Clean Install Is this the best windows 8 install option for a empty harddrive? I want to install windows 8 on a partition of my macbook pro hd but I don't have a previous windows version installed so I assume an upgrade would not work. Clean Install Is this the best windows 8 install option for a empty harddrive? I want to install windows 8 on a partition of my macbook pro hd but I don't have a previous windows... » Read More Clean Install Is this the best windows 8 install option for a empty harddrive? I want to install windows 8 on a partition of my macbook pro hd but I don't have a previous windows version installed so I assume an upgrade would not work. « Show Less
1958609
What if you just wipe/format the hard drive every 6 months or so, and then try to install it again. Will it activate, or no?
1958610
Thank you for the info. Sounds like though you cannot share a license between comptuers. In the past when I've gotten an ISO copy through school enrollment or employment I've been able to share it among my home comptuers (I believe the limit was 3, but I was really only using it for 2). Also those copies always had an option to do a "custom install" (reformatting the hard drive and starting from scratch) or an upgrade install (keeping files and settings except when going from XP to 7). Seems like the upgrade copy would still be able to do this, but so too woudln't the system builder copy? Or did I miss that in the article. Thank you again. Thank you for the info. Sounds like though you cannot share a license between comptuers. In the past when I've gotten an ISO copy through school enrollment or employment I've been able to share it among my home comptuers (I believe the limit was 3, but I was really only using it for 2). Also those copies always had an option to do a "custom install" (reformatting the hard drive and starting from scratch) or an upgrade install (keeping files and settings except when going from XP to 7). Seems like the upgrade copy would still be able to do this, but so too woudln't the system... » Read More Thank you for the info. Sounds like though you cannot share a license between comptuers. In the past when I've gotten an ISO copy through school enrollment or employment I've been able to share it among my home comptuers (I believe the limit was 3, but I was really only using it for 2). Also those copies always had an option to do a "custom install" (reformatting the hard drive and starting from scratch) or an upgrade install (keeping files and settings except when going from XP to 7). Seems like the upgrade copy would still be able to do this, but so too woudln't the system builder copy? Or did I miss that in the article. Thank you again. « Show Less
1958611
According to the license you can transfer it to a new machine (deactivating the old machine) and even sell it to one person as long as you give all the documentation to the buyer. http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
1958612
It should. I would not be surprised if you had to call in to activate it if its that frequent though. I can't find the license online to read the full terms.
1958613
According to this article:http://www.zdnet.com/how-the-new-windows-8-license-terms-affect-you-7000003028/You can transfer the license, but I can find nothing official from microsoft.
1958614
I'm not asking to share between computers. This license is definitely for one computer at a time. From everything I've read such as mh272 pointed out, apparently Microsoft is letting you buy the system builder edition and move it between computers. The old OEM licenses were tied to a computer. If you changed the motherboard you technically had to buy a new license.
1958615
Is the license on this like the OEM license where it's stuck to one machine, or can I move it to a new system if I upgrade?
1958616
exactly, on previous OEM versions once you installed it was locked to that hardware. I am looking for full version where I can install on a new system and move the license if I ever change hardware.
944450
Windows 7 Pro came pre-installed with upgrade disks for windows 8. The original 'load' was very basic with not many add-ons(nice).
341472
I always build my own computers so I always buy Windows myself and always have the CD to install it with. So I don't know for sure. It's worth a shot, it's just that I never have done it before. You're best bet is to try an clone the hard drive over (there is software avalible for that). But if that hard drive is damaged, try the backup disk first. If that doesn't work then you'll have to buy the Windows CD to install it that way.
840320
You can always install Windows 8, just like Unbuntu or whatever, no worries
222394
I used a backup program (Acronis True image) to copy the OS onto the SSD. It then guided me how to change to boot from the new SSD. No reinstall of Win 8 needed, just copy to SSD and set that drive as boot drive. Pretty easy. It never asked for windows key in the process. For an easier process still, buy the migration kit for your specific SSD which will come with the hardware you may need as well. I was in your shoes and like you thought it was going to be harder than it was. Good luck and enjoy the 5-second boot up afterward. JF
208210
Yes, it will give you the option to upgrade from a previous Windows edition (which will let you keep all your documents and personal media) in the installation menu. You may also wipe your hardrive and make a fresh install as well.
2156041
I use it with no problems on Windows 8 machines, Mac's and older windows versions. Was the drive setup for use on a Mac by any chance?
960193
I just saw that it's Windows 7 you want to go to. It's the same procedure basically. You need to get your data off that system if possible. You'll also need a Windows 7 install disk.
577671
I, too, have a Mac and a Windows. I've ended up having separate hard drives for each. Most of my data--years and years of documents and images--are on my Windows computer. I got the Mac because I needed a laptop and didn't want to get Vista. My experience is that I can plug the Windows hard drive to the Mac and it will recognize and read just about everything. The PC, on the other hand, will not recognize the drive from the Mac (at best) or will have a blue-screen tantrum (at worst--so far).
843672
Yes, the install offers an upgrade or to do a full (clean) install which is what I did. If you're putting an SSD and hard drive in to your machine, don't connect the hard drive until after the install if you want the OS to be on the SSD. The installer can get confused if you have more than one drive available.
168283
no you dont...just use your preexisting disc, or software. if you have the software, you can burn it on a disc or put it in a bootable usb drive.make sure you back up everything on your hard drive, cos the system will delete everything so it can be installed on the hard drive.ive had the problems many times, but for some reason, one day, my hard drive was able to have windows on it...
101920
If you intend to transfer your current windows installation to the new drive you will need data transfer software such as Acronis true image. I think Windows 8 has a similar feature built in. In any case, just google data transfer software to find the best option. Or you can use your Windows disk to do a clean install but you will lose all of your data unless you have a backup. If you are going to use the new drive as a second drive then you just need a sata cable and sata power cable to connect the drive to your system. Go to drive management in Windows to format and asign a drive letter to the new drive and you're done. If you intend to transfer your current windows installation to the new drive you will need data transfer software such as Acronis true image. I think Windows 8 has a similar feature built in. In any case, just google data transfer software to find the best option. Or you can use your Windows disk to do a clean install but you will lose all of your data unless you have a backup. If you are going to use the new drive as a second drive then you just need a sata cable and sata power cable to connect the drive to your system. Go to drive management in Windows to format and asign a drive letter... » Read More If you intend to transfer your current windows installation to the new drive you will need data transfer software such as Acronis true image. I think Windows 8 has a similar feature built in. In any case, just google data transfer software to find the best option. Or you can use your Windows disk to do a clean install but you will lose all of your data unless you have a backup. If you are going to use the new drive as a second drive then you just need a sata cable and sata power cable to connect the drive to your system. Go to drive management in Windows to format and asign a drive letter to the new drive and you're done. « Show Less
599252
Sometimes Mac devices will be specific about which kind of hard drive you exchange with, but for windows devices this is very rarely an issue. As long as you can find drivers for the device, it can be installed.
1526711
First Question: There is a way to do a clean install with the upgrade version on an empty formatted hard drive. At windowssecret.com there are complete instructions. Second Question: You actually need to buy the 64 bit version
960194
Probably will have to reformat (do a complete re-install which wipes everything you have on the disk). Before doing, backup all your data first (you should be able to re-install your applications if you have legal copies or backups). You can try upgrading (Windows 8 supposedly allows you to do that but there are no guarantees it will work). Back up to an external hard disk (should plus into a USB port on your computer) or a high capacity flash drive (depends on how much data you need to copy). After backing it up when the install of Windows 8 is done you should be able to copy you backed up data to your computer once Windows 8 is installed. Probably will have to reformat (do a complete re-install which wipes everything you have on the disk). Before doing, backup all your data first (you should be able to re-install your applications if you have legal copies or backups). You can try upgrading (Windows 8 supposedly allows you to do that but there are no guarantees it will work). Back up to an external hard disk (should plus into a USB port on your computer) or a high capacity flash drive (depends on how much data you need to copy). After backing it up when the install of Windows 8 is done you should be able to copy you backed up... » Read More Probably will have to reformat (do a complete re-install which wipes everything you have on the disk). Before doing, backup all your data first (you should be able to re-install your applications if you have legal copies or backups). You can try upgrading (Windows 8 supposedly allows you to do that but there are no guarantees it will work). Back up to an external hard disk (should plus into a USB port on your computer) or a high capacity flash drive (depends on how much data you need to copy). After backing it up when the install of Windows 8 is done you should be able to copy you backed up data to your computer once Windows 8 is installed. « Show Less
2074808
Basically, any new operating system installs best on a newly formatted HD. This means your computer's empty. You are not going to save your programs and data. Be aware most programs will need to be reinstalled, then it's data can be restored. This being said, your computer should forget who it was and it's component parts also, part of a OEM disk protocol is to format your HD. Be sure to have access to your computer's manufactures web sit for driver access. Win 7 Pro has a good driver data base but may not have your network card or wireless radio. Having an Ethernet dongle is recommended. This is if you have an OEM OS disk, an update disk is different. Not as clean of a reinstall of the OS, I've heard.
827116
Negative, Windows 8 is pre installed and no disks come with it. However, it does give you the option to make your own disk at first start up.