Bought a Windows 8.1 Upgrade Key for a New Install

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Hey so I found out that I can't install windows 8.1 on my new computer because its only an upgrade. I have the product key and I don't know if I can install it onto a new computer. I bought the student price version for $70 and I don't want to waste time trying to install it. Any help is appreciated.

Wolfshadw · Mar 31, 2014

Sorry. The upgrade version requires a previously installed and activated version of Windows. Your best bet is to return it and get your money back (if possible).

-Wolf sends

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Wolfshadw :

I just contacted microsoft support and after a long conversation he provided me with a number. Do you think I'll be able to install it after I speak with them?

Tom Tancredi · Mar 31, 2014

No. They don't give out 'free' keys. The price of a full edition is more then a upgrade edition, and they won't give a 'free' key just because you have some 'story'. If you can return the Windows 8.1 to whereever you bought it is the standard policy and then swap for a Full Edition. That is up to the company policy if they allow that, normally they don't, or charge 20% restocking fee and you still need to pay the full price for the Full Edition ($179 normally).

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Tom Tancredi :

I never said anything about a free key I was just wondering whether they would sort this out and allow me to return it. I purchased it from Microsoft's store so I don't see why they wouldn't allow me to return it.

Wolfshadw · Mar 31, 2014

No harm in calling and asking, but as was said, they don't give away keys.

-Wolf sends

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Wolfshadw :

I have a laptop with windows 8 on it so could I possibly upgrade it and copy it onto my new computer.

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Wolfshadw :

I was looking at this thread - http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1976398/buying-windows-pro-student.html and it says that it also acts a full install.

Tom Tancredi · Mar 31, 2014

ONE KEY , ONE COMPUTER. So no you can't use the W8 key on TWO computers though the second one is upgraded. See your not 'getting' the idea here. A UPGRADE means to take something and change it to something else not start from fresh. You need to have a OS to begin with, if you don't have one installed then you CAN NOT USE the upgrade, you need to buy another copy OR (as mentioned) call them for a return and a restocking fee (check TOS on Microsoft Store) and buy a FULL edition. They will not give you a 'SECOND' key, (you have a key right now) free (as you asked).

Wolfshadw · Mar 31, 2014

Neeliyo :

No. That thread states that the upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro requires a previously installed version of Windows. If you're currently running Windows 7, it will save any data you currently have installed. If you are currently running Windows Vista or XP, you will be required to do a clean install (previous OS is still required) and your data will be lost.

-Wolf sends

Neeliyo · Mar 31, 2014

Wolfshadw :

Neeliyo :

No. That thread states that the upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro requires a previously installed version of Windows. If you're currently running Windows 7, it will save any data you currently have installed. If you are currently running Windows Vista or XP, you will be required to do a clean install (previous OS is still required) and your data will be lost.

-Wolf sends

Could you also take a look at this. http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/13375-clean-install-windows-8-upgrade.html

Neeliyo · Apr 1, 2014

Tom Tancredi :

I don't know what you're talking about, but I just installed Windows 8.1 Upgrade onto my new drive.

Wolfshadw · Apr 1, 2014

Neeliyo :

What about it? The licensing agreement clearly states:

The software covered by this agreement is an upgrade to your existing operating system (XP SP3, Vista, or Windows 7) software, so the upgrade replaces the original software that you are upgrading. You do not retain any rights to the original software after you have upgraded and you may not continue to use it or transfer it in any way. This agreement governs your rights to use the upgrade software and replaces the agreement for the software from which you upgraded. After you complete your upgrade, additional software will be required to playback or record certain types of media, including DVDs.

Clearly, a previous operating system must exist on your PC. Sorry, but you really need to purchase a full version of the OS as just the upgrade is not going to cut it.

-Wolf sends

Neeliyo · Apr 1, 2014

Wolfshadw :

Neeliyo :

What about it? The licensing agreement clearly states:

The software covered by this agreement is an upgrade to your existing operating system (XP SP3, Vista, or Windows 7) software, so the upgrade replaces the original software that you are upgrading. You do not retain any rights to the original software after you have upgraded and you may not continue to use it or transfer it in any way. This agreement governs your rights to use the upgrade software and replaces the agreement for the software from which you upgraded. After you complete your upgrade, additional software will be required to playback or record certain types of media, including DVDs.

Clearly, a previous operating system must exist on your PC. Sorry, but you really need to purchase a full version of the OS as just the upgrade is not going to cut it.

-Wolf sends

Something is wrong then because I just installed it on a new drive. Any explanation?

Wolfshadw · Apr 1, 2014

Did it properly activate? If so, then I'm as in the dark as you are. If you have not activated it yet, then I would guess that where you'll run into problems.

-Wolf sends

Neeliyo · Apr 1, 2014

Wolfshadw :

Well I have installed it but I am running it on my flat screen TV because my monitor broke and I have no internet. Everything works smoothly and I doubt I will run into any problems since it asked me for my product key upon installation. I'll probably contact Microsoft as I'm curious if I'm breaking any rules.

Wolfshadw · Apr 1, 2014

You have an upgrade version and you installed it onto a clean hard drive. You *are* breaking the rules. As I said, if it has not yet activated (requiring internet access), it will probably run fine until it does attempt to connect and activate. Then you will probably run into problems. If you don't, then you may want to contact Microsoft for answers.

-Wolf sends

Foxmate5 · Oct 3, 2015

Bottom Line.... Emperor Microsoft wants your money with little regards to your plight. That's why I use Linux.

Wolfshadw · Oct 5, 2015

17 month old thread.
Closing.

Wolfshadw
Moderator

Bought a Windows 8.1 Upgrade Key for a New Install

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