Hi everyone. I am very confused. Please help.
I have XP (32-bit) installed on my laptop. I'm about to order parts for a new rig and I want to install Win8 (64-bit) on it, and ideally get it for the $70 promo price. I also want to be able to reformat whenever I want (I usually reformat once or twice a year).
My main question is: what is the easiest, lowest-hassle way to get Windows 8 x64 on my new rig? (I'm assuming the answer is just to get a brand-new Win8 x64 OEM for $100, but I'd rather not spend that $30 (or $40 with Amazon's promo code) if I don't have to.)
Further information:
The product page on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-3UR-00001-Windows-8-Professional/dp/B008H3SW4I) says that going from 32- to 64-bit is possible, I just won't be able to keep files (not a problem). This contradicts information I heard elsewhere that the "upgrade paths" only allow you to upgrade to the same architecture.
So, if Amazon will be sending me a disc -- which is what it will apparently do (given that there is a "product dimensions" figure) -- what exactly will be on that disc? How will I know whether it's 32 or 64? (There's no option that I see.) Will I have to install XP on my new rig, and THEN use the Win8 disc to upgrade it? I just have no clue what any of this is about at this point.
I also don't see much of anything in the way of helpful information on Microsoft's website; it's mostly just the $15 upgrade-from-recently-bought-Win7 stuff.
I'd just as soon pay the $40 or $70 or whatever to Microsoft to download Win8 and burn it to disc, but because of the conflicting information I'm not sure they'd let me download the 64-version.
Thanks for reading, and any help is appreciated!
I have XP (32-bit) installed on my laptop. I'm about to order parts for a new rig and I want to install Win8 (64-bit) on it, and ideally get it for the $70 promo price. I also want to be able to reformat whenever I want (I usually reformat once or twice a year).
My main question is: what is the easiest, lowest-hassle way to get Windows 8 x64 on my new rig? (I'm assuming the answer is just to get a brand-new Win8 x64 OEM for $100, but I'd rather not spend that $30 (or $40 with Amazon's promo code) if I don't have to.)
Further information:
The product page on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-3UR-00001-Windows-8-Professional/dp/B008H3SW4I) says that going from 32- to 64-bit is possible, I just won't be able to keep files (not a problem). This contradicts information I heard elsewhere that the "upgrade paths" only allow you to upgrade to the same architecture.
So, if Amazon will be sending me a disc -- which is what it will apparently do (given that there is a "product dimensions" figure) -- what exactly will be on that disc? How will I know whether it's 32 or 64? (There's no option that I see.) Will I have to install XP on my new rig, and THEN use the Win8 disc to upgrade it? I just have no clue what any of this is about at this point.
I also don't see much of anything in the way of helpful information on Microsoft's website; it's mostly just the $15 upgrade-from-recently-bought-Win7 stuff.
I'd just as soon pay the $40 or $70 or whatever to Microsoft to download Win8 and burn it to disc, but because of the conflicting information I'm not sure they'd let me download the 64-version.
Thanks for reading, and any help is appreciated!