How to get from Windows 8 Release Preview to Windows 8 RTM on MacBook Air?

Hi all, apologies if this is a common question. I've been scouring tens of articles trying to find a straightforward answer.

First of all, I absolutely love PD8.

Now, I have a MacBook Air running Windows 8 Release Preview for the past few months. It will expire in about a week.

What are my options for getting it to a full copy of Windows 8 RTM?

As far as I've read, it is not possible to upgrade from Windows 8 RP to Windows 8 RTM.

I've also read that MS will not provide a download for a full version of Windows 8 RTM.

Is my only option to buy this disc?

If so, what is the best way to get this into Parallels on my MBA without a SuperDrive?

I have a Windows 7 laptop that I could use to create an ISO image of the System Builder disc, which I could then put on a flash drive and insert into my MBA - is that possible?

Any help is much appreciated!

Edit: I just realized this should possible be in the 'Windows' forum, but I can't find a way to delete it or move it.

 

I apologise for bumping my own thread, but I really need an answer to this before expiration and it seems to have been drowned out beneath a lot of spam threads.

 

Hi there,

While upgrading Win8 Preview to Win8 Full Version, it will not keep your files and applications:
http://kb.parallels.com/114985

So this kind of upgrade is like "clean install".

Windows 8 digital copy can be purchased directly from Microsoft Store (seems to be 2X cheaper than in your link):
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbpage.Windows_8_Pro

Good luck with the upgrade! Feel free to post your questions and share your experience on Parallels Forums!

 

Hi Andrew.

I've already gone ahead and ordered the disc I linked as it seemed like the only way.

Re: The digital copy you linked - it appears to be only the "Upgrade" version, meaning I would need to be already running a copy of Windows 7 or lower, or a copy of Windows 8 standard. I don't believe it would work for Windows 8 Release Preview (since it doesn't cost anything, MS would be losing money).

 

Right - you need the full version if you don't have Vista or XP. Glad you worked it out. Feel free to post on our Forums to share your experience any time!