What DVD to use with Boot Camp to install Windows 8?

[Vicero]

Hey,

I'm a little confused as to what CD/DVD I'm supposed to use to install Windows 8 on my MBA using Boot Camp Assistant.

From my understanding, an OEM DVD is required, not the "Microsoft Windows 8 Pro - Upgrade" CD. And when I buy the OEM, it will come with a 'product key.' Could someone confirm this is correct?

Many thanks.

[pigoo3]

Do you have a CD/DVD drive for your MacBook Air? Since I'm assuming you know that MBA's have no built-in optical drive.

I do not believe that you need an OEM install disk (a disk that ships with a computer when new). You just need a install disk that is "stand-alone"...not an upgrade disk.

- Nick

[Vicero]

Thanks - I seem to have read Windows 8 is different from previous versions of Windows in that they offer only an 'Upgrade' disk from Windows 7 or the "OEM"? Amazon seems to carry only those two types as well.

Edit: Apparently you can make your own W8 installation disk. Hooray!

[chscag]

Windows 8 comes in both a "full" install version and "upgrade" version just as all previous versions of Windows have ever since day one.

[bobtomay]

I think the $250-300 full retail version boxes we've seen with all prior versions of Windows are no more for 8.

You will need the 'system builders' disc - not an upgrade disc.
Don't know if they've modified the EULA for these OEM discs with 8 related to being able to uninstall and move it to another computer or not.

[Slydude]

I beieve the Windows 8 upgrade CD can also do a full installation. I discovered this a few months ago when my brother bought a Windows 8 DVD he could not use. I read the directions somewhere. I think you had to select the full installation and enter the code from your earlier install disc as proof you had owned a legit Windows disc.

[chscag]

Nope, Windows 8 is still being sold in a full edition: Newegg has it here LINK

[Slydude]

At one point I wondered if the DVD I had wasn't a full installation disc despite being marked as an upgrade disc. I was stuck in a weird situation where Windows XP would not install on my MacBook Pro despite multiple attempts from two different discs. He had a Windows 8 upgrade disc that his machine could not use. I swapped him an XP install disc for his Win 8 disc.

The directions I followed were similar to the ones found here