TR Forums

Hi!
Does anyone know if the student version of Windows 8.1 is a full version or just an upgrade? I'm asking because there seems to be conflicting information on that web page as it shows a picture that says full version but the text says "Important: Windows 8.1 Pro full version is for Windows 7 users only". So it kind of makes it look like a full version but it also sounds like it might be an upgrade. I called them but they seemed more confused than me. I will need to get a new computer for my wife and I was looking at the Brix barebone so I will need an OS. I just want to install it and be done with it. TIA

I think it's just an upgrade. In the description it has a link for Vista and XP users to upgrade. It's a different product but the same price. I hope I'm wrong because I may buy a licence before I finish up my degree.

EDIT: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msu ... D.62684800 That link says it's an upgrade.

Hi guys,

It's an upgrade version, but you can still do a clean install with an upgrade version.

I bought Windows 7 using the same method for myself and family members using our respective email addresses and have done clean installs of Windows 7 and Windows 8 / 8.1 using upgrade discs on 3 computers with no problem.

Lifehacker has a guide on how to do a clean install with an Upgrade Disc here:

http://lifehacker.com/5984278/how-to-do ... grade-disc

Enjoy!

Prestige Worldwide wrote:

It's an upgrade version, but you can still do a clean install with an upgrade version.

Yup, I've done it too. Pretty painless.

I am still hanging in the past with windows 7 since after the 6 computers 4 currently I have owned I have yet to have to do a restore or re-installation of win 7. So far performance is still pretty darn close to windows 8 so I plan to stay with it until windows 9 or something.

At least it is not like running windows XP sure it was better then win 95,98 etc. But i was having to do a fresh install on at least one of my rigs every 3-6 months. At least with windows 7 I have not had to do a fresh install in at least 5 years and have not had any compatibility issues YET, and I hope to never have any.

vargis14 wrote:

I am still hanging in the past with windows 7 since after the 6 computers 4 currently I have owned I have yet to have to do a restore or re-installation of win 7. So far performance is still pretty darn close to windows 8 so I plan to stay with it until windows 9 or something.

At least it is not like running windows XP sure it was better then win 95,98 etc. But i was having to do a fresh install on at least one of my rigs every 3-6 months. At least with windows 7 I have not had to do a fresh install in at least 5 years and have not had any compatibility issues YET, and I hope to never have any.

agreed, i put my PC together in 2009, except for the vid card, PC is running on win7 - 24/7 for 5 years now except for cleaning the dust twice a year, let's just hope M$ delivers on win9.

It's just an upgrade version. If your download uses two box files then there are methods to extract the setup files, and from there they can be used to make a disc or copied to a prepared flash drive. Useful if you want to do a clean install over an old OS instead of an in-place upgrade.

Excellent! Thanks all!