Huh?
Why the double upgrade? That's double the headache and at least triple the time to upgrade.
If this still holds for Windows 8 [as it did for windows 7], you can legitimately do a [quasi] fresh installation from Windows XP to Windows 8 32-bit or 64-bit.
How? Assuming it is the same computer you are upgrading from. Won't be legal otherwise.
In yopur XP machine, back up your date.
Next install Windows 8 [32-bit or 64-bit] but do not enter a serial number. Do not do any updates. Do not fix things. Do not install any missing drivers.
Next, install Windows 8 on top of Windows 8. Your upgraded version is the one where you have a license for. Enter the license key.
Now you can install missing drivers and fix things up. Restore your files and install your apps.
You can not stick with IE8 during an upgrade. Automatically you will be upgraded to whatever the OS came with.
If you seriously need IE8, you will need to run a VM inside Win 8 either using the Hyper-V client [if going Win 8 Pro] or VMware Player or VMware SErver or other VM clients. You will then need a license to install Win XP [can't use the same serial number as the one you upgraded from] or Vista.
