Clean install with the Upgrade key...

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by moderate, Oct 26, 2012.

  1. moderate

    moderate MDL Guru

    Aug 31, 2009
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    #1 moderate, Oct 26, 2012
    Last edited: Oct 27, 2012
    MS just pissed me with its "upgrade" key restriction, because last thing I want to, is mess after old OS.
    So I did this nice combo:
    1. Installed W8 Pro VL on clean HDD (VL didn't asked for key for obvious reason)
    2. Activated it using mooo KMS (this is optional, I just did it for fun)
    3. Changed DVD from VL to OEM/Retail/(Burned from Windows Upgrade Assistant)
    4. Runned SETUP.EXE, entered "upgrade" key and installed W8 Pro (with WMC, but that is defined by key itself) non-VL by "Upgrade" :)

    I've checked the files on HDD and they are same as clean install of non-VL...
    ...protocol of 2nd installation just reports that 99% of files was just skipped, because the content of source and target file was same :D
    ...or do you know easier way? :)

    Used ISOs:
    1. en_windows_8_pro_vl_x64_dvd_917699.iso
    2. en_windows_8_x64_dvd_915440.iso

    or (for x32)

    1. en_windows_8_pro_vl_x86_dvd_917830.iso
    2. en_windows_8_x86_dvd_915417.iso

    To remove all backups from old system, just run cleanmgr.exe (with admin rights, otherwise you will not see all items) (in system32) and check all items in the list....