Windows 8 Release Preview available for download

[stix]

A pre-beta developer version of Windows 8 is available for download:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516

[redk9258]

I've been downloading it for a while now. I'm going to try to install the 32-bit version in Virtual PC first. Then I may try to install the 64-bit version on an extra partition that I have and do a dual boot with my Windows 7 install.

[Ian]

I'm going to try to install the 32-bit version in Virtual PC first.

Yeah, I tried installing the 64 bit version first until I realized it doesn't work in Virtual PC. Gonna give it another go with the 32 bit tonight.

[Ian]

Okay, virtual PC doesnt work at all. You'll need VMWare Workstation 8.

[stix]

running in virtual environment:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/16/running-windows-8-developer-preview-in-a-virtual-environment.aspx

[redk9258]

Well I also found out that you cannot install in Virtual PC. I thought I would try something else that looked kind of slick.... Install to a vhd file instead of a real hard drive. It did work. I was running Windows 8 and decided to reboot to see if I ended up with a boot menu. Not only did I not have a dual boot menu, This install corrupted my Windows 7 install. I ended up restoring my C partition from my last Ghost image. Oh well. I'll try something else.

[stix]

Have successfully installed the 32 bit version. Managed to install Windows 7 driver for USB wireless adapter from CD, and I'm live from inside Windows 8 Developer Preview. Cool.

[Latyerty]

Thanks for sharing! I've just downloaded it. It works cool on my Windows 7.

[Ian]

Consumer Preview is available now.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso

http://iso.esd.microsoft.com/WCPDL/BD1B ... nglish.iso

http://iso.esd.microsoft.com/WCPDL/BD1B ... nglish.iso

[Ian]

Release Preview is now available. This is the last one before the actual release and should be nearly feature complete.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/iso

[stix]

I just noticed it was up on TechNet, with apps. I see the public version is also available.

[Ian]

Windows 8 upgrade offer:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/Pre ... owsPR.aspx

Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows Upgrade Offer for consumers purchasing a qualifying new Windows 7 PC. The Windows Upgrade Offer provides consumers who buy an eligible Windows 7 PC the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of just $14.99 (U.S.) during the time of the promotion, which will be redeemable when Windows 8 is generally available. The Windows Upgrade Offer is just the first of many consumer offers that will roll out in conjunction with the general availability of Windows 8.

[stix]

So, I have the latest Win 8 release preview with apps (TechNet version) 32-bit running.

I still don't like windows 8.

[Ian]

I can't say I'm a big fan either. I'm hoping it grows on me or it will make more sense on a tablet.

[stix]

Windows 8 is now available to Technet subscribers in multiple versions.

Looks like Windows 8 Enterprise is now available to the public as a 90-day free trial download.

[Ian]

Looks like Windows 8 Enterprise is now available to the public as a 90-day free trial download.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcen ... 54510.aspx

You can't upgrade it or enter a serial number though so if you don't want to reinstall, I wouldn't use it.

I'm going to upgrade one of my computers at home as soon as I get some time.