Buying Windows

[Willzzz]

I currently have a computer with Windows XP and this is starting to become a bit annoying with a lack of support for new games.

Now I'm planning on a new build sometime next year (ideally Haswell) and don't want to waste money on a computer that I will only be using for a few months more gaming wise.

What are my options? Can I buy a new copy of windows and move it on to my new system next year?
I'm perfectly happy with Windows 8, not put off by Metro. I just want something that can handle DX11 etc.

When new games say Vista required but run on DX9 does this mean they won't work on Win XP or that they just haven't been fully tested on XP?

[kalniel]

You can transfer retail versions of Windows to a new computer, but not OEM versions. To make up for that, OEM versions are significantly cheaper, so it might even work out less expensive to buy two OEM licenses than a single retail license.

If a game says Vista is required then it usually means it won't run on XP - it's not just about DX10/11, but a completely different Windows driver model or requiring Live! integration or something similar.

Of course, now XP isn't supported it might also be they never tested it on XP, so can't say if it'll work, but it's not just about DX.

[Willzzz]

Hmm, well I don't think I can be fussed to spend £66 just for a few months worth of use. I guess those pesky games developers don't want my money

[kalniel]

Hmm, well I don't think I can be fussed to spend £66 just for a few months worth of use. I guess those pesky games developers don't want my money

You can wait a few months to play them I'm sure - they won't go off

In the meantime there's tons of games still that can be played on XP.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Windows 8 upgrade is around $39:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6373/w...n-october-26th

It is meant to be around £25.

[scaryjim]

Get the release preview of Windows 8
dual boot
install Vista+ games to preview OS
??????
Profit

[Willzzz]

Will that not expire when Win8 is released?

[KaKTy3]

Windows 8 upgrade is around $39:
It is meant to be around £25.

An upgrade will be available from Micro$oft for £24.99 as a download from 26-Oct onwards.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

A XP key/install will work with the Windows 8 upgrade.

[kalniel]

Will that not expire when Win8 is released?

More or less, but you'll be able to play your vista games now, and can buy a new OS with the new computer.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Get the release preview of Windows 8
dual boot
install Vista+ games to preview OS
??????
Profit

You will need a valid key AFAIK to upgrade from XP or Vista. IIRC,the preview versions of Win8 can be upgraded too. The OP says they have XP already,so they can just re-install this on their new rig when they build it and go directly to an upgrade.

I did that for my current system as I just re-installed Vista for my new build,re-registered the license and then did a Windows 7 upgrade.

AFAIK,the RTM trials of Windows 7 and Windows 8 won't work.

[Willzzz]

The only issue is that I don't quite know whether my copy of XP is fully legit. I had it given to me, it registered fine and connects to windows update fine, so I've always assumed it was OK. Is that proof it is legit and eligible for the upgrade?

[kalniel]

The only issue is that I don't quite know whether my copy of XP is fully legit. I had it given to me, it registered fine and connects to windows update fine, so I've always assumed it was OK. Is that proof it is legit and eligible for the upgrade?

Look for genuine windows validation - should be around the same kind of area as windows update. Windows update usually requires window to be validated, so you're probably fine.

The problem with upgrading is you inherit the license condition from the OS you're upgrading from - if your XP is OEM then you can't legally stick the upgrade on a new computer. On the other hand if your XP license is a retail one then you transfer the license to the new computer and upgrade it.

[Willzzz]

Is there a way to find my license conditions from the activation key?

[kalniel]

Is there a way to find my license conditions from the activation key?

There's probably a website checker somewhere, but I wouldn't trust my key to them. Do you have a sticker on the case with the key written on it?

[Willzzz]

Nah the guy just gave me a bit of paper :/