A thought about getting win7

jmaville707 · Aug 1, 2013

I'm currently building a desktop and I would like to get Windows 7 professional, but the retail disc is expensive. I had the thought of buying a vista disk and a vista to win7 prof upgrade disk and just getting to it that way and end out saving 100 bucks. I've never heard of anyone doing this, but it seems like a more cost effective approach. Any thoughts on if it is reliable or not?

rgd1101 · Aug 1, 2013

or just get the OEM.

jmaville707 · Aug 1, 2013

rgd1101 :

From what I've heard, those are for complete systems. The one im working on is going to be a work in prograss for a little while.

bryonhowley · Aug 1, 2013

You can get Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit at Newegg for $99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986 .
Or Windows 7 Professional 64bit at Newegg for $139 at Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992 .

When I used Windows 7 that is what I had. I never had any problems even though I changed hardware quite abit. I had to use phone activation a few times but never had to go past the automated portion and it never failed to activate.

J_E_D_70 · Aug 1, 2013

The only thing you can't change out is the mobo since the license is tied to that.

If you get Win8 system builder even that limitation is lifted.

Dark Lord of Tech · Aug 1, 2013

Get Windows 8 OEM , it's cheaper and you can transfer the license , and perform all the hardware changes you want.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^

OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

jmaville707 · Aug 1, 2013

bryonhowley :

So I'll just have to occasionally call in for an activation? Are there any other differences between the OEM and the retail disk?

Dark Lord of Tech · Aug 1, 2013

Read my sticky above ^ 7 OEM is tied to the first board it's installed on.

jmaville707 · Aug 1, 2013

I was writing my post when you posted, sorry. I can still install on a blank harddrive and everything, right?

Dark Lord of Tech · Aug 1, 2013

Yes it's FULL OEM.

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A thought about getting win7

jmaville707

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Dark Lord of Tech

rgd1101

Don't

jmaville707

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bryonhowley

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J_E_D_70

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Dark Lord of Tech

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jmaville707

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jmaville707

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Dark Lord of Tech

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