Question 1

Is this a 32 or 64 bit version or both?  And I take it that this version has a transferable license from one computer , to lets say and newer computer a year down the line?

Accepted Answer

Both versions are included in the box. The license, as with most previous RETAIL versions of Windows, appears to be transferable as long as it is only present on one PC.

Be advised that the 64 bit version of Windows 8.1 requires hardware that supports CMPXCHG16b "atomic memory exchanges." Non-compatible hardware results in a message that your “CPU does not support CompareExchange 128" and stops the installation. (This is apparently different from Windows 8) This issue may affect older AMD processors and older motherboards running Intel Core 2 Quad CPUs or earlier.

Fortunately, I encountered no problems installing the 64 bit version on an ASUS P5E64 WS Evolution motherboard (using latest BIOS) with an Intel 9650 Core 2 Quad CPU!

Question 2

does this come with the disk?

Accepted Answer

Yes,and as with windows 7,you must burn your own restore and system image disks.Also keep in mind you only have 30 days after purchase to install and register your activation key.

Question 3

is this an OEM version or can I use it when I upgrade to a new motherboard?

Accepted Answer

This is a full retail version. It can be moved from one PC to another but can only be activated on one PC at a time. So as long as you remove it from the old machine, you can then put the OS on any new machine you build or buy.

Expect an excellent product with updates for many years to come!

Question 4

Do I have to purchase Microsoft Office to use EXCEL, Word, etc. on the Surface 3 or is that included in the Windows 8.1 Pro?

Accepted Answer

Yes you must purchase Office to use those applications.  Win8.1 Pro is just the Operating System and does not include the Word, Excel or PowerPoint applications.

Question 5

Is this product Windows 8 System Builder 64 bit?

Accepted Answer

It comes with 2 DVD's one to install a 32 bit version of Windows 8.1, and a second DVD to install the 64 bit version of Windows 8.1.  I tried both and there in no visual difference between the two versions but I used the 64 bit version because I had the 64 bit processor. The only difference was in the format of the Hard Drive. The 32 bit version used NTSF and the 64 required a different format, I don't remember the name, but both were taken care of by the install DVD. I'm not sure if that answered your question

Question 6

Can I put this OS on more then one pc at a time, such as a small business with pc's?

Accepted Answer

While the Windows Retail versions can be installed on multiple computers, each license can only be active on one computer at a time. For instance, if you buy this, install it on a computer and the computer breaks and you build another one, you can install this again on the new computer. However, if you have this on a computer, you cannot install it on another computer and have them both activated at the same time.

OEM versions can only be installed once, even if the license isn't on another active computer it cannot be reused. Retail versions(like this one) can be installed multiple times, but only active on one computer at a time, meaning you'll need a copy for each computer you have active at a time.

Question 7

I have built a PC with Win 8.1 Pro full version and have been using it for a few months.  I now have to return my motherboard for a replacement due to a bad USB port.  My question is, when I reinstall the replacement mobo (same model) can I use the same hard drive with the OS installation previously used with the bad mobo?  Will the OS function just as it did before with the previous mobo?  I mean, will Windows think I'm installing the OS on a different PC or 2nd PC and give me some activation issues not letting me to run Windows at all?  Any driver issues or anything else?  Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Thank you all for your responses!  I received my replacement motherboard so I wanted to provide an update for anyone who might be having the same issue.

After installing the replacement mobo (same model as the old defective one) using same components as before the computer booted up normally.  No reactivation or reinstallation was necessary.  BitLocker was not enabled to begin with so I cant comment on this.  Only minor reconfiguration was necessary like getting the RAM to run on XMP profile within the BIOS.  The other thing was getting the Wi-Fi to work again.  Since MAC address for the wireless adapter is different with a new mobo I had to reconfigure the MAC filtering settings in the router.  That's about it so far.  However, backing up your data is always highly recommended.

Question 8

Would it work with a Intel CPU I7-LGA1366?

Accepted Answer

According to Intel compatibility page

"All 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster Intel® Processors with Execute Disable Bit support Microsoft Windows 8* and Microsoft Windows 8.1*."

I believe all the I7's have this

"To check if your processor supports Windows 8*, follow these steps:

Go to Intel Product Information.
Select Product (Desktop or Mobile processor).
Select the Product Family.
Select your Product Name. The processor must be 1 GHz or faster.
Go to the Advanced Technologies section. If Execute Disable Bit is Yes, your processor supports Windows 8."

Question 9

With this full version (not OEM) will I be able to upgrade from win7 Home premium with out losing any data or other programs.  I do not want to get involved in reinstalling everything else.  My understanding would be that I can use the anyday update feature and enter key code that will update OS system only and not impact my data or other programs.  Is this correct?

Accepted Answer

The "windows Anytime Upgrade" feature is ONLY for upgrading to higher EDITIONS of the SAME version of Windows; that said you can buy the full version and perform an in-place upgrade and keep everything just fine   ...you just won't be touching the anytime upgrade wizard once

So your understanding was correct, except for the fact it has nothing to do with the anytime upgrade feature; you'll be doing a version upgrade not an edition change

However, I second the previous reply; don't waste your $ on 8.1 when you can move directly to 10 for free and accomplish the same thing!

Question 10

do I receive a dvd with this along with a key?

Accepted Answer

You will receive 2 dvd's.  one 32 bit and one 64 bit with product keys.

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