Windows 7

msg11

Looking to buy a Windows 7 Home Edition product key? Anyone got any ideas on where I can get a cheap but legit key?

EoinHef

You could download a windows iso online and install the trial and activate it with a key from amazon.

Ive seen it get recomended on a few builds lately.

Heres a link to home premium on amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00ADKZHEG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1383512604&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165


It would work out about €53-€55.

Edit: I think rhe professional version is available at the same price. Could get that insted

Seaaan

Oem copy is £40 on amazon, that's with the disk so now downloading windows from Microsoft, if that's easier for ya

msg11

Well that's what I was looking at doing!

Then I was looking into things even more and was reading a bit about this Windows 8.1. I know it hasn't been getting great reviews and my first impression of it on a laptop was a WTF moment.

But I am willing to give it a go, here's the catch. Well two catches.

1. There is talk of Windows 9 coming out in January, I don't want to go spending money now and then a brand new one is released.

2. What if I spend money and don't like it at all I will be stuck with it and no way back to Windows 7 and no way forward to Windows 9.

Then again Windows 7 suits me fine so far! Is there even a point in upgrading to Windows 8.1?

uncle_sam_ie

First, Windows 9 isn't coming out in January.
Second, with Windows 8.1 you can use third party software to get rid of the new UI. I'm using this one http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/ but, there are many free ones to choose from. Once you have that sorted you then end up with a faster turbocharged Windows 7 that supports DirectX 11.1.
Go with 8 unless you can get Windows 7 very cheap.

msg11

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

First, Windows 9 isn't coming out in January.
Second, with Windows 8.1 you can use third party software to get rid of the new UI. I'm using this one http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/ but, there are many free ones to choose from. Once you have that sorted you then end with a faster turbocharged Windows 7 that supports DirectX 11.1.
Go with 8 unless you can get Windows 7 very cheap.

Any recommendations on what edition to go for ? Will I fork out the 250+ price tag for the pro version ? Or just stick with the normal edition?

uncle_sam_ie

msg11 wrote: »

Any recommendations on what edition to go for ? Will I fork out the 250+ price tag for the pro version ? Or just stick with the normal edition?

You don't need the pro edition, Windows 8.1 OEM 64 bit is what you'll want. The important thing is to get the 64 bit and not the 32 bit.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-165-MS
Someone here might suggest where you can get it cheaper.

msg11

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

You don't need the pro edition, Windows 8.1 OEM 64 bit is what you'll want. The important thing is to get the 64 bit and not the 32 bit.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-165-MS
Someone here might suggest where you can get it cheaper.

That a good site to buy from?

brianblaze

I'm looking to get Windows 8 (64 Bit) so I'm interested here too... Can't seem to find and good deals online. After the disc version

Scirpt

Anyone know if you can use a Windows 7 key on a second PC as long as you don't use the other PC anymore (broken)??

EoinHef

Depends, is the copy of windows full retail or oem?

Scirpt

OEM

Seaaan

OEM binds to the motherboard AFAIK. I believe you can conbtact microsoft, but dont quote me on that!

TheBoffin

An OEM key is a key that is tied to the hardware which constitutes a product. OEM keys are non transferable (legally) some do transfer them. Microsoft's view on this is that the key is for the lifetime of the hardware.

A retail key can be transferred to another PC so long as it is not active on another PC (Unless specified in the agreement)

EoinHef

Yeah it is linked to the first motherboard it installed with. Or supposedly is, a few people have re installed on new builds and not had any issues.

I changed mothrboard and had no issues, although I changed it for a board with the same brand and chipset.

I would certainly try it before I bought a new copy of windows, and if it does not work you could contact microsoft activation center and plead your case.
Failing that you'll need a new copy.

One thing to note is windows 8 oem does not have this restriction, if you do buy oem copies might be worth getting 8 instead to avoid this happening again

TheBoffin

I would certainly try it before I bought a new copy of windows, and if it does not work you could contact microsoft activation center and plead your case.
Failing that you'll need a new copy.

I would advise against contacting Microsoft about an OEM copy. The responsibility of the OEM license lays with the system builder. It will be a waste of a phone call. The only thing Microsoft engage with on an OEM is activation issue on the same system the OEM license came with.

One thing to note is windows 8 oem does not have this restriction, if you do buy oem copies might be worth getting 8 instead to avoid this happening again

Agreed, Windows 8 is one of the first to offer the PUL (Personal Use License) catering for self build systems. A nice little bit of progress

Scirpt

Ok thanks guys, anywhere I could download the installation software and burn it to a DVD or do I have to buy one from ebay?

TheBoffin

Scirpt wrote: »

Ok thanks guys, anywhere I could download the installation software and burn it to a DVD or do I have to buy one from ebay?

Which version? 7 or 8?

Scirpt

TheBoffin wrote: »

Which version? 7 or 8?

7

TheBoffin

32 Bit
64 Bit

That is for Home Premium, If you need other versions just shout

Scirpt

TheBoffin wrote: »

32 Bit
64 Bit

Thanks very much