what does it mean windows ready 8.1? it already has a cd for your hdd to install? So u dont have to buy windows cd no more?
1602867
It means the motherboard can be used if you plan to install Windows 8.1 on your computer. You would still need to purchase the Windows program separately
1602868
of course not, there is no cd to install windows 8.1, it is saying that is compatible with windows 8.1.
1602869
It means that Windows 8.1 will work on it - no, it does not come with a Windows 8.1 CD - so you *do* have to actually purchase Windows 8.1 then install it.
1720116
Well you do need a clean hard drive and computer that is put together to install it! :) I just purchased this, and installed it on my computer that I freshly built with a hard drive that was completely empty. You don't need anything additional except a computer. I would not suggest buying this system, though. Better off going with Windows 7. I've been trying to get rid of my version of this (it can be installed again on another computer) at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Windows-8-OEM-64-bit-System-Builder-/171125918826?pt=US_Operating_Systems_Software&hash;=item27d7e64c6a
690387
I have installed Windows on hard drives that were brand new and just had the original factory formatting. Once started in the CDROM drive Windows would check the new drive for formatting, format if necessary, and then proceed to install itself on the new drive.
231608
On the box that it is "Windows 8" ready -- you might need to down the latest software from www.buffalotech.com or you may not. Does not mention 8.1 but may work.
736710
Thanks Terence!This is exactly the info I was looking for! One more question, do you know if the copy of Windows 7 that is factory-installed comes already activated or do you have to activate it on first-boot? If I am to replace the hard drive with a new one (that being the only change) I don't want to face potential activation lock-out because Microsoft thinks I'm trying to install it on an entirely different machine.
1989969
You're way beyond my level of understanding. Mine came with Windows 7 installed and works just fine, even after a later re-install when the hard drive was wiped clean to get rid of a virus.
2142359
Windows 8 64 bit comes prep installed. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask.
1720115
Well you do need a clean hard drive and computer that is put together to install it! :) I just purchased this, and installed it on my computer that I freshly built with a hard drive that was completely empty. You don't need anything additional except a computer. I would not suggest buying this system, though. Better off going with Windows 7. I've been trying to get rid of my version of this (it can be installed again on another computer) at: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Windows-8-OEM-64-bit-System-Builder-/171125918826?pt=US_Operating_Systems_Software&hash=item27d7e64c6a
539612
This means loaded on a formatted hard drive. It's not necessary, though. If you can't format the drive, which most Windows operating systems will not let you do, just put the CD in and power-up. After starting, you'll get a command prompt to load from the CD. Then during the early part of the load, a box will come up saying your existing files will be saved in a folder named "old files" or something similar. Just O.K. that and continue.
2190028
The new machine came with Windows 8.1 installed, but it was not Windows 8.1 Pro. All I did was buy the Pro upgrade and install it. The upgrade is not a CD. All you get is serial number that you enter during the upgrade process. So you have a choice, buy the serial number on line and get it immediately or buy the serial number that comes in the box and upgrade after receiving the box.
2205276
it's preloaded with windows 7 pro and the also send along windows 8.1 media disc's if you want to upgrade to it.
467400
When I originally received this laptop in the September of last year, it came pre-loaded with Windows 8. I do not know if models that are presently shipping out come with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 [as Windows 8.1 came out in the October of 2013]. Under the Product Information -> Technical Details amazon page for this device, it states that the Operating System is 'Windows 8' so that may be your answer right there. Seeing as Windows 8.1 hasn't been a forced update, as of right now I am prety sure you'll just get the vanilla Windows 8 OS that you can upgrade at will. Hope this helped.
423672
NO, it will not work with windows 8.1. windows 8.1 does not recognize the existance of the CD in the drive.
224735
Yes ... Windows 8 comes pre-installed ... I purchased mine a few months ago and was set up and ready to go in minutes...
1712427
Presumably because the kind folks at Dell got a better deal from Microsoft for the outdated, inappropriate dog version. A couple days after getting my software and data re-installed on the replacement HD (a common failure, I'm told) I was offered a "free" upgrade to 8.1 (presuming that the three hours of my time costs nothing). So it seems that 8.1 is sort of included - or at least was in my case.
2192661
Flagrant, it means it comes with Win 7 and is up-gradable to 8 OEM specs Operating System: Windows 7 Professional Upgradable to Windows 8 Pro Thanks
522245
Windows 7 comes pre-installed and mine came with an upgrade disk for Windows 8, should I ever decide to upgrade.