Can I use Windows 8.1 Embedded as a normal desktop operating system?

[Loganrmcclellan]

This is going to be a fairly complicated, and multifaceted question.

I have a Dell Optiplex 745 small form factor desktop running 32 bit Windows XP sp3, with a dual core 3.4 GHz Pentium D, 2 gigabytes of 667 MHz DDR2 RAM, a 256 MB ATI Radeon HD 2400, an 80 GB 7200 RPM WD HDD with 16 MB cache, a 275 watt proprietary PSU, and a slim CD reader with no CD or DVD burning capabilities. Needless to say, it is a dinosaur, a jalopy, a lemon.....etc.

My issue is that XP on my system is nearly broken. The file hierarchy is a disaster, there are innumerable registry errors, boot times are glacial, and I believe that there may be viruses lurking about on my computer despite my best attempts to clear it all up with Malwarebytes, and Avast boot scan.

I do not have an XP restore disk or partition, and even if I did I have no desire to continue to use XP. I do however have a copy of Windows 8.1 Embedded that I got for free through DreamSpark.

My question is this: can I install Windows 8.1 Embedded on my computer and use it the same as I would vanilla consumer Windows 8.1

Can my system handle Windows 8.1? How would I go about installing Windows 8.1 Embedded with no CD/DVD burning capabilities? Will I be able to find Windows 8 drivers for my old dinosaur?



Update: First off, I am 100% on board with Linux, however the rest of the people in my house are not. I don't think Linux is really an option at the moment. Secondly, I did a little more poking around, and people have been saying that they have indeed installed and used Windows 8.1 Embedded as a full blown desktop OS without too much hassle, and installed Vista drivers, and ran it in compatibility mode or some such.. Can anyone else confirm?

 

[USAFRet]

1. Windows 8 Embedded is not a consumer grade OS. It is meant for a server, or maybe an ATM. Not general desktop use.

2. For that system, a Linux variant would be advised. Highly doubtful there are any Windows 8 drivers for it. Even less likely Windows 8.1 Embedded.

 

[dodger46]

You could try the 8.1 evaluation version, though with no burner you'll need to set up a USB flash. I've installed 8 and 8.1 on some pretty old systems with quite favourable results, often having to use compatibility mode to load drivers.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-in/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx

 

[Loganrmcclellan]

Well as it turns out, Windows 8.1 Embedded is pretty much the exact same thing as vanilla Windows 8. I installed it not an hour ago, and I am now sitting here writing this from my Windows 8 pc. The only hitch I've encountered so far is that I can't turn off Windows Defender, but that's not really a big deal to me though. I have been installing programs and playing games, and it just......works! I haven't even had any trouble with drivers either. Now you know!

Anyway, thanks for the replies fellas!