Building a computer from ground zero.

smokay · Jun 20, 2014

Hi, guys.
I need your opinion and help.

For the first time I am building a desktop.
Finally I have all the parts ready and assembled already.

All i need now is a Windows installation CD or USB.
Fortunately, I have a laptop to download something and burn it into a USB or CD, in case I need to.

My question for you guys is, how to get windows?
If I am correct, my only two options are either install from CD or a USB.
But purchasing a non-OEM full version of windows from A RETAIL STORE looks really overpriced.

Preferably, I would like to Purchase online and be able to download it and burn into a CD or USB.
What do you guys recommend? Any suggestive links to purchase it? What were some of the ways you guys did on your built computers?

I would be appreciated if you guys could give me some help.

Thank you so much guys.
Sincerely,
smokay.

Eximo · Jun 20, 2014

Buying an OEM copy from one of your part suppliers is easy enough. Nothing wrong with downloading the ISO as long as you provide a valid license key. Last time I did a Windows 8.1 install I was able to purchase a key only post install. Another option is to use the original disc to build a USB installer, it will ask for the key.

For Windows 8 there is no difference between the 'retail' copy and an OEM copy, both are single system perpetual licenses. Allows one computer to have the OS installed at a time. Makes upgrading hardware a lot easier then it used to.

smokay · Jun 20, 2014

Eximo :

So when you purchased and downloaded an OEM version, I am assuming that it did not require any previous windows and it came with a valid license key. Right?

Because when I did a quick research, most of them are for "Updating" to a newer version of windows, instead of installing a Windows from zero. Hmn, can you provide me any links from where you downloaded it?

Also, did you burn into a DVD CD or just regular empty CD ?

Sorry but since this is my first time, I am super noob.

Eximo · Jun 20, 2014

Retail stores do tend to carry 'Upgrade' copies, but that practice has gone away at some stores and they only sell the two flavors, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro.

I've downloaded it through an authorized re-seller and directly from MS, depends on what resources you have. If you are completely new to this, the easiest is still to pick up a copy from a computer parts retailer. This will give you a license key sticker and a DVD. (You can then use that DVD to create a USB installer if you wish, instructions below)

US: newegg.com, ncix.com, amazon.com, tigerdirect.com
UK: ebuyer.com, maplin.com

"Upgrade installation" You can download Windows 8.1 from MS directly if you have an existing OS to run it from. Windows 7 or higher, doesn't have to be an activated copy, just needs to match the 32bit for 32bit or 64bit for 64bit. Then you can just enter the key you have purchased.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

"USB installation" (from disc or ISO) I can't say where to get the ISO without owning a copy, but as long as you do purchase a key there is nothing wrong with getting an ISO file and using it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

You will need a bootable USB drive for this and some USB Flash drives are not capable.

sora · Jun 21, 2014

Eximo :

Retail stores do tend to carry 'Upgrade' copies, but that practice has gone away at some stores and they only sell the two flavors, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro.

I've downloaded it through an authorized re-seller and directly from MS, depends on what resources you have. If you are completely new to this, the easiest is still to pick up a copy from a computer parts retailer. This will give you a license key sticker and a DVD. (You can then use that DVD to create a USB installer if you wish, instructions below)

US: newegg.com, ncix.com, amazon.com, tigerdirect.com
UK: ebuyer.com, maplin.com

"Upgrade installation" You can download Windows 8.1 from MS directly if you have an existing OS to run it from. Windows 7 or higher, doesn't have to be an activated copy, just needs to match the 32bit for 32bit or 64bit for 64bit. Then you can just enter the key you have purchased.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

"USB installation" (from disc or ISO) I can't say where to get the ISO without owning a copy, but as long as you do purchase a key there is nothing wrong with getting an ISO file and using it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

You will need a bootable USB drive for this and some USB Flash drives are not capable.
You can also purchase Windows 7 or Windows 8 off of Amazon.co.uk.

smokay · Jun 21, 2014

Eximo :

Retail stores do tend to carry 'Upgrade' copies, but that practice has gone away at some stores and they only sell the two flavors, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro.

I've downloaded it through an authorized re-seller and directly from MS, depends on what resources you have. If you are completely new to this, the easiest is still to pick up a copy from a computer parts retailer. This will give you a license key sticker and a DVD. (You can then use that DVD to create a USB installer if you wish, instructions below)

US: newegg.com, ncix.com, amazon.com, tigerdirect.com
UK: ebuyer.com, maplin.com

"Upgrade installation" You can download Windows 8.1 from MS directly if you have an existing OS to run it from. Windows 7 or higher, doesn't have to be an activated copy, just needs to match the 32bit for 32bit or 64bit for 64bit. Then you can just enter the key you have purchased.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

"USB installation" (from disc or ISO) I can't say where to get the ISO without owning a copy, but as long as you do purchase a key there is nothing wrong with getting an ISO file and using it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

You will need a bootable USB drive for this and some USB Flash drives are not capable.

Do you think this one requires an existing OS, such as Windows 7 or lower, in order to install? Or can i just purchase this one, burn it into a DVD and install?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416806&cm_re=windows_7-_-32-416-806-_-Product

Eximo · Jun 22, 2014

That can be installed directly from the disc. With Windows 7 you are tied to your motherboard so it is basically one use only.

OEM is just a term they use for people that build PCs and then sell them. Nothing wrong with keeping it.

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