Question 1

Is the product key emailed to you before hand? Or do I have to wait until I receive the DVD?

Thank you.

Accepted Answer

You have to wait until the DVD arrives unfortunately.

Question 2

Is there an actual DVD?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a disk in the case. This OEM has the 64 bit version of Windows only. If you buy the retail version at a higher price, you get both the 64 and 32 bit OS as well as Microsoft support.

Question 3

Is this a CD that requires that a previous version of Windows be resident on my HD?

Accepted Answer

It does not - took a while to install but works great,  only thing to be aware of is it does NOT include Windows Media Center if you want to add that to record live TV you have to download it from Microsoft for and additional $10 - otherwise it has everything

Question 4

will windows 8.1 install over windows 8 ?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: yes. There are two ways you can go about it.

First of all, 8.1 is a free upgrade on 8. If you go to the store App on Windows 8, you should see an option to upgrade. If you want to change your product key, you can do that after the upgrade.

Or, you can just install it like any other version of windows. I think there's an upgrade option, but you can always just do a fresh install.

More importantly, before you go ahead and purchase a new license, don't forget that windows 8.1 is a FREE upgrade from windows 8. Be sure to check the Store.

Question 5

Is this a download or media to be shipped?

Accepted Answer

Its DVD media, in a sleeve, with the license key.  This is the OEM license, meaning for system builder or personal use with NO support from Microsoft.  If you want support you have to buy the retail version (will be several hundred dollars.)

Question 6

is media center included?

Accepted Answer

No

Add features to Windows 8.1 Pro *
If your PC is running Windows 8.1 Pro and you'd like to watch and record TV with Windows Media Center, you can get Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack for $9.99 USD ERP. To buy Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack, follow the instructions on this page.

Add Windows 8.1 Pro Pack or Windows 8.1 Media Center Pack to your edition of Windows 8.1
Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then tap Search.

(If you're using a mouse, point to the upper-right corner of the screen, and then click Search.)

Enter add features in the search box, and then tap or click Settings.

Tap or click Add features to Windows 8.1 and then do one of the following:

If you need to purchase a product key, tap or click I want to buy a product key online.

Follow the steps to purchase and enter a product key.

If you already have a product key, tap or click I already have a product key.

Enter your product key and click Next.

Question 7

Does this include full version of windows 8 Pro 64 bit?

Accepted Answer

Yes - this is the full version of Windows 8.1 that you can boot from and install to a "bare metal" computer; if you are asking if you can install the "original" Windows 8 without the changes that 8.1 includes, you cannot.

Question 8

I want to install this OS in an empty hard disk. Can I do this with this product? or this is just an upgrade?

Accepted Answer

This is not an upgrade. It is a stand alone version for OEM system builders (like HP or DELL). You can consider yourself a system builder and install it on your PC, but can't sell it without Microsoft authorization (because your are not really a system builder).

Question 9

Do you need a previous windows to be able to install this If you are building a New system?

Accepted Answer

The software allows you to keep all files and settings on a previous install and also for a clean start on a new system that your building.

Question 10

i just bought windows 8.1 blue disc. i have windows 7 on my computer now. it does not want to load up and run. did i get the wrong disc or what do i do?  thanks

Accepted Answer

Did you change your boot sequence in Bios first?  You have to make your optical drive first in the boot order so your PC boots from the Win 8 disc first, before your hard drive tries to boot.  Most PCs have the hard drive set to boot first by default.  Also, the optical drive must be able to play DVDs since the Win 8 disc is a DVD.

Questions & Answers