Anyone can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.

[Phusius]

Go to https://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com
Windows 7 PC purchase information
Date of purchase *Make up any date within last 2 months.
Name of retailer * Just say whatever retailer.
PC Brand *I typed in Carbide 500r
PC Model * I typed in random anything.

That is all it requires, no receipt verification is needed. Anyone can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99. It gives you a promo code, and you download and install from there.

Personally I am loving Windows 8 Pro. Best $14.99 I have spent in awhile.

Below is an edit from Brandon: personally I did not use this method, I just did Install now not from media, and I had no issues at all. /shrug I chose Do nothing, all my stuff was then in a windows.old folder after Win 8 was done, copied over some games, then went into Disk Cleanup, and deleted Windows.Old folder. Again, I feel it was still a fresh install the way I did it, take that as you will. Last edit for me. Cheers.


Ok after some research I found a fix for the dreaded "0xC004F061" Windows cannot be activated due to not being an upgrade.

Code:
1. Launch the command prompt as an administrator (Windows key & X –or CMD X if running on a Mac).

2. Type regedit and press enter.

3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Setup/OOBE

4. Look for the item MediaBootInstall and set the status to 0

5. Close regedit and head back to the command prompt that should be still open.

6. Type slmgr /rearm and restart when prompted.
http://www.techbeast.net/2012/10/26/...grade-license/

thanks to brandon for the above edit

 

[BlackOmega]

Good to know.

 

[Phusius]

Yes, at checkout it will ask you for payment of $39.99, just make sure you have that promo code they gave you earlier copied, and at the checkout screen enter your promo code.

Windows 8 Pro really is not as bad as people are making it out to be, it feels very solid to me. I watched a few tutorials before installing though, so maybe that helped me make the transition better.

 

[Phusius]

The new WEI performance is 9.9 scale instead of 7.9

my 7950 at 1200 core didn't even hit it... holy shit.

 

[GLD]

Well darn it. Thank's for the info. I have only been running 7 for about six month and want to stick with it as I didn't care for 8 preview. But for $15 I know I have to get 8 Pro and throw it in the drawer for a later date.

 

[Phusius]

Well darn it. Thank's for the info. I have only been running 7 for about six month and want to stick with it as I didn't care for 8 preview. But for $15 I know I have to get 8 Pro and throw it in the drawer for a later date.

No problem, I think Microsoft is doing this on purpose just for a very limited time to kind of help get Windows 8 out the door, so take advantage of the price while you can. Or until they start making people scan and upload their receipts,

 

[TRWOV]

Question: let's say that I upgrade. Will my old W7 key work on another PC or will my W7 key become my W8 key? I've never used upgrade versions so I really don't know.


EDIT: Also, can you keep the download archived for a later date or does the wizard force you to upgrade on the spot? Could you clarify the process OP?


EDIT2: NVM, read that in the FAQ

 

[NinkobEi]

tried lots of popular pcs..none worked. lame

 

[TRWOV]

tried lots of popular pcs..none worked. lame

I just put a random model (CEL5404G) and brand: other. Already got the email with the promo code.

 

[GSG-9]

I just put a random model (CEL5404G) and brand: other. Already got the email with the promo code.

Installed over here, about $16, smooth sailing so far.

 

[Phusius]

Installed over here, about $16, smooth sailing so far.

Yeah if you make it that far you are fine.

It does give you the option to install at a later date after you have paid.

Do not forget to re-install your chipset drivers, LAN drivers etc, make you download the Windows 8 versions from your motherboards driver list.

You will have a windows.old folder, it will not let me delete mine, but it has about 18 GB in it, which I assume is Windows 7. Shame you can't delete that.

 

[GSG-9]

Yeah if you make it that far you are fine.

It does give you the option to install at a later date after you have paid.

Do not forget to re-install your chipset drivers, LAN drivers etc, make you download the Windows 8 versions from your motherboards driver list.

You will have a windows.old folder, it will not let me delete mine, but it has about 18 GB in it, which I assume is Windows 7. Shame you can't delete that.

There are some ways to remove the old folder, I moved the files to usb, and nuked my c drive to avoid that.

 

[Phusius]

I tried that, it wouldn't work, because Windows C drive is not titled the same way. It says C:/ not found after it deletes the 16gb or so worth of data, and when I checked, Windows 8 has it listed as C drive.

Oh, well, it is only 16gb lost, not that big of a deal in all honesty. I have like 500gb free on my 1 TB HDD storage I have attached.

 

[GSG-9]

My drives are pretty obvious,
1 60gb for the OS (C)
2 3tb in raid for media
2 2tb drives not in raid for programs that dont need raid speed.

 

[Phusius]

It's not a big deal, I just compressed the files and going to leave them there.

Everyone else who upgrades probably has the same thing.

 

[stinger608]

Hmm, where the hell does it download to???????? Doesn't even ask you where you wish to download the ISO to!

 

[GSG-9]

Hmm, where the hell does it download to???????? Doesn't even ask you where you wish to download the ISO to!

To a hidden folder on the root of your C drive. NOT great for someone with a 60gb boot drive. I cant believe they did that.

 

[stinger608]

To a hidden folder on the root of your C drive. NOT great for someone with a 60gb boot drive. I cant believe they did that.

yea no shit!!!!!

 

[stinger608]

It does give you the option to install at a later date after you have paid.

Does it give you and ISO file to save somewhere?

 

[GSG-9]

Does it give you and ISO file to save somewhere?

No, it WILL let you burn to disk or copy to usb, but it does not give you access to the files.
If you want them though they are in a hidden folder in C, I don't remember its name but it starts with an E.

 

[KainXS]

You sir get a big ass thumbs up from me, was gonna buy it for 60 but for 15

who in their right mind could say no to that

 

[stinger608]

No, it WILL let you burn to disk or copy to usb, but it does not give you access to the files.
If you want them though they are in a hidden folder in C, I don't remember its name but it starts with an E.

Yep, it is ESD!

Keep in mind, DON'T click the "download Windows" again after it has downloaded once!!! This will delete everything in the ESD folder on your primary drive and will start all over again downloading!!!!

 

[segalaw19800]

here some shot

 

[Agility]

Hey guys, just double confirming. So if i were to buy the upgrade to windows 8, i am provided with a key right? This upgrade thingy is only checking if you have compatible hardware and either XP/Vista/Win7 to enjoy the discount. So what we're buying now is A.K.A full Windows 8 PRO w/ its own key and not some Windows 8 PRO upgrade only (Meaning i need to install my XP/Vista/Win7 first before upgrading to Win8)

Can't seem to find any FAQ for that. Kick my nuts if you found em

 

[segalaw19800]

yes right from the bat