Have I screwed my whole PC up?

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

Okay, so if you read this and haven't read my other post about on the topic of this then, please read this one. Whoever commented on my last thread didn't get what I ment.

I was in the process of building my own computer "theoretically speaking its still built".

But I'm a noob when it comes to PC's. Months before hand building it. I brought a copy of "Windows 8 Pro" from someone off eBay. Now I have no idea about OS's etc. So I used that in my build. Not knowing that once it was built and I had used the disc. It was an "Upgrade Windows 8" or something on those lines. Bear in mind. In the manual thingy it said; "Install 32-bit if you are unsure, we will let you know if you need 64-bit".

So if your not already getting the picture. My computer is built. BUT... It's running Windows 8 Pro Build XXXXX or whatever it is, and I cannot activate Windows because apparently the product key is already in use on another PC. PLUS!!

Its in 32-bit, not 64-bit?!!

This is my first PC I've ever built. I've invested $2500 into it, and I'm worried either the PC is screwed, or the parts are. I've read online and people are saying the OS is tied to the MOBO. Meaning its on, its on...

If anyone can help me out, or let me know how I can get from Windows 8 Pro 32-Bit to 64-Bit, and how I can activate the Windows 8 Pro, please let me know. I'm freaking out. I really don't want to have anything go wrong with it...

nukemaster · Dec 11, 2013

You would have to reinstall Windows to go from 32 to 64 bit.

You may well have picked up a used copy of Windows.

It is always best to buy from a trusted store. an OEM version(OEM is tied to the system[motherboard, this does not mean you can not install another version or copy at a later date]) of Windows cost about 100 for home and maybe 150-180 for pro. Home is good for upto 16gigabytes of memory if they makes any difference to you.

Since you seem to have an upgrade version, you normally would have to have a previous copy of Windows to upgrade.

Overall you have not damaged anything, but may have to buy Windows again if that one is not legit.

Did this copy of Windows come sealed?

May be worth contacting the seller to see what they have to say. Lots of people out on the net that screw people on computer stuff(too many people do not know any better and get taken advantage of).

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

nukemaster :

So how do I go about this? Do I need to buy an OEM Version? What about the version thats currently running on my PC? How do I get rid of it? :/ I have no idea how to do all this...

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

nukemaster :

The copy of W8 Pro that I got was in like a little box that was diagonally cut off, then a small box with 32bit and 64bit in it. It did not come sealed

enemy1g · Dec 11, 2013

You spent $2500 on your computer, and didn't want to pay the $70-90 for the OS?...

nukemaster · Dec 11, 2013

Ok, well if you want to get the 64 bit version running you would have to use the 64 bit dvd and use the advanced install to remove all partitions on the hard drive.

That erases ALL DATA so backup first if you have files you want, also remove any memory cards, flash drives or other hard drives to avoid erasing them.

You can try as the above user says and call ms, but if it is a non legit copy, it may be an issue.

As for the OEM version, it is just cheaper to buy if you do in fact end up having to buy another copy of Windows(if you can not get that one to activate or MS tells you that it is no legit.).

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

nukemaster :

Ring Microsoft? It still wont help because this OS is only the upgrade one. Dont I need like a system builder one or something? Ive already tried formatting the SSD (which the OS is stored on) but it just says: "You cannot format this hard drive because it has your OS on it".

So how do I get an OEM version on here if theres already the 32bit upgrade version.

Guest · Dec 11, 2013

jas340 :

I have no tried it, I guess I can give it a shot.

nukemaster · Dec 11, 2013

You format from the Windows installer not within Windows itself.

I am surprised you got that far if it is an upgrade copy.

My suggestion would be to try to get the 64 bit version installed(removing the partitions of the current one one install). and give MS a call. if that fails, you will have to get a copy from a trusted store(newegg/ncix/amazon should be ok as well. The store you get it from will depend on your location as ncix and newegg are US/CAN only).

Tom Tancredi · Dec 11, 2013

Yeah that is normally going to probably be a ILLEGAL copy normally. If you needed Windows you need to either buy it directly from Microsoft (they have a step by step process to download the OS, make a legal boot DVD, then provide the license) or just go to your local commerical store and it is sitting on the shelf. Normally $179.

Yes this means you HAVE Windows installed (Vista/7) and UPGRADING to Windows 8. You needed to purchase Windows 8, full version.

YEP! See above! You tried to do it the 'cheap' back alley method, this is what happens. Hence why it is sold in STORES you could have gotten OR on the Microsoft WEBSITE.

Doesn't matter in any case you need to start over. This copy may even be filled with Viruses as far as you know. Your best bet would be to download DBAN and wipe the drive, then either got at Microsoft website OR go to the store and buy a legitimate copy of Windows. NORMALLY all computers are now sold as 64Bit (there is a whole technical side so don't ask to what the difference is) because if your on 32Bit your stuck with the maximum readable (no matter how much you install) RAM of 3GB. This is usually not enough to multitask and too small amount for all modern games (usually require minimum 4GB of RAM).

Software won't hurt the hardware in any way. WHAT in the name did you spend $2500 ON??? I know some serious rigs, but MOST do not come CLOSE to that price WITHOUT OS.

No you have it written write but thinking backwards. This is if I went a bought a Dell, HP, etc. computer, and got that 'lower price' then you paid for (I think you got ripped off) because the cost of the OS is lowered as Dell, HP, etc. sell bulk loads of Windows based machines, they pass on the cost savings to the customer. The gimmic is THAT copy of Windows ONLY works (tied to) that Mobo/CPU/Case (yes I had a few systems actually tell me because I moved CASES! it wouldn't work!) of that Maker / Model computer ONLY. So if I had a HP and then wanted to 'build' a computer, I can NOT move my Hard Drive with Windows, Programs, Data out of the HP to the new computer. I have to buy (as you are) a new copy of Windows 'off the shelf'.

Answered a few times here, wipe with DBAN, buy a legitimate copy of Windows, install. Done.

Guest · Dec 12, 2013

Tom Tancredi :

Yeah that is normally going to probably be a ILLEGAL copy normally. If you needed Windows you need to either buy it directly from Microsoft (they have a step by step process to download the OS, make a legal boot DVD, then provide the license) or just go to your local commerical store and it is sitting on the shelf. Normally $179.

Yes this means you HAVE Windows installed (Vista/7) and UPGRADING to Windows 8. You needed to purchase Windows 8, full version.

YEP! See above! You tried to do it the 'cheap' back alley method, this is what happens. Hence why it is sold in STORES you could have gotten OR on the Microsoft WEBSITE.

Doesn't matter in any case you need to start over. This copy may even be filled with Viruses as far as you know. Your best bet would be to download DBAN and wipe the drive, then either got at Microsoft website OR go to the store and buy a legitimate copy of Windows. NORMALLY all computers are now sold as 64Bit (there is a whole technical side so don't ask to what the difference is) because if your on 32Bit your stuck with the maximum readable (no matter how much you install) RAM of 3GB. This is usually not enough to multitask and too small amount for all modern games (usually require minimum 4GB of RAM).

Software won't hurt the hardware in any way. WHAT in the name did you spend $2500 ON??? I know some serious rigs, but MOST do not come CLOSE to that price WITHOUT OS.

No you have it written write but thinking backwards. This is if I went a bought a Dell, HP, etc. computer, and got that 'lower price' then you paid for (I think you got ripped off) because the cost of the OS is lowered as Dell, HP, etc. sell bulk loads of Windows based machines, they pass on the cost savings to the customer. The gimmic is THAT copy of Windows ONLY works (tied to) that Mobo/CPU/Case (yes I had a few systems actually tell me because I moved CASES! it wouldn't work!) of that Maker / Model computer ONLY. So if I had a HP and then wanted to 'build' a computer, I can NOT move my Hard Drive with Windows, Programs, Data out of the HP to the new computer. I have to buy (as you are) a new copy of Windows 'off the shelf'.

Answered a few times here, wipe with DBAN, buy a legitimate copy of Windows, install. Done.

So if I wipe with DBAN, the computer is like....Screwed uuntil I buy a OS?

Tom Tancredi · Dec 12, 2013

Huh? You can't use the computer as is, you have a illegal copy of Windows on it, you don't know if it actually is infected or otherwise (imaging you went to check your bank account and while you don't realize that Windows has a keylogger you just gave access to someone else 'out there' to your bank account). Your computer is useless without software (per even Bill Gates famous quote to IBM "is that all is does?") such as a Operating System. Using DBAN will do nothing more then put it back before you installed this illegal Windows copy (which you have to do anyway to put a legit copy on).

Guest · Dec 12, 2013

Tom Tancredi :

Okay. What do I download on DBAN?

And I don't think its an illegal copy, it looks legit. But its just an upgrade copy whereas I need a OEM OS for my new computer.

Tom Tancredi · Dec 12, 2013

No you just need Windows, you don't need OEM (OEM is tied to specific hardware sold WITH the computer when bought, like from Dell, etc. please read my reply I answered all your questions in order). You just download DBAN and follow the steps to make a DVD / CD with it, reboot, select the DVD from BIOS to boot from, follow the prompts and just wait a bit and wiped drive. Very SIMPLE.

Guest · Dec 12, 2013

Tom Tancredi :

So I have to burn this ISO file to a disk then use that disk to boot from BIOS?

1. I don't have any CD's.
2. I have no idea how to burn a disk in the first place.

Im trying my hardest to understand but its so difficult.

ALSO:

Would I need to buy Windows 8 Pro 64bit genuine full version?

nukemaster · Dec 12, 2013

Retail OR OEM would work for you. You just have to get it from a trusted site.

You do not even need to deban, you can just use the Windows installer(it is what you use to install Windows) to perform an advanced install(then use advanced drive options) and remove all partitions on the drive.

Tom Tancredi · Dec 12, 2013

Okay, listen honestly, I am just repeating myself over and over and you just don't seem to understand.
YES you need to buy Windows a full genuine version NOT a upgrade (you started with no OS at all).
If you spend $2500 you can go to the store and spend the $5 for a stack of CDs for cripes sake.
If you don't even know how to burn a CD, I am sorry you need to stop right now. You are completely out of your element and you need an IT competent person to help, either a friend or bring it to a IT store.

Again I can't see how you spent $2500 and then try to be cheap on the OS or "I dont' have CDs" . I am not sure what your doing, it sounds like you just wasted alot of money to impress and now your lost in it. Using a PC, managing a PC can be basic, but if you want to build one, and have a 'serious system' it requires more then knowing how to use a mouse and keyboard, much more.

IMHO I think you should list the parts and system on EBAY or sell to a friend and just get a console if your that lost with these basic terms. Less fuss, alot less confusion, and you don't need to worry about all the Patching you will need to keep doing on this computer, looking up drivers, checking settings, managing backups (yes if you don't you lose everything), and so on and so forth.

Have I screwed my whole PC up?

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