0

I have purchased the downloadable $40 UPGRADE version of Windows 8.

I want to install this upgrade to a new/blank SSD drive WITHOUT prior installation of retail version of XP/service pack 3 (preferred).

I have the retail purchased 32Bit XP installation media and I also have a slipstreamed disc that contains service pack 2. This 32bit XP license was installed to a desktop PC that I have NOT used for years (its broke).

Questions:

Can I upgrade using the $40 download upgrade version from retail 32Bit XP to 64Bit Windows 8 directly to new SSD? without first installing 32bit XP to new SSD? If 32bit XP needs to be installed to perform the upgrade to 64bit Win 8 is service XP service pack 3 still available; likewise, if the boxed retail version of XP 32bit is required to be pre-installed to the new SSD before attempting the downoladed $40 upgrade to 64Bit Win, can a clean install be performed or is a undesired actual upgrade performed?

From what I have read this is way to complicated. Ideally, I should be able to install $40 upgrade version Win 64bit directly to new/blank SSD, then during the license verification process enter both the Win8 64Bit upgrade key and retail XP 32bit key (over internet or phone call).

1 Answer 1

0

Install this upgrade to a new/blank SSD drive WITHOUT prior installation of retail version of XP/service pack 3 (prefered).

You are not allowed to do this per the license. The license you purchase will require the Windows XP installation.

I have the retail purchased 32Bit XP installation media and I also have a slipstreamed disc that contains service pack 2. This 32bit XP license was installed to a desktop PC that I have NOT used for years (its broke).

If its an OEM license you won't be able to migrate it to the machine you want to install Windows 8 on.

Can I upgrade using the $40 download upgrade version from retail 32Bit XP to 64Bit Windows 8 directly to new SSD? without first installing 32bit XP to new SSD?

Legally, no

If 32bit XP needs to be installed to perform the upgrade to 64bit Win 8 is service XP service pack 3 still available; likewise, if the boxed retail version of XP 32bit is required to be pre-installed to the new SSD before attempting the downoladed $40 upgrade to 64Bit Win, can a clean install be performed or is a undesired actual upgrade performed?

You need to install the license, then select "Clean Install", that is all thats required to install Windows 8 x64.

From what I have read this is way to complicated. Ideally, I should be able to install $40 upgrade version Win 64bit directly to new/blank SSD, then during the license verification process enter both the Win8 64Bit upgrade key and retail XP 32bit key (over internet or phone call).

Its not complicate at all, you just brought the wrong product, the System Builder OEM license is what you wanted to purchase.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .