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How on Earth can I purchase Windows?

  • 27-11-2017 11:13pm
    #1
    Pelvis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,758 ✭✭✭


    I did a fresh install of windows in the past few days, but when I try to activate it I can't because of an invalid product key. I downloaded it directly from Microsoft and wasn't given a key so did a search on Google and used a generic key for my edition, but still can't activate.

    What's the story? Why is something that should be so simple so bloody frustrating?


Comments

  • #2
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Were you running Windows 10 before your fresh install or some older OS?
    If you were running Windows 10, it should just activate but I have seen it take up to 24 hours. If it's failing, try a phone activation. Start -> Run -> 'slui.exe /4'

    If you were running some other OS then you haven't paid for Windows 10 yet so of course it's not activating.


  • #3
    Pelvis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,758 ✭✭✭Pelvis


    d31b0y wrote: »
    If you were running some other OS then you haven't paid for Windows 10 yet so of course it's not activating.
    Well that's why I started the thread!

    If I go onto Microsoft I can purchase and download Windows. But I've already downloaded and installed windows, I don't want to do it again. If I choose the download option I assume I'll be given a key but will it be tied to that download in any way? Or could I use it with the one I've installed already?
    Copper_pipe wrote: »
    Try Ebay.

    Will cost about a fiver

    Is that legit? What are the pitfalls?


  • #4
    Copper_pipe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,553 ✭✭✭✭Copper_pipe


    Pelvis wrote: »
    Well that's why I started the thread!


    Is that legit? What are the pitfalls?

    I’ve bought a few codes from different sellers and never had an issue with any.

    Once you pay they’ll send you the code on EBay Messages/email and you’ll get a download link too. I get Microsoft office codes off it too.


    Keep an eye on seller feedback and you’ll be fine


  • #5
    d31b0y
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭d31b0y


    Pelvis wrote: »
    Well that's why I started the thread!

    Funny, I forgot I was a mind reader.

    Any cheap keys that you purchase on ebay won't be legitimate for your use. They will be OEM keys (probably) that are only meant to be sold with hardware. They will work but may be revoked in the future. They probably won't be revoked but there is a possibility.

    There's a fairly detailed thread right here on this forum
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057528880

    If you decide to purchase from MS, you will be given a key that you can enter under the activate Windows option. You won't need to reinstall.


  • #6
    Davy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,340 CMod ✭✭✭✭Davy


    Pelvis wrote: »
    Well that's why I started the thread!

    If I go onto Microsoft I can purchase and download Windows. But I've already downloaded and installed windows, I don't want to do it again. If I choose the download option I assume I'll be given a key but will it be tied to that download in any way? Or could I use it with the one I've installed already?

    If you do that, you will pay for the key. You wont need to install and download windows again.

    The licence will be store to your Microsoft account, and should automatically activate without having to manually enter the code.


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  • #7
    900913
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 367 ✭✭900913


    Windows 10 is free for students. Also Office and a number of other applications that you'll need as a student are free.

    I already had windows 10 activated when I bought my laptop but was given a free Windows 10 Pro license on the Microsoft website. You need to register using your student Email address.

    Link:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/Products/Windows/default.aspx

    Your college website should host some software for free too.
    http://www.dit.ie/dclt/ict/studentitservices/getsoftware/


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