Installing Windows from Download

[orlandoo]

I'm clueless when it comes to windows on mac so sorry for asking anything obvious..

1.
I'm planning to install windows on a new iMac (rather than my current late '08 MBP, see below), probably to use with boot camp. As I'm a student, I'm assuming Windows 8.1 Pro Student for £50 from the microsoft store is my best bet: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/Windows-8.1-Pro-Student/productID.288533400

When I go to checkout it says it will be a .exe download - am I buying from the right place, or would there be any problems installing this?

2.
Realised it looks like my late 2008 15-inch MBP only supports Windows 7 so figured it's easier to wait till I upgrade to an iMac later this year, or would it make sense to find Windows 7 to install now, and does this look suitable? http://itrevive.co.uk/windows-7-64b...kx2Ik8TJ9o9aNYO3BBIl2kXBWtAQ42ydhkaAobi8P8HAQ

 

[rigormortis]

dont download the EXE, you want the ISO

once you have the ISO you can write it to a usb key or burn it to a DVD

hmmm

once you buy windows , maybe you could write down the license key and then get the iso separately and install that with your key


maybe you can ask your windows buddies to help you get the windows on a dvd or usb key

if you do a full install ( like booting off the key )you don't have to type in your key before windows installs. you can activate windows later.. that way you can be sure that windows is actually installing,.. and your not burning your license key

 

[Gjwilly]

The EXE will work as long as you have access to another computer already running a 64-bit version of Windows. Microsoft has a free tool for converting the EXE to an ISO but it only runs in Windows.

 

[orlandoo]

Thanks both. Is there a way to get the ISO on mac without using windows?

 

[Gjwilly]

If you're buying a license for 8.1 Pro you can download the ISO from here.
http://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/windows-8-1-download/

That same page has codes you'll need during the install and then after the install you enter your official code from Microsoft.

You can also Google for the Windows 7 ISO.
The ISOs are pretty easy to find because it's the license key that's important.