Solved Windows 8 and 7 dual boot

A definite "No" -- you can't legally dual boot an upgrade version of Windows 8. It would be a breach of the Microsoft licence conditions.

I heard from several other websites and forums and also a computing professional that it's OK. I also looked on the Microsoft website and it said nothing about it being illegal. I have the box version: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QOxRFkX4f... It says nothing about upgrade only on the box.

If I could work out how I would try to ask Microsoft via email.

Strictly speaking, it is not allowed under the licence. Here is an article that explains Windows 8 licensing, including that particular question - http://www.zdnet.com/how-the-new-wi... But that it is not in accord with the licensing conditions doesn't necessarily mean it is illegal, let alone criminal. Many licence terms are invalid in some countries. In particular many allow you to keep a copy of software as a backup, despite what licence terms may say. In reality, you can do it and both OSs will remain activated (a different situation to trying to install on separate machines) which, I guess, means that Microsoft either can't tell or don't care. Morally - well, that's a moot point. Personally I would say that it's OK to keep the old copy long enough to ensure that you are happy with Windows 8. I suspect that in time you would find that you hardly ever use the old OS once you have everything running properly on 8 and would rather use the space than keep the old version.

Thanks for the article although now this is getting confusing. CNET and even a PC pro told me it was legal, the website doesn't say much and neither does the box while all the forums say illegal. I'm going to wait for a few more responses but it's starting to make me think it's illegal.

Do you really think the Microsoft police will come for you if you do a clean install using the Upgrade media rather than upgrading from a qualifying Windows version?