Installing W8 from $40 "upgrade"

Discussion in 'Windows, Linux & Others on the Mac' started by Jdudley, Nov 9, 2012.

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  1. Jdudley, Nov 9, 2012

    Jdudley macrumors newbie

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    Nov 9, 2012
    #1
    My fiancé recently purchased a laptop from dell, which caused her to be eligible for the $40 upgrade. She does not want to use the upgrade however, because she has some programs from work that are not yet compatible.

    Would it be possible to use that upgrade to install w8 onto my 2012 Mbp? I have no version of windows currently running on it, because I don't want to spend $100 for windows just to be able to run some games on it. $40 for W8 seems much more reasonable though.

    If I'm able to, could someone give me a step by step or link me to a reliable guide?
     
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  2. Drask, Nov 9, 2012

    Drask macrumors regular

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    #2
    If by 'recentl'y you mean after July 2nd you can get if for $15. If not, yes, you can upgrade to windows 8 for $40 and use that copy in another computer. Check Microsoft's upgrade FAQ.
     
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  3. Jdudley, Nov 9, 2012

    Jdudley thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #3
    I'm sorry, that did not answer my question in the slightest :/ please read my post
     
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  4. balamw, Nov 9, 2012

    balamw Moderator

    balamw

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    #4
    From the FAQ:

    Since you don't have a qualifying base OS you are operating outside the license.

    The OEM/System Builder version is what you need to be legit. Usually $99 or $139 for W8 Pro.

    B
     
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  5. sngx1275, Nov 13, 2012

    sngx1275 macrumors regular

    sngx1275

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    #5
    Yes, I believe the 'upgrade' will install without prior Windows. I have a legal upgrade version of windows 7 and it will clean install.

    IF it does not work. You can download a Windows 8 'preview' release which is free and legal and then upgrade that. You can make your own Windows 8 upgrade disk from the version you have by editing the cversion.ini to accept a different build number. Source: http://www.the-fays.net/blog/?p=207

    It is kind of like modifying whatever file it was that removed the artificial restriction on installing 10.5 on my 550?Mhz PowerMac G4. :)
     
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  6. Bheleu, Nov 13, 2012

    Bheleu macrumors 6502

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    #6
    I will be doing this on my 5,1 MBP; although, I am pulling the SuperDrive and replacing it so I have a dual boot. As has been said, if it will not do a clean install - put Win 8 Dev Beta on it first. I have one system that I upgraded from Win 8 Dev Beta. I did not try a virgin drive like I will be once my drive and other hardware comes in.
     
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