Windows licensing (OEM, COA, Retail, second-hand etc.)

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Bellzemos

Bellzemos

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Hello!

I have a few questions regarding Windows 7 (and 8) licensing, I hope someone will be able to help me as I've asked around already and no one was able to told me for sure.

I need a licensed copy of Windows 7 (or 8, but preferably 7) for an office computer in a business company (in Europe).

I would of course like to get it as cheap as possible, preferably used or whatever it takes for it to be as cheap as possible while still legal of couruse.

So, can the retail copy be bought second hand and installed on another computer (after being deleted from the previous computer)? Can I get it that way?

What about OEM copies? Can I use one, second hand maybe? Probably not, right?

And what about the COA license? I've seen those offered online, is that legal for a company computer?

Is there anything else, any other way? I really don't know much about licensing and can't find the answers at the Microsoft pages. I emailed them but of course got no reply.

Thank you for your help in advance!
 
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bigwoofer

bigwoofer

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Aug 14, 2013
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Ok I'm no expert on operating system licensing but I can at least catch you up on what I have read and my personal experience which is more than a few hours! Windows operating system is usually licensed for 1 user (computer). Dell and other manufactures automatically validate the operating system (activate it) when the BRAND operating system disc was matched with the original machine. For example I can take a Dell Windows 8 System Repair/Reinstall disc and put it in a Dell computer that originally came with Windows 8 - take note the release has to be correct and Dell and other manufacturers usually call the '1 user' the ACTUAL MOTHERBOARD in the machine.

Nothing wrong with OEM! They just don't offer the box and manual and some technical support options that are offered with the boxed version as far as I know. However there may be some details in there that say "you must be a Original Equipment Manufacturer" but I've haven't read that or looked for it.

SECOND HAND/USED is NOT a good idea - each license is good for so many activations, so if you buy a used one, you may have 0 or 1 activations left for that license.
 
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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While there are differences in the licensing in Europe, with Windows 7 OEM you cannot transfer the license from the original computer. You can with the retail version as long as it is uninstalled from the previous computer. Windows 8 is a bit easier, as you can transfer any of the versions if uninstalled from the prior computer.

You need to be careful to buy from a reputable source though, such as Amazon, like THIS.
 
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Bellzemos

Bellzemos

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Thank you for the replise!

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention the main thing. This Windows 7 is for a computer that will be bought by components and then built by us in the company (namely me). So I guess I can't just buy an OEM licence? Is DSP the same thing?

Do i HAVE to buy a retail version? Where could I order one as cheap as possible (Windows 7 Home Edition is fine), preferably in Europe?

On the link in the previous post I can't find any retail versions (vecause I forgot to tell you that I'll be asembling the computer myself, sorry).

Thanx!
 
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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No, you CAN buy an OEM version. Windows 7 Home Edition x64 would be fine, and would be the cheapest option.

That just means that you cannot move it to another machine in the future, you can even upgrade everything except the motherboard with Windows 7 OEM versions under the license.
 
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Bellzemos

Bellzemos

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Still expensive here, but OK - I've decided to buy the OEM version of Windows 7 at the seller who will sell me all the components (it's the only way possible anyway) and it's over 100 Euros.

What I'm worided about now is this - the end user has an old copy of MS Office 2003 Basic - I've read on the internet that the Basic Edition is only available in OEM installs. He got it when he bought the old computer which had Windows ME OEM on too.

So, will the old OEM Office 2003 Basic work with the new OEM Windows 7? Technically the Office 2003 and Windows 7 are compatible but I'm asking about the combination of the old and new OEM licesing - is it legal? And - will it activate and work properly together?

Thank you.
 
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