So I really wanted to get started with Windows 8 so I can move forward with investigating the new Metro UI. If you want to do the same you can download the Windows 8 developer Preview at Microsoft’s Dev Center.
There are a couple of options that you will be presented with.
- Windows Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit (x64)
- Windows Developer Preview English, 64-bit (x64)
- Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit (x86)
I downloaded the Developer Preview with developer tools, 64-bit as well as the stand alone 32-bit version. I have a 32 bit laptop that I want to install it on as well as on a separate partition on my main machine. Beware that you will require a DL DVD burner if you intend to burn the 64-bit version with tools. Here is what Microsoft says about it:
Note: The .iso file that contains the developer tools requires a large capacity DVD called a DVD-9, as well as a DVD burner that can handle dual-layer (DL) DVDs. Most modern burners should be able to handle this format.
I don’t have a touch screen yet, but will be looking to get one in the future to truly test Windows 8 the way it was designed to be used. I am hoping there will be some Windows 8 phone emulators out there that I can test my mobile apps on. I already have a few ideas.
So lets get started. first I mounted the 64-bit with tools .iso to my G: drive using UltraISO. Upon inspection of the DVD drive the folder structure looks like this:
This is pretty typical so I double click on the setup.exe file to see what happens. I am first presented with this splash screen.
Next it shows me the Setup screen that asks if I want to Go online to get the latest and greatest. of course, I say sure and click next. One thing to note I also leave the check mark on wanted to make the installation better. Just doing my part.
Then I am told it will take a few minutes.
After only a couple of minutes The setup screen changes to this Checking you PC Screen.
Notice the navigation across the top of the screen. It looks like there are going to be 4 parts to the install. Preparation, Compatibility, Install and Config. It quickly shows a screen and says something about a product key. The screen went to fast for me to get a capture of it. It looks like this will be where future versions will ask you to input your product key.
After this page it goes to the License terms page. I like the line “Make our lawyers happy by reading this carefully.”
I comply because I have a friend who is a lawyer and she would be very upset with me if I didn’t. One thing it says is that I can use but not share any images or icons or sounds. Oops. I guess I broke that one. I check the box and click Next.
Now I am at a screen that scares me.
I haven’t seen anyone else post their install experiences yet and I am not willing to lose everything. I thought I could tell it to install on a specific partition but I guess not. So I guess I will try again on a VM.
After clicking the Close button (X) in the upper right hand corner I am shown this dialog box.
So I click Yes. To be continued….
