drive contained the Old Windows XP ops system. So I started getting statements that my Ops System might be counterfeit. So I spent $67.00 and ordered a full Win 7 Professional and everything is great now. Sorry I could not be of more help.Travis
1499922
Gerry: I've got it installed on WINDOWS 7...but never use it. I'm using it on my WINDOWS XP (another computer) and it works just fine. I've had problems installing on "7"....and if that's the only thing you have.....good luck. I was just patient and kept at it after "7" was telling me to forgot it. But I did get a correct install.