Question 1

Does this include the license key and the media both? Since it is a Full Version, I would like to confirm that it does not need a previous installation of Windows on the PC.

Thanks.

Accepted Answer

This includes a 32-bit media, a 64-bit media, and a license key printed on a card. It does not require an existing windows installation. A fresh installation may be done by booting from the installation media. Windows 7 may be upgraded, but it does not preserve your existing programs. An existing windows 8 installation can be upgraded without loosing any information or programs. Upgrading must be started from the currently installed operating system.  Insert the installation media and read carefully.

Question 2

Do i need to have windows 8 software to install windows 8.1?

Accepted Answer

No, you can do a clean install of Windows 8.1 on a bare drive.

If you have an older computer that is several years old, it is more important to first make sure that your motherboard is compatible with 8.1.  To do that, you can find out by entering your motherboard model name at the Microsoft Windows 8.1 compatibility website.  I'm not allowed to link to it directly but you can do a Google search on "microsoft windows 8.1 motherboard compatibility".

Good luck.

Question 3

Can you do a fresh load on this? I'm talking about new drive with nothing on it and install it without any prior OS???

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. I did a clean install of this on a brand new blank drive last week. Just plug in the hard drive/solid state drive you want to install on and power up the computer. It will warn you there's no bootable OS, just open the optical disk drive, put in the windows disc, press any key, and it will take care of the rest.

Question 4

Is this a download or a DVD installation?

Accepted Answer

this version includes both a 32 .bit dvd and a 64 bit dvd.  you are permitted to install  only one of them...  If you get hit with a virus, you can reinstall .. that is make a clean install.

Question 5

Can this be used for a new installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes..Paul, It is for a new install.  So far reports for incompatable reports for hardware seems to be little to none when it comes to even old hardware. Some old hardware may require you to install old drivers, but win 8.1 seems to be able to find updates to these. I have an old PCI Creative soound card I thought would be a problem, however, creative had win 8.1 sound drivers. Once these were installed win 8.1 had no problem, and also began new updates. It seems to be a solid operating system, as good as win 7, if not better. It is however a bit cumbersome at first compared to the rest of the windows versions, but is learnable quickly, if you have had previous experiences with other windows 7, xp, vista versions.

Question 6

Can this package be used for a new installation?

Accepted Answer

When working with 8.1 to develop Radeon drivers (contractor to ATI - Canada), I noticed the installs, which  I did for testing the Radeon,  indicated they were for "one development environment, only".  Never quite understood what that meant, since we did all dev work under windows 7 and tested under 8.1.
Question:  Will this "non-Pro" version allow me to install Visual Studios for C++ development or do I need the Pro version for that?

Question 7

Is this on a disk, or must it be downloaded from Microsoft support?

Accepted Answer

I had Windows 8.1 on a laptop(Dell Inspiron) I purchased last year.   Laptop had Windows 7 when purchased.  At the same time I purchased a copy of Windows 8 also from New Egg.  The laptop broke down and was repaired by Dell under warranty, but they installed Windows 7.  I had upgraded from Windows 8 to 8.1.  Installed and upgraded by Microsoft support.  Does this new product on a disk or must it be downloaded from Microsoft support?

Question 8

Does this require that Windows 7 be already installed?

Accepted Answer

The full version is just that .. it's not an upgrade. If you already have Windows 7 on your machine you can do a dual boot if you have the hd space or just get another drive and install it on that.

Question 9

is it a download or a disc copy?

Accepted Answer

It comes two disc, one is 32-bit, the other one is 64-bit. You can use Daemon tools lite for making an ISO image.

Question 10

is this product a disk??

Accepted Answer

yes it comes on a disk, I was sad to find it didn't include windows media center and had to buy the pro version after that to get the feature.......that's Microsoft 4 ya, new egg rocks tho, good stuff good prices!!! my fav computer shop!!!!!!!

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