[james888]

Originally Posted by TRWOV

I think I've come across the answer: if there is a previous W7 install in the HDD, a fresh W8 install will activate with no problems (delete the W7 partitions in the W8 installer).


I noticed when installing W8 in my AGP rig and wouldn't activate even though my HTPC and main rig activated with no problems. I noticed that the only difference was that I used a previously formatted HDD and the other two had W7 installs in them. So I installed W7 Starter in the AGP rig's HDD and then made a fresh W8 install and it activated fine.



Also, only OEM keys work as validation for the $15 upgrade offer. Retail keys don't work and it seems that Starter can't get into the offer too.

I installed it on my laptop which had windows 7 pre installed. I could not just install windows 8. I had to use gparted to delete all partitions and then use the windows 8 installer to reformat it. Then I could install windows 8. Whenever I get around to it I plan on reinstalling windows 7 and then upgrading. I tried once but it would not accept my windows 7 key that is on the bottom of my laptop.