Windows 8.1 Pricing and Packaging

http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

Of note in the article

1. Current Win8 users (entry level and Pro) - Download from the Windows
Store
2. Purchase of full version* available as download (online) or local
store (retail) packaged DVD product (Win8.1 $120 U.S.; Win8.1Pro $200)
3. If upgrading from XP or Vista it is recommended consumers buy the
retail instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean
install of 8.1 (**this might be important to remember and plan
accordingly**)
4. Upgrade from Win8.1 to Win8.1 Pro Pack($99 U.S.) - this upgrades an
entry level 8.1 to Win8.1 Pro with Media Center
5. Upgrade from Win8.1 Pro to Win8.1 Pro Media Center ($10 U.S)

* Windows 8 current version for sale at retail and online is an upgrade
version. The only full version of Win8 was the Personal Use For System
Builder's version (which replaced the prior o/s OEM version) and
traditionally marketed on web/commerce sites e.g. Amazon, NewEgg, etc.)



--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP
or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?


"...winston" wrote...
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

Of note in the article

1. Current Win8 users (entry level and Pro) - Download from the Windows
Store
2. Purchase of full version* available as download (online) or local
store (retail) packaged DVD product (Win8.1 $120 U.S.; Win8.1Pro $200)
3. If upgrading from XP or Vista it is recommended consumers buy the
retail instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean
install of 8.1 (**this might be important to remember and plan
accordingly**)
4. Upgrade from Win8.1 to Win8.1 Pro Pack($99 U.S.) - this upgrades an
entry level 8.1 to Win8.1 Pro with Media Center
5. Upgrade from Win8.1 Pro to Win8.1 Pro Media Center ($10 U.S)

* Windows 8 current version for sale at retail and online is an upgrade
version. The only full version of Win8 was the Personal Use For System
Builder's version (which replaced the prior o/s OEM version) and
traditionally marketed on web/commerce sites e.g. Amazon, NewEgg, etc.)



--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?


"...winston" wrote...
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

The way I interpret that (until told and confirmed otherwise)

* Windows 8.1 is an upgrade applicable to Windows 8.0
- think of it similar to a Service pack thus one wouldn't install
Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 on top of Vista or XP (or Service Pack 2
for Vista on top of XP)

Thus if one wishes to move from XP or Vista to Windows 8.1
- buy the full version DVD

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

In your case
Upgrade W8 Pro via the MSFT Store
Buy the full retail version Win 8.1 DVD to upgrade Vista to Win8.1

i.e. 8.1 is not a new operating system...it's basically a replacement
for the previously deployed Service Packs for an existing o/s


--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

"...winston" wrote...
Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?


"...winston" wrote...
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

The way I interpret that (until told and confirmed otherwise)

* Windows 8.1 is an upgrade applicable to Windows 8.0
- think of it similar to a Service pack thus one wouldn't install
Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 on top of Vista or XP (or Service Pack 2
for Vista on top of XP)

Thus if one wishes to move from XP or Vista to Windows 8.1
- buy the full version DVD

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

In your case
Upgrade W8 Pro via the MSFT Store
Buy the full retail version Win 8.1 DVD to upgrade Vista to Win8.1

i.e. 8.1 is not a new operating system...it's basically a replacement
for the previously deployed Service Packs for an existing o/s


--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps



Thank You.

....winston wrote:

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

for free?
retaining the media centre licence that was free for early 8.0 adopters?

On 2013-09-19, ...winston wrote:
Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?


"...winston" wrote...
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

The way I interpret that (until told and confirmed otherwise)

* Windows 8.1 is an upgrade applicable to Windows 8.0
- think of it similar to a Service pack thus one wouldn't install
Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 on top of Vista or XP (or Service Pack 2
for Vista on top of XP)

Thus if one wishes to move from XP or Vista to Windows 8.1
- buy the full version DVD

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

In your case
Upgrade W8 Pro via the MSFT Store
Buy the full retail version Win 8.1 DVD to upgrade Vista to Win8.1

i.e. 8.1 is not a new operating system...it's basically a replacement
for the previously deployed Service Packs for an existing o/s



The bigger question: Will each computer have to download the 8.1
separately? or will we be able to create either an USB or DVD
with the download of 8.1 as installable?

Wolf K wrote:
On 2013-09-19 4:52 AM, Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?

Win8.1 is not an upgrading package for XP or Vista. However, it will
upgrade/update Win8 Pro. It appears to be what used to be called a
"service pack".


Like most Microsoft progressions, it comes two ways.

1) Win8.1 is available to Win8 owners. Effectively making
this a Service Pack.

2) Persons buying a new computer, may find it bundled
with OEM Win8.1. Or, a person doing the building of computers
for themselves, may buy a System Builder version of Win 8.1.
In other words, it's available as a separate entity.

And the experience from the last couple OS versions, is a
user is well advised to download a matching "full" DVD,
if they install the Service Pack. That's for the purpose
of doing Repair Installs at a later date. When you get the
Service Pack style download in (1), that's not sufficient
to enable Repair Installs. And so you look on the web, for
a URL for a digitalriver or equivalent legit copy of
Windows. For my Windows 7 laptop, I got a Windows 7 SP1
full DVD from digitalriver. You can use MD5sum or SHA1sum,
to compare your download, to what other users are seeing
(like perhaps an MSDN subscriber).

Also, there are two styles of installation media. One
comes with "install.wim", the other with "install.esd".
The install.esd flavor is encrypted, and presumably contains
identifying information. If you bought the $39.95 electronic
download of Windows 8, that uses "install.esd". I downloaded
twice, using the same purchase information, and the install.esd
file was different on each download. Whereas, if you get a digitalriver
DVD image, those use install.wim, and everybody gets the same
thing (i.e. as long as MD5SUM shows you and everyone else, got
an ISO with the same checksum). It's quite a subtle distinction,
until you attempt to open one of those files with 7-ZIP and have
a problem. I like the ability to do random access on the installer,
if I need a file off the installer media. Having the "good" flavor
of download ISO, makes that possible.

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/4469/od2.gif

Paul

Andy Burns wrote:
...winston wrote:

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

for free?
retaining the media centre licence that was free for early 8.0 adopters?


Yes...
If you upgrade via the store (upgrade not clean install with media or
download) then MC will be retained.

It's a different story for clean installs and from what I can see the
details are still being worked out as evidenced by folks who have access
to MSDN and unexpired or grandfathered TechNet versions of Win8.1

Today, it is still prior to Win8.1 GPA (mid-late Oct)...thus some
failures when clean installing with a previously used purchased MC
Product key and previously received freebie MC key.
- The freebie key had time limit install constraints - install prior
to Jan 31, 2013.
- The purchased keys that were used to upgrade to Win8 with Media Center
have already been used for activation

Thus the best scenario, until MSFT either fixes/addresses the issue, for
those with MSDN/Technet/Volume Licensing access to 8.1 full versions is
to use a Win 8 (not 8.1) purchased but unused MC key.
- Since the current MC keys for Pro and the Pro Pack Upgrade (Win8 to
Win8 Pro with MC) are for Win8 (not 8.1) thus attempting to purchase a
key (MC or the Pro Pack) after an 8.1 install is subject to fail.


Hopefully, after Win8.1 GPA previously purchased MC and ProPack keys
will be supported to ensure activation of Win8.1 with Media Center o/s.

As far as the freebie MC keys with the lapsed time limited install
requirements...it could go either way...work or require those to
purchase a new, unused MC key ($10)

As with anything MSFT, there's probably some left-hand/right-hand behind
the scenes discussion on the above (based on existing
feedback/complaints of MSDN/TechNet etc) thus it may take a while before
anything is solidified pro or con and fully communicated across the
activation and support sides of the organization.



--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

generic name wrote:
On 2013-09-19, ...winston wrote:
Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?


"...winston" wrote...
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

The way I interpret that (until told and confirmed otherwise)

* Windows 8.1 is an upgrade applicable to Windows 8.0
- think of it similar to a Service pack thus one wouldn't install
Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 on top of Vista or XP (or Service Pack 2
for Vista on top of XP)

Thus if one wishes to move from XP or Vista to Windows 8.1
- buy the full version DVD

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

In your case
Upgrade W8 Pro via the MSFT Store
Buy the full retail version Win 8.1 DVD to upgrade Vista to Win8.1

i.e. 8.1 is not a new operating system...it's basically a replacement
for the previously deployed Service Packs for an existing o/s



The bigger question: Will each computer have to download the 8.1
separately? or will we be able to create either an USB or DVD
with the download of 8.1 as installable?

With Win8.1 being deployed via the MSFT Store to upgrade Win8...I've yet
to see anything update related (for Win8 apps from MSFT) that has a
'Save As' option.
- one accesses the MSFT Store, gets a list of updates and selects
which items to install

So far the only information available from MSFT on anything is the link
provided in the original post in this thread.
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx
- free update via and easy download from the MSFT Store for current
Windows 8 devices
- retail full version (not upgrade) via download from Windows.com or
at local retail store as a packaged DVD product

Each computer ? Well, each 8.1 device should have access to the MSFT
Store (i.e. afaik at this stage you'll need a MSFT account to access the
MSFT Store whether using a MSFT account or Local Account to sign on to
Windows 8)

As Win8.1 GPA approaches maybe more transparency will be provided, but
at this stage the only known options are those noted above.


--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

....winston wrote:


http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

Of note in the article

1. Current Win8 users (entry level and Pro) - Download from the Windows
Store
2. Purchase of full version* available as download (online) or local
store (retail) packaged DVD product (Win8.1 $120 U.S.; Win8.1Pro $200)
3. If upgrading from XP or Vista it is recommended consumers buy the
retail instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean
install of 8.1 (**this might be important to remember and plan
accordingly**)
4. Upgrade from Win8.1 to Win8.1 Pro Pack($99 U.S.) - this upgrades an
entry level 8.1 to Win8.1 Pro with Media Center
5. Upgrade from Win8.1 Pro to Win8.1 Pro Media Center ($10 U.S)

* Windows 8 current version for sale at retail and online is an upgrade
version. The only full version of Win8 was the Personal Use For System
Builder's version (which replaced the prior o/s OEM version) and
traditionally marketed on web/commerce sites e.g. Amazon, NewEgg, etc.)



I downloaded my win 8 from the download site for £30 i have installed
win8 from fresh. IE a clean install. It did say it was an upgrade version.

....winston wrote:
Andy Burns wrote:
...winston wrote:

If one has Win8 they can upgrade to 8.1 via the MSFT store.

for free?
retaining the media centre licence that was free for early 8.0 adopters?


Yes...
If you upgrade via the store

OK, thanks for the detailed reply. I'll probably hang on until GA.

On 2013-09-20, ...winston wrote:
generic name wrote:
On 2013-09-19, ...winston wrote:

..........................

The bigger question: Will each computer have to download the 8.1
separately? or will we be able to create either an USB or DVD
with the download of 8.1 as installable?

With Win8.1 being deployed via the MSFT Store to upgrade Win8...I've yet
to see anything update related (for Win8 apps from MSFT) that has a
'Save As' option.
- one accesses the MSFT Store, gets a list of updates and selects
which items to install

So far the only information available from MSFT on anything is the link
provided in the original post in this thread.
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx
- free update via and easy download from the MSFT Store for current
Windows 8 devices
- retail full version (not upgrade) via download from Windows.com or
at local retail store as a packaged DVD product

Each computer ? Well, each 8.1 device should have access to the MSFT
Store (i.e. afaik at this stage you'll need a MSFT account to access the
MSFT Store whether using a MSFT account or Local Account to sign on to
Windows 8)

As Win8.1 GPA approaches maybe more transparency will be provided, but
at this stage the only known options are those noted above.



For myself, it may not be much of a choir to download & install
regarding the time expended.

Can you just see a company's sysadm going around to install the 8.1
on each 8.0 computer if there is around 100 or more? The work stoppage
disruption would be huge; and even the computer labs of schools having
to download 8.1 individually for each computer........

Another Ballmer bombs?

On 19/09/2013 2:52 AM, Live wrote:
"Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows
XP or Windows Vista."
What does this mean?
I have win8 pro and vista in dual boot on my pc without problems.
Can I do the upgrade to 8.1?

You should really ditch the partition method as M$ is nortoriously
unfrendly and its boot strap is a brain dead POS.

I use VirtualBox. I gave up wasting my time on M$ bootstrap issues with
multiple partions years ago as it was a useless time killer. Plus,
VirtualBox works on Linux and Macs.

Time to stop investing learning and putzing time in M$ proprietary BS.


--
Socialist-statism corruption is a great idea so long as the credit is
good and other people pay for it. When the credit runs out and those
that pay for it leave, they can all share having nothing but
unemployment, debt and discontentment.

generic name wrote:
On 2013-09-20, ...winston wrote:
generic name wrote:
On 2013-09-19, ...winston wrote:

..........................

The bigger question: Will each computer have to download the 8.1
separately? or will we be able to create either an USB or DVD
with the download of 8.1 as installable?

With Win8.1 being deployed via the MSFT Store to upgrade Win8...I've yet
to see anything update related (for Win8 apps from MSFT) that has a
'Save As' option.
- one accesses the MSFT Store, gets a list of updates and selects
which items to install

So far the only information available from MSFT on anything is the link
provided in the original post in this thread.
http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx
- free update via and easy download from the MSFT Store for current
Windows 8 devices
- retail full version (not upgrade) via download from Windows.com or
at local retail store as a packaged DVD product

Each computer ? Well, each 8.1 device should have access to the MSFT
Store (i.e. afaik at this stage you'll need a MSFT account to access the
MSFT Store whether using a MSFT account or Local Account to sign on to
Windows 8)

As Win8.1 GPA approaches maybe more transparency will be provided, but
at this stage the only known options are those noted above.



For myself, it may not be much of a choir to download & install
regarding the time expended.

Can you just see a company's sysadm going around to install the 8.1
on each 8.0 computer if there is around 100 or more? The work stoppage
disruption would be huge; and even the computer labs of schools having
to download 8.1 individually for each computer........

Another Ballmer bombs?

Well, the Volume Licensing side of the business and any qualified
sysadmin worth their weight should already be capable of deploying
images across the organizations they support without extensive
disruption and downtime. Win8 has had 3 pre-release versions and final
RTM since Sept 2011....at this stage some knowledge of how to best
deploy the upcoming 8.1 should be well thought out and understood, if
not they should have at least took the time to learn the how-to's of the
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../hh825212.aspx

If not up to speed, then maybe those sysadmin are in the wrong profession.


--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps

Darklight wrote:
...winston wrote:


http://blogs.windows.com/windows/b/b...ndows-8-1.aspx

Of note in the article

1. Current Win8 users (entry level and Pro) - Download from the Windows
Store
2. Purchase of full version* available as download (online) or local
store (retail) packaged DVD product (Win8.1 $120 U.S.; Win8.1Pro $200)
3. If upgrading from XP or Vista it is recommended consumers buy the
retail instead of using the download and boot from the DVD to do a clean
install of 8.1 (**this might be important to remember and plan
accordingly**)
4. Upgrade from Win8.1 to Win8.1 Pro Pack($99 U.S.) - this upgrades an
entry level 8.1 to Win8.1 Pro with Media Center
5. Upgrade from Win8.1 Pro to Win8.1 Pro Media Center ($10 U.S)

* Windows 8 current version for sale at retail and online is an upgrade
version. The only full version of Win8 was the Personal Use For System
Builder's version (which replaced the prior o/s OEM version) and
traditionally marketed on web/commerce sites e.g. Amazon, NewEgg, etc.)



I downloaded my win 8 from the download site for £30 i have installed
win8 from fresh. IE a clean install. It did say it was an upgrade version.

It appears the point that MSFT is appparently making is that this time
around the 'upgrade' path is via the MSFT Store for existing Win8
installations...the only other media available (unlike Win8 RTM) will be
'full version' download and DVD media.

Win8 media (download or dvd) was distributed solely as 'upgrade' and
provided the ability to upgrade and in specific cases clean install.
The only 'full' version Win8 RTM(exclusive of MSDN, TechNet, Volume
Licensing etc.) was the stand-alone Personal Use for System Builder
versions that came in 32 or 64 bit.

i.e. 8.1 upgrades via the Store are for Win 8. The full version retail
DVD software applies and is necessary to moving from all other o/s (XP,
Vista, Win7) to Win 8.1

--
...winston
msft mvp consumer apps