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Best way to get Windows cheap?
- Thread starter cheaptoad
- Start date
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2004
- Location
- Santa Barbara, CA
If you are a student, you can get DVDs for as low as $20 from your university, or for free from Dreamspark. Otherwise, wait for a deal on newegg or amazon.
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
Windows 8.1 can occasionally be had for like $60 retail, just keep an eye out.
That being said, Windows licenses aren't tied to any particular architecture. Your 32-bit key will work for a 64-bit version of the same OS. You can download the ISOs directly from Microsoft.
That being said, Windows licenses aren't tied to any particular architecture. Your 32-bit key will work for a 64-bit version of the same OS. You can download the ISOs directly from Microsoft.
- Joined
- May 29, 2005
you can't upgrade to 64 from 32, they are different architectures. You will need to do a full format and install of 64bit.
Ok. I have the same question like an author of this thread. How to get Windows cheap. I need it only for running my PC and supporting games. I read some articles about 32 and 64-bit systems and know that I need 64-bit version to support my 8gig RAM. Is there more differences between Windows versions that can influens my hardware?
I am a student in college.
How does Dreamspark work?
I am a student in college.
How does Dreamspark work?
Last edited:
- Thread Starter
- #9
But since I have win7 32 can I install win7 64 on my new drive as a clean install?
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2004
Yes, license keys (assuming they're retail) can be activated up to 3 (at least, it used to be) times. You're only licensed to use one copy of Windows at a time, though. So download the 64-bit version of your current version of Windows (Home, Premium, Ultimate, etc, you MUST use the same version) from Microsoft (Google it), install to your new hard drive using the same license key, then format your old hard drive after you've copied all your data over.
If it is an OEM copy (ie, came with your computer from Dell or something), then you'll probably have to call in to an automate Microsoft line to have them generate a new activation code for you.. that's what I've done in the past (long ago), but your mileage may vary there.
See if your school participates in the program here:
https://www.dreamspark.com/Student/
More info here:
https://www.dreamspark.com/Support/FAQ/
There is no list of schools there. At least I do not see it.
- Joined
- May 29, 2005
I know 8GB will work and probably a 4GB will as well, I don't know about a 2GB flash drive.
I've not had any issues using microsoft's own USB Windows Download Tool (or whatever they call it) to make the ISO onto a bootable flash drive. Heard good things about rufus though.
Please make sure to use the edit button instead of double posting in the future.
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
A 4 gig drive is too small. I've tried, you definitely need an 8 gig. Here is the link for the download tool, http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2005
4GB USB stick is perfect (None of the ISO are 4GB or more...), as to date, that is what I still use to install everything from WinXP to Win8 on current systems. I personally have several 4GB sticks each labelled for different OS installations.
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