Cheapest place to get licensed win7 or 8?

[New_World]

not upgrade as I'm putting it on a new machine.

 

[Noshei]

you should get the same price pretty much everywhere you go as Microsoft dictates the prices.

 

[DarrenP]

Look for an OEM copy. that's what you want. Usually they go on sale from time to time.

 

[Wipeout]

This was from a review on Amazon.Microsoft is getting ridiculous.

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (OEM) System Builder

This is the exact same version of Operating Systems that come pre-installed by all system manufacturers and I am writing this review to both caution and make everyone aware about an apparent change to the Microsoft EULA (End-User License Agreement) concerning the Activation process of these "System Builder" or "OEM pre-installed" versions of the Windows 7 Operating Systems (the capped portion was never a condition for previous versions of Windows Operating Systems, which USED TO be tied ONLY to the system's motherboard through the BIOS) and which states:

Activation associates the use of the software with a specific computer. During activation, the software will send information about the software and the computer to Microsoft. This information includes the version, language and product key of the software, the Internet protocol address of the computer, and INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE HARDWARE CONFIGURATION OF THE COMPUTER." - Section 4, Mandatory Validation.

This means that it is NO LONGER just tied to the system's motherboard (BIOS) as is still popularly believed, but now to ALL hardware components and their exact configuration (including unique serial numbers where applicable) of the target computer on which all OEM or "System Builder" versions of the Windows Operating System in question that is to be tied to them.

Just recently, my Acer Notebook's IDE 0 (Master) hard disk decided to fail on me after just 1 year and 8 months, and of course outside of the warranty period. So I replaced it not knowing of the aforementioned condition of the pre-installed EULA of this product which would BREAK my completely legal and fully purchased version of the pre-installed Operating System the very second I swapped the failing and the new functioning hard drives. Lo and behold, after the change of the hard drive model, serial number and capacity, my pre-installed Windows 7 Home Premium recovery disks (both a freshly ordered set and also a self-made image set) kept returning: "Windows Setup could not configure Windows on this computer's hardware" and kept restarting on the "Setup" screen and would go no further, no matter what I tried (on ALL six installation attempts). Curious, I perused the EULA to see if it could give me any information for why this was happening and discovered the reason for this to be the replacement of a faulty hard drive and because the pre-installed OEM version had remembered the original hardware configuration, and would not permit it's use just because of the new hard drive installation! And again, to remind you, on previous Windows versions, this was NEVER the case UNLESS the motherboard was changed!

 

[Knufire]

I don't believe it, there must have been some other problem. The disk won't stop you from installing windows, in fact, the disk has the same info on it as the retail disk. The difference is just the license number that comes with it.

Interesting fact, all the install disks have all of the features on them as well with a configuration file telling it what to install depending on whether it's Home Premium/Professional/Ultimate disk.

I've used an OEM disk to resinstall Windows on several different computers, which then activated fine with the serial listed on the bottom of the laptop. Even after hard drive replacements.

 

[ATMINSIDE]

I don't believe it, there must have been some other problem. The disk won't stop you from installing windows, in fact, the disk has the same info on it as the retail disk. The difference is just the license number that comes with it.

Interesting fact, all the install disks have all of the features on them as well with a configuration file telling it what to install depending on whether it's Home Premium/Professional/Ultimate disk.

I've used an OEM disk to resinstall Windows on several different computers, which then activated fine with the serial listed on the bottom of the laptop. Even after hard drive replacements.

I did this 500 plus times while I was working as a computer tech.

We had a networked installer, and simply dropped in the customer's serial number once the install was done. The files for the network install all came from DVDs.

 

[RJARRRPCGP]

Looks like your problem may be this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2466753

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...t/thread/9d60ecd8-008d-4702-8a95-5688d1740420

Or a BIOS configuration problem. It may mean a wrong jumper setting for a PCI device, including for onboard.

 

[Johan45]

I've swapped win8 and win7 between 3 different systems more than once. Installation was never an issue. After activation though windows would teel me I might be a victim of piracy, so call this number give them a code they give me a code and ask if it's only on one system and off I go again.
I have to agree you have some other issue. Could just be bad discs.

 

[Leegit]

I was curious about this. So you can buy an OEM license and still upgrade your hardware? I had Windows XP fail to activate on my old computer and after talking with the IT guys, they said the license was bad and I had to go buy another copy

 

[Knufire]

Yup. It's kind of a grey area but the majority of people who call Microsoft get the license renewed.

 

[SteveLord]

Never had real issues either. Closest was the Windows Update that triggers the error "You may be a victim of software counterfeiting" even from completely legitimate copies/licenses.

 

[Wipeout]

I was curious about this. So you can buy an OEM license and still upgrade your hardware? I had Windows XP fail to activate on my old computer and after talking with the IT guys, they said the license was bad and I had to go buy another copy

I had my licensed copy of xp fail activate for one reason.I used n-light to slipstream achi drivers into xp.Anytime you alter the original disc, it will not activate by itself.All I had to do is call Microsoft to activate.No big deal.I would never buy another copy twice.You have a valid key.Its just a matter of calling them to activate, if copy as been altered.

I recently fixed two of my neighbors laptops.One a HP, the other Dell.Loads of old programs, spyware, and the manufactures crapware.Problem solved easily.Download all the drivers from manufacture's web site.Then downloaded a clean copy of windows from Microsoft, and used the key from the sticker on the bottom to activate.It worked out fine for both laptops.

Question?

The motherboard is the only component to worry about, as far as keeping your OEM license active.I'm going to double check this out.I am doing a new build for a friend, and need to give him the correct answers.That seems to be the case from the comments.

 

[mimart7]

If you are a student, you can't get legit copy of an os through your school. or you could get a Technet subscription.

 

[Wipeout]

Only the pain is you have to download pretty much all drivers from Manufacturers website.

I agree, but my biggest problem is being tech support after I fix someones pc.I did not charge either of my neighbors for fixing there mess, but now I'm on the hook for the tinniest problems.I'll let them know, but they wont like the truth.Stop downloading crapware, and learn how to use google for issues, other than porn, email, and facebook.

You have some wild experiences with Microsoft.I bought a copy of Win64, but I will never give them more money if I do change my motherboard.F-that.I will pay for a license, no problem.But not over and over. A pre-activated copy means a loader was used.They simply place a certificate and bootloader onto the boot drive of windows.Then they install that certificate and a serial in Windows.That way, at each and every boot up, after installing the loader a SLIC table (which is used to activate Windows with a Matching Certificate and Serial) is inserted into memory so that Windows thinks that you have an Official OEM Windows SLIC 2.1 BIOS enabled PC.I guess they work pretty well, according to Microsoft Level 3 support that you mentioned.LOL

 

[Kotak]

I found windows 8 for $99 on Newegg.(Windows 8 64 bit OEM)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550

 

[Wipeout]

I found windows 8 for $99 on Newegg.(Windows 8 64 bit OEM)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550

Amazon always beats New Egg... $90.00

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Syste...14&sr=8-1&keywords=Microsoft+Windows+8+64-bit

I am going to buy a new pc gaming case, a Blackhawk Ultra Gaming Tower. Check out the price difference.New Egg sucks! A 40 dollar difference.Talk about getting screwed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ewill-Gaming-Super-Computer&IsVirtualParent=1

http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Gami...1369592652&sr=8-2&keywords=black+hawk+pc+case

 

[Leegit]

Worth a shot?

http://www.techspot.com/news/50875-loophole-enables-anyone-to-get-a-windows-8-license-for-free.html

 

[Xtreme Barton]

I like my plan the best .. Sign up for one class online at community college (supported on msdn school list). Download all microsoft products and others as you wish. Drop the class and have a nice day with $10,000 worth of software. I joke I joke I kid I kid ... Defiantly finish the class


all seriousness aside I would be afraid that microsoft would patch or find a away to fix the loop-hole leaving you in the same situation 90 days from detection..

as far as no upgrades go .. you could probably save yourself even more money jumping through a couple more hoops .. but jumping through hoops in these situations usually entails "crossing" the line somewhere ..

so I suggest you google search a company you trust and accept the price you see.. you might save a few bucks here or there but I dont think your gonna make out that great on this one ..


OMG why did I just type all that crap .. LOL pm sent

 

[drosera01]

Did my post here get deleted??? WHY??

 

[RollingThunder]

Did my post here get deleted??? WHY??

Why? Downloading pirated OS.