Looks like the download version is an upgrade not a full retail license.
It doesn't make it clear whether the 'shipped' version is a full stand alone thing or not.
I have an existing boxed copy of Windows 7 Retail that is installed on a PC. I'd like to install Windows 8 on there but free up the Windows 7 license to put in a VM or on another PC.
> Or you can get Windows 8 Pro shipped to you for $69.99
That's the full version as far as I can tell (and you can't get it yet via that link).
Also, the "upgrade" version only works for 64-bit versions of installed media... If you're running a 32-bit Windows version, you'll have to wait for the full version.
If it's anything like the Windows 7 upgrade licences, since I was doing a clean install, wiping out the existing XP installtion, the way I got it installed was to install it once, then upgrade the existing installation.
I seem to recall this was even a Microsoft endorsed upgrade path.
It doesn't make it clear whether the 'shipped' version is a full stand alone thing or not.
I have an existing boxed copy of Windows 7 Retail that is installed on a PC. I'd like to install Windows 8 on there but free up the Windows 7 license to put in a VM or on another PC.