Is it legit?

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  1. Posts : 46
    Windows 7 Professional
       #1

    Is it legit?


    I have noticed many online auctions for low cost keys for Windows 7. They offer the key but not the software itself. Of course, once you have the software, the key can be used to install Windows 7 on other computers. Is this legit? I'm suspecting that it's some kind of volume OEM key and the sellers are abusing the intent. Here is one example I discovered today:
    ** LINK REMOVED **
    Last edited by Brink; 14 Mar 2010 at 10:54. Reason: Removed link
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  2. Posts : 6,243
    win 7 ultimate32bit, Win8.1pro wmc 32bit
       #2

    there is always the threat of the keys being blacklisted , many "dealers" are buying technet subs and selling on the keys on places like Ebay etc i personnally would steer clear of them
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  3. Posts : 914
    Windows 8 Pro
       #3

    Looks a bit funny to me.
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  4. Posts : 46
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #4

    pebbly said:
    there is always the threat of the keys being blacklisted , many "dealers" are buying technet subs and selling on the keys on places like Ebay etc i personnally would steer clear of them
    Thanks for the reply. What are technet subs?
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  5. Posts : 5,056
    Windows 7 x64 pro/ Windows 7 x86 Pro/ XP SP3 x86
       #5

    In many cases, these are multiple activation keys given to MSDN and technet subscribers. stay away from them, if they get used too often, MS will simply blacklist them and you will loose your money. In any case, it is illegal to sell these keys.
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  6. Posts : 6,243
    win 7 ultimate32bit, Win8.1pro wmc 32bit
       #6

    prroots said:
    pebbly said:
    there is always the threat of the keys being blacklisted , many "dealers" are buying technet subs and selling on the keys on places like Ebay etc i personnally would steer clear of them
    Thanks for the reply. What are technet subs?
    follow this link ,it will give you the info you require Microsoft TechNet Subscriptions Home Page :)
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  7. Posts : 22,814
    W 7 64-bit Ultimate
       #7

    There's just too many people that want to get your money at any cost, don't give it to them.


    "If it sounds too good to be true it probably is".
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  8. Posts : 46
    Windows 7 Professional
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Bare Foot Kid said:
    There's just too many people that want to get your money at any cost, don't give it to them.


    "If it sounds too good to be true it probably is".
    What's the cheapest way to legitimately acquire a product key for Windows 7? Also, what's the difference between advertised OEM and Retail keys? Thanks
    Pete
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  9. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #9

    An OEM key will probably be the cheapest way to go in your case. The thing that you need to keep in mind is that an OEM key is tied to the first machine that it is installed on...you wont be able to install it again if you get a different computer. A retail key can be installed on as many computers as you want, but only one can be activated one at a time..... Hope this helps
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  10. Posts : 13,354
    Windows 7 Professional x64
       #10

    Tews is correct as of Vista; however, the Windows 7 license changed a bit.

    It is now illegal to use an OEM key unless you are planning on selling the machine to someone else.

    If you are doing a clean install on a fresh-built computer without any OS on it, you should buy the full retail version.

    If you have a previous qualifying OS (basically any Windows), you can use the Upgrade license.

    It is possible to do a clean install with an upgrade version: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version
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