Upgrade path for INSPIRON 6400 to Windows 8 - how to, buy from whom?

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/cat/Windows/categoryID.62684800

There are only two versions:  Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.  Pro has all the advanced features that most people never use (domain join, encryption, etc.).

Boot "diskette"?!  You'll download the setup file (or ISO image for burning to DVD).  Also note, that Windows 8.1 will soon be available (since the official launch is not until 10/18, you would "pre-order" it now and get the download on the 18th).

Hi Haeberle,

Your question about “boot diskette” I believe is regarding the hardware compatibility. If so, please run “Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant” on your machine. Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant scans your current PC to see if it is ready for Windows 8 and then provides a compatibility report and optional steps for you to buy, download, and install Windows 8. Check the below mentioned hyperlink for more details:

Upgrade to Windows 8

Windows 8 32 Bit runs fine on the Inspiron 6400 apart from the Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth module which has the Toshiba Bluetooth stack. The latest version of driver for the Toshiba Bluetooth stack for the Dell Wireless 350/360 modules has minor incompatibilities with Windows 8.

The Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth which is a Broadcom card which is the second Bluetooth variant in this unit runs fine.

You can easily find a Bluetooth 355 card on ebay and replace the 350 card.

You should install this driver set with Windows 8:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/unofficial-driver-sets/inspiron-laptops-windows-7/inspiron-6400-windows-7-32-bit/

Ignore OS Updates and System Utilities which apply to Windows 7 only. Also follow the above notes on the Bluetooth.

For instructions in installing Windows 8 follow A Clean Install of Windows 8:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

Next buying, in the UK one of the cheapest places to get Windows 8 is Tesco or Amazon:

http://www.tesco.com/direct/microsoft-windows-8-pro-upgrade-edition/735-6120.prd?recommendationId=8ee3a5e1-edf2-426c-b53f-4cd0c96e1b7b.0&skuId=735-6120 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Pro-Upgrade-Edition-Vista/dp/B008GRKGXK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381578423&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+8 

It is about a third of the price of Windows 8 sold via the Microsoft Store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/Windows-8-Pro/productID.272001400 

Also you actually get a physical installation DVD and can use the key you purchased in the retail package to download Windows 8 from the Microsoft store anyway.

In 6 days Windows 8.1 will be available as a free update (for Windows 8 users) so you will still get the latest version of Microsoft Windows.