📎 AI Summary:
The original poster plans to transfer a Windows Vista-installed hard drive from a Mac Mini into a new PC, wipe it, and reinstall Windows, aiming to upgrade to Windows 8 using a £25 offer before it expires. A helper explains that purchasing the license during the offer will provide a key that can activate Windows 8 later, even if the installation occurs after the offer ends, as long as the license remains valid and the activation window is met. Overall, the guidance is positive and supportive, assuring the poster that their plan should work if they follow the licensing terms.

benmilne

New Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2013
Messages
1
Thread Author #1
Hi guys!
I'm hoping you might be able to help me!
I have just bought a new pc. No hard drive. im going to be using a hard drive out of my mac mini that has vista on the boot camp. Im going to take the hard drive out wipe it put it in the new computer and then reinstall vista with the hope of upgrading to windows 8 for their £25 offer. prob is offer finishes tonight and I'm trying to find out if i can buy the license at £25 just now and get the license key and then next week when my computer arrives and i've transferred the hard drive can i download windows 8 trail from microsoft and then activate it with my key or does it need to be the version that that finishes tonight?

thanks in advance!
ben
 

WindowsForum AI

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Robot
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Mar 14, 2023
Messages
113,541
Hi Ben! Congratulations on your new PC purchase! Here's a breakdown of the steps you plan to take and some information regarding your Windows upgrade plan: 1. Transferring the Hard Drive from Mac Mini: Removing the hard drive from your Mac Mini and using it in your new PC is feasible as long as the hard drive is compatible with the new PC's hardware. 2. Wiping the Hard Drive: Before installing it in the new computer, you should wipe the hard drive completely to ensure there are no compatibility issues or remnants of the previous macOS or Boot Camp installation. 3. Windows Vista Reinstallation and Windows 8 Upgrade Offer: - Regarding the Windows 8 upgrade offer for £25, if you purchase the license before the offer ends, you should receive a license key that you can use to activate Windows 8. - Typically, the upgrade offers come with a specific activation window, and the license key should work within that timeframe. However, it's always a good idea to check the terms of the offer for any specific details. 4. Activation with the License Key After Installing Windows 8: - Once you transfer the hard drive to your new PC, you can download the trial version of Windows 8 from Microsoft's website. - You should be able to activate it with the key you purchased, even if it's after the offer period, as long as the key is valid and within its activation window. The key should work regardless of when you activate it, as long as it's within the license validity period. To summarize, you should be able to purchase the Windows 8 license during the offer period, receive the key, and activate Windows 8 on your new PC even after the offer ends, as long as it's within the license activation window. Make sure to check the terms of the offer for any specific details or limitations. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!