The Windows Blog has a pricing structure listed, and what a deal! This is for Win 8 Pro and includes the Media Center at NO ADDITIONAL COST! If this is indeed true (no reason to doubt it) Win 8 Pro here I come x2

Still no word of the possible release dates!

would say it true Ted as official microsoft and windows twitter are tweeting it

Microsoft‏@Microsoft

RT @Windows Just announced: upgrade to #Windows8 Pro for $39.99 Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99



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Dave, Ummm, your link is the same I posted. Thanks for verifying about Twitter. I do not have an account.

yes i realised it same link it was only that was in the twitter post i copied Ted but it sure is a good deal think it for upgrade version though be interest to see full version price

Should not need a Full Version. The article explains that if upgrading from an existing version you can boot to a DVD and choose Custom install and format as part of the installation. It does however advise not to format ahead of time as this is an upgrade media.

As always, when the time comes, make sure you have a complete Image of your existing OS ready to go in case something bad happens. I know I will.

Monday, Microsoft announced a promotion that later this year will let users of Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 PCs upgrade to the new Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.

Even though he declined to label the price as "aggressive," analyst Stephen Baker of the NPD Group acknowledged that it signaled Microsoft seriousness about getting as many people as possible to adopt the new operating system.

"It's even more important this time around," said Baker, referring to the gamble Microsoft is taking with the dramatically different Windows 8 and its new Metro user interface [UI].

The deal kicks off when Microsoft launches Windows 8 later this year, and offers the most advanced retail version of the new OS, Windows 8 Pro, as the upgrade.

Microsoft has yet to divulge the release date for Windows 8 or the regular prices of either Windows 8 Pro or the lower-cost Windows 8. Most analysts expect the company to debut its newest Windows for Intel- and AMD-powered desktops, notebooks and other devices this fall. If the company makes its "release to manufacturing," or RTM, milestone later this month, as seems likely, it could launch the OS in October.

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Thanks threeone. I merged our two separate threads into one thread. It will be easier for all to see the entire discussion in this way.

This sounds almost too good to be true! I have an old Retail version of XP Pro laying in a drawer next to me, I can install it, just let the Genuine Advantage updates go through, & that will be that. No need to waste time on this (fully updating the OS), as MS is only going to be looking for an activated, validated, genuine version of the qualifying OS's.

Beats the crap out of $200+ dollars. Hopefully, the clean install with this upgrade media will work.

Seriously, I read this article, & was actually drooling from the mouth!

Cat

If you read the article I linked you will see it actually mentions the upgrade path and format during the install. It also mentions not formatting the partition ahead of time, but allowing the format to be done during the install. Also see that this is for Win 8 Pro and includes installing Media Center at NO ADDITIONAL COST! The only additional cost would be $15 if you wish an official MS DVD. I will burn my ISO file to DVD anyway, so the $39.99 would be the whole cost (plus applicable taxes of course.) According to this, there is no need to buy a full version unless you have a new HD, and as you mention, just throw an old version of Windows on just to allow installation from the Upgrade Media.