Windows 8 - make sure you buy the right package!

Stooby2

I bought Windows 8 today, a boxed version and was assured it was a full install package. Duly took it home with a new hard drive for my netbook, installed it all with no problems.

When I came to activate it, it wouldn't accept the key. After some searching I found that I have purchased an upgrade version.

Now I bought an upgrade version of Windows 7 some time ago and that box has "UPGRADE ONLY" on it and the disks in nice big letters. The Win 8 box doesn't - only some small print on the box about how your files will be OK if you upgrade, and on the disk, the words "Upgrade eligibility conditions apply".

I've found a solution and my Windows 8 is now validated. But my point to this post is look closely at the box - and from what I've read, look closely at the small print on downloads as it really isn't clear as to what you're buying.

penrhyn

The solution is not to waste you money on Windows 8. Worst £15 spent ever!

RobTang

There are no full retail versions of Windows 8 for sale, all versions are upgrades.

OEM / System builders are available for a full install package.

Stooby2

Yeah I know that now, but it's pretty poor that it's not indicated on the box and that the software will let you do a clean install with no warnings whatsoever - it will even allow you to format the partition Windows 7 is on and allow you to do a clean install and then tell you the key isn't valid for a clean install! Madness.

Mondez

This has been an issue since vista IIRC, the fix is to either start the installer from within windows 8 and upgrade it to itself or you can dive into the registry as detailed at http://winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-128512