Install Win8 upgrade on seperate drive

[ant247]

Hi folks,
I have copy of Win8 upgrade with a key purchased from M$ and was wondering - is it possible to install win7 on a normal hdd then install the win8 upgrade to a dirfferent ssd ?

I don't want to install win7 & win8 on the ssd cos it's only 64Gb and 2 OS's will take quite a big chunk of that.

Ideally I would like to make it a dual boot system with win7 on hdd and win8 on ssd.
If anyone can tell me if this can be done or point me in the right direction to show, I will be etearnally greatfull.
Thanx guys.

 

[USAFRet]

I do not believe so, no. That is the definition of 'upgrade'. Changing from one to another.

If you had bought a retail version, then yes...what you want to do is totally possible.

 

[k1114]

Part of the license agreement is the os that you upgraded from needs to be disabled. So what you want is illegal. The oem version is cheaper than the upgrade though.

 

[dodger46]

Hi folks,
I have copy of Win8 upgrade with a key purchased from M$ and was wondering - is it possible to install win7 on a normal hdd then install the win8 upgrade to a dirfferent ssd ?

I don't want to install win7 & win8 on the ssd cos it's only 64Gb and 2 OS's will take quite a big chunk of that.

Ideally I would like to make it a dual boot system with win7 on hdd and win8 on ssd.
If anyone can tell me if this can be done or point me in the right direction to show, I will be etearnally greatfull.
Thanx guys.

Install W7 to HDD as per usual. Install W8 to SSD using your Installation disk and your Product key. When you get to the screen 'Where do you want to install Windows' choose 'Drive options (Advanced)', delete any partitions on your SSD so you have only Unallocated Space. Continue to install Windows on this space without formatting or creating any partitions, this will ensure a 'clean' install and allow Windows to create a System Reserved partition (350Mb).
To activate Windows, as you used an upgrade disk, simply leave the installation disk in place and Refresh your PC by typing 'Refresh' at your Start Screen,(Your PC will boot to the Desktop, just press Winkey) and from Settings select Refresh your PC. Once completed your Windows will be activated.
Dual boot will be offered, and W8 will be the default OS
However, I suspect that the W7 installation might be rejected when you try to activate it, but you'll get to use it for 30 days...

 

[ant247]

TBH I didn't think I would be able to do it but wasn't 100% sure.

If I installed win7 on the ssd, then the win8 upgrade, would I be able to delete the windows.old folder containing win7 without it stopping working ?

And....

Am I right in thinking that my win8 upgrade key will only work with the upgrade version and not with a retail version ?

Thanx for answers so far.

 

[dodger46]

TBH I didn't think I would be able to do it but wasn't 100% sure.

If I installed win7 on the ssd, then the win8 upgrade, would I be able to delete the windows.old folder containing win7 without it stopping working ?

And....

Am I right in thinking that my win8 upgrade key will only work with the upgrade version and not with a retail version ?

Thanx for answers so far.

You don't actually need to have W7 installed to complete a clean install of W8 on your SSD. M'soft ties the W7 key to your Motherboard Serial number as far as I'm aware, hence the ability to clean install W8 as there will be a link to your Motherboard to refer to...Try the dual boot and see what happens if that's what you want, Uncle Bill's men will soon inform you if they don't like it...but rest assured you don't need W7 installed to clean install W8...

 

[k1114]

There is really no such thing as an upgrade key. A w8 key (single use) is a w8 key.

Continuing to use w7 is illegal and clearly stated in the eula:

The software covered by this agreement is an upgrade to your existing operating system software, so the upgrade replaces the original software that you are upgrading. You do not retain any rights to the original software after you have upgraded and you may not continue to use it or transfer it in any way.

 

[ant247]

@k1114
If you say there is no such thing as an upgrade key, will my win8 key work with a retail copy ?

@dodger46
I actually do need win7 or vista installed to be able to install win8. My win8 is only the win8 pro upgrade.

Can the windows.old folder (containing win7) be deleted after I upgrade to win8 ?

All answers appreciated.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes the Windows.old can be completely deleted.

 

[dodger46]

@k1114
If you say there is no such thing as an upgrade key, will my win8 key work with a retail copy ?

@dodger46
I actually do need win7 or vista installed to be able to install win8. My win8 is only the win8 pro upgrade.

Can the windows.old folder (containing win7) be deleted after I upgrade to win8 ?

All answers appreciated.

I've achieved dozens of clean installs with Pro Upgrade disk, can't see why yours won't work, at which point does it fail??

 

[k1114]

You do not need to install windows to use an upgrade. An upgrade install is no different than a normal install other than the option to keep old files/programs. This also means any key will work with any install as long as it's the right version, w8 pro in your case.

 

[ant247]

I purchased my win8 online from M$. My disc has win8 pro upgrade downloaded from M$ on it.
Will this be any different from a store bought disc ?

@k1114
I have never tried a clean install with my upgrade disc but I will be trying it later today.
I will post results when I have them.

Thanx for your last answer k1114, I learnt something there.