Buying Windows 7 Home Premium...where should I get it?

[F_Pastor]

Hey, forum, I'm about to build my new computer (posted about it in the System section) but I'm having trouble choosing somewhere to buy my OS from, which is going to be Windows 7 Home Premium.

I was looking before at this version on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344892818&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+7+home+premium+64+bit

but I was a little worried about what would happen if my motherboard broke... would I have to buy a whole new copy or would buying the same motherboard again be fine?

Otherwise, there's the "normal" version, I guess it's called, for about $150-$160 on amazon too.

But then someone posted in my System Build thread about buying Windows 7 from here:

http://us.ebid.net/for-sale/microsoft-windows-home-premium-x-71238157.htm

I'm assuming it's the "normal" version because it says you can use it on 3 computers. However, I am skeptical about its legitimacy. Feedback looks good, and the person who recommended it said that someone else on this site (I don't know who) said that they were okay to buy from, but I wanted some other opinions or recommendations...

So should I buy the OEM, the regular retail version, or the "regular" one from the last site I mentioned?

 

[CDdude55]

The OEM versions lock into a single motherboard, so if you change the motherboard you'll need a new copy of Windows. As the lincense is tied to the board.

If you plan to stick with the same board for a while and upgrading everything else, then i'd say go for it.

The standard version is the best overall, besides price.

 

[Inferno1217]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

If you replace with the same motherboard then you will be fine. I have called up Microsoft before and had no issues even with a different motherboard.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Never buy software from auction sites.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Newegg OEM would be my choice.

 

[edogawa]

Amazon will be the best choice, no sales tax, quick shipping, and much better customer support.

It's even cheaper on Amazon.

Just get:

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344896154&sr=8-5&keywords=windows+home+premium+7+64+bit+OEM

 

[F_Pastor]

Wait, so if I have to get my motherboard replaced, then having Windows 7 OEM would be able to transfer?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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 ^

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Same model or an equal motherboard would mean your license is still valid.

 

[edogawa]

OEM versions don't come with support from Microsoft.

Retail versions permit you easier system migration to a new PC.

 

[F_Pastor]

Best answer selected by F_Pastor.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Your copy of Windows is locked to the PC on which you purchased it. You cannot transfer that license to another PC.
You can upgrade any components or peripherals on your PC and keep your license intact. You can replace the motherboard with an identical model or an equivalent model from the OEM if it fails. However, if you personally replace or upgrade the motherboard, your OEM Windows license is null and void.

Microsoft.com

 

[F_Pastor]

Oh, cool. Okay, thanks guys.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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