Hi all,

I am runing windows 7 currently. Windows 8 CP has released for serveral weeks. Many of my friends are trying it. Now I am wondering if I should upgrade it. But I have doubt about windows 8 CP because its a beta OS and its under development. Can you guys give me some suggestions? I have three question here.

1. How long I can use windows 8 CP? Does it expire after the final version is released?
2. Is Windows 8 faster than Windows 7?
3. How can I get the original activated version of Windows 8?

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Please note that windows 8 CP is a beta OS and you might meet problems when you are running. You must think about it over and over. Its really faster than windows 7 when you boot/power off.

To download windows 8 CP, just click here (http://www.forumswindows8.com/windows-8-download/).

Niwkw, welcome to the forum!

Windows 8 CP will be available for use until January 15, 2013.

How long will windows 8 consumer preview last before it expires and i - Microsoft Answers (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-windows_install/how-long-will-windows-8-consumer-preview-last/5201bdf3-1b9f-4037-a8be-556a113812a8)

Windows 8 CP is faster on my HP desktop, see "My System Specs" below this post. Note that my PC is a low powered one, Windows 8 CP will run faster on these, due to the lessor hardware requirements. Plus Windows 8 CP makes the most of what you have.

On my much higher powered notebook, little or no difference in speed, except for startup & shutdown. I probably won't upgrade that one.

threeone has posted where you can get the beta OS. Remember, it's a beta OS, there may be things that doesn't properly work, but then again, you may have few issues. Windows 8 RC will be released within a couple of months, it should be a more refined product.

It's best after downloading the ISO image, to burn it at the slowest speed possible, to get a good quality install DVD. Don't forget to write down the key while you're on the site.

Cat

This is a beta OS. Do not overwrite your Win 7 to install Win 8 CP.

Make an Image of Win 7, then either install Win 8 CP on a separate HD or a separate partition and keep Win 7 where it is. If you do not know how to create an Image of Win 7, do not go on until you do.

You should never replace a released OS with a beta OS.

When the RP is released in late Spring you will once again have to install it over the CP. Then as Cat states when Win 8 is released you will either have to decide to purchase it and install it or keep Win 7.

Keep your real work in Win 7. Do not put important data in Win 8 CP. There are numerous threads in these Forums where people did this and lost the data. This OS is for testing purposes, not as a replacement for Win 7.