Question 1

Does it have a activation key included?

Accepted Answer

Hi, I assume so.  I actually ordered this for work, and gave it to our IT guy to install.  I am 99% sure the code was included, as it has performed wonderfully since.  Hope this helps, thanks.

Question 2

Will I receive a DISC or is this an internet download? Thanks

Accepted Answer

This specific item is a disc that is shipped to you , with a COA sticker that has the key on it.

There is another Newegg Item # that has a download option if you search for it.

Question 3

Can I load this into a newly formatted hard drive that does NOT have a Windows OS installed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but once installed and activated you will not be able to install  on another computer even if you uninstall on original computer.
It is OEM version. Install ONLY on one machine allowed.

Question 4

I have an old netbook with a windows xp operating system. Will this operating system work on that computer?

Accepted Answer

i would ensure you know all the specs including drivers needed for CPU/GPU etc before upgrading.

the answer is a grey area because it depends on the specs of your old netbook but Win8.1 is fairly light and doesnt require a lot. The same thing is what we did with our old laptop and it updated fine short of 1 incompatible driver that we had to fight with to replace.

there is a tool you can run to find out if it will handle Win8.1 but i dont remember the link and am on my phone so no access to it.

i wish you luck, but do your research before buying as an OEM version has more limited support, though it also doesnt have 90% of the bloatware...

Question 5

is this a cd or a download? i want a cd

Accepted Answer

It is a disk.  (But technically, it is a DVD not a CD... just so that you have the appropriate drive.  They probably don't make CD-only drives anymore, but for anyone who is creating a retro system, it's a DVD.)

Count on a lot of updates afterwards if you connect to the Internet.

Question 6

I have an old Alienware machine with no original XP disc.  I have upgrade discs for Vista and Windows 7, now of which work since I don't have the original XP discs.  So I have to start all over with a new operating system.  Is this a full operating system or just an upgrade disc?  Thanks

Accepted Answer

Yes as long as the version that you purchase is the "Full Version" it is the full operating system. I would recommend you to buy the full version over the upgrade version. The upgrade will usually allow you to install it as long as you have a copy of a prior version of windows to put in the cd drive. But overall it is better to install the full version.

Question 7

will the product license key for this software so that we can install or reinstall if the installation does not go smoothly?

Accepted Answer

If you're asking whether the license key ships with the DVD the answer is yes. You can use that same license key on a different computer or new hard drive. You cannot use the license key to run on more than one PC at the same time. If your hard drive goes out and needs replacement, or if you buy a newer PC you can use the license key but you will need to call in to Microsoft - which by the way is very easy to do.

Question 8

will this upgrade Windows 7 pro to Windows 8.1 pro, or will I need to repartition and load a new copy?

Accepted Answer

Well, this isn't the pro version. You can find the pro version by scrolling down a little further when you s search for it on new egg.

And you might also want to check and see if your system is a 32-bit or 64-bit; most systems these days are 64.

To find out which version you have 
1. Click on the start menu
2. Right click "Computer"
3. Click "Properties"

It will give you a bunch of info including your processor, ram size, and system type (32 or 64-bit)

Now, there is some controversy about using the OEM version for personal use but it has all the same functionality. You will be able to upgrade your current system.

Question 9

Will this product install on a new hard drive?

Accepted Answer

It should load just fine, provided that your system and system components are Windows 8.1 compatible.

You will need to go to Microsoft sites to find a Windows 8.1 compatibility checker to see if your present system will support Windows 8.1 first.  This way, you can verify that you can use Windows 8.1 before you should purchase the software.

Finally, the OEM disk is for new installations (mainly for new equipment installations), and is not meant for upgrade situations.  If you are upgrading from a previous Windows version, you will need to purchase the desired Windows upgrade operating system disk instead, and follow the upgrade requirements and installation instructions supplied by Microsoft.

There will be some loading of Windows drivers and Windows updates necessary to complete after any Windows installation.

Question 10

is this a upgrade box or a full version for a new install?

Accepted Answer

This is the full version. As it is an OEM license, it can only be installed on one computer and not transferred.

Questions & Answers