Have an Installation question

[Saziel]

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-System-Builder-OEM-64-Bit/dp/B0094NY3R0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382126891&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+8+full

Will this work to install to a blank drive as a fresh install? All of these different versions are a bit confusing.

 

[COLGeek]

Yes. It should work just fine.

 

[markwp]

Yes. You will not be able to receive direct support from Microsoft as you would with a retail version, but it can certainly be used as a new install.

Mark

 

[Saziel]

Another question. My PC currently has an OEM version of Windows 8 from the manufacturer, and it's tied to the motherboard. It also did not come with recovery disks. My question is, since the one I linked is an OEM version, will it ONLY be usable on one PC?

 

[markwp]

Yes

 

[Saziel]

Ugh, that is annoying. I'm having a hard time finding the retail version anywhere. All I ever see is the OEM.

 

[markwp]

You can purchase the retail version via download from Microsoft.

 

[COLGeek]

You can buy directly from Microsoft (retail version). The OEM version is fine as long as you don't change motherboards and don't mind being you own tech support. Few users need Microsoft for help, when forums like Tom's exists.

 

[Saziel]

Well I mean, if the motherboard dies at some point, I'd like to have an OS I can install repeatedly, lol.

 

[COLGeek]

Time to go to Microsoft then.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/cat/Windows/categoryID.62684800?tid=swQRa2mux_dc&cid=5250&pcrid=25485037973&pkw=windows%208%20retail%20version&pmt=e&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=pointitsem_Microsoft+US_google_5+-+Windows+8&WT.term=windows%208%20retail%20version&WT.campaign=5+-+Windows+8&WT.content=wQRa2mux&WT.source=google&WT.medium=cpc

 

[Saziel]

Thanks. I've been reading that 8.1 isn't compatible with all motherboards, though? I've seen a few people saying that. How would I know if mine is?

 

[COLGeek]

They would be wrong. The issue is whether your motherboard supports secure boot or not. Looking in your BIOS/UEFI for that setting will confirm the capability or not. If you have your manual, that would also tell you.

Not having secure boot is not a show stopper.

 

[Saziel]

It's a Gigabyte motherboard. GA-78LMT-USB3. I believe it supports secure boot.

 

[COLGeek]

No worries, either way. Good luck!

 

[Saziel]

Thank you both for the help.

 

[COLGeek]

You are most welcome. Have fun!