Solved Confused on what version of windows 7 to buy.

[Fruito]

Ok so i just built a brand new pc and since my current pc has oem version of windows 7 installed i cant transfer it across, so i have to buy a new windows 7. My problem is what am i searching for, i dont mean stuck on choosing between home premium and ultimate but what type it is. I need whatevers the cheapest, so do i need oem or downlaodbale version etc. I am confused on what i search for, when buying windows 7 to install on a completely new pc with all new components no os isntalled.

Thanks, Tom

 

[gregrocker]

If you have any retail copy of XP or VIsta (installed or not) that you won't use while it is qualifying for Upgrade version, then I'd buy Upgrade version. The best deal now is the Home Premium Family 3 pack of Upgrade licenses for about the price of one license. Google to get the latest pricing.

Other than Upgrade the only real price break is for builder's OEM which becomes locked to the mobo it's first installed upon.

As far as version, almost everyone except those with business needs can use Home premium. I would go by the features to decide: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/14422-compare-windows-7-editions.html

Only buy from a large retailer with a well-known name. If in doubt, ask back here.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

A single OEM license would work and probably be cheapest, but it would be restricted to the current motherboard.

A single retail upgrade license would also work, and it would NOT be restricted to the current motherboard.

I'd get a disk rather than a download and I would be careful about where I bought the disk. The Internet is full of fraudulent suppliers.

 

[rraod]

If your new pc's memory is more than 4 GB then it is better to go for 64 bit windows. Less than 4 GB memory, better to go with 32 bit windows.

 

[Fruito]

Thanks for the swift replies but you say retail upgrade licence, does that require a version of windows already installed, since my new pc has nothing on it, just bought all the parts and put it together, no os is installed. So would the upgrade version work for instance its £40 on software4students and since im a student thats a big saving.

Edit: my begining description may have been confusing as to what i am asking, so ill clear it up for you guys. I am asking about version, as in will upgrade version, oem version(which ignatzatsonic told me thats its restricted to that motherboard) etc.
Not 32 or 64, or home premium or pro etc. Thanks anyway should made myslef clearer.

 

[GianniDPC]

If your new pc's memory is more than 4 GB then it is better to go for 64 bit windows. Less than 4 GB memory, better to go with 32 bit windows.

No, 64bit is always faster

 

[Fruito]

If your new pc's memory is more than 4 GB then it is better to go for 64 bit windows. Less than 4 GB memory, better to go with 32 bit windows.

No, 64bit is always faster

i intend on going for 64bit, since my new sytem is:

Intel i5 2500k
Asrock Extreme 4 Gen 3
HD 6970
Corsiar tx 650w
G skill Ripjaws X 8GB 1600Mhz
CoolerMaster Haf 922

 

[sygnus21]

As Greg said, if you have a previous copy of Windows, XP for example, get an upgrade version of Windows 7. Depending on what features you want will depend on price you pay. Have a look at this - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/14422-compare-windows-7-editions.html

And if you get the retail disk at the store most editions will come with two disks, and I would urge you to install the 64-bit version, even if you have less than 4 gig of RAM. Personally I'd go with at least Home Premium, but that's your call. And even though I have Ultimate, most people (me included) don't really need it, and won't necessarily use all its features. Check out that link and go from there.

Good luck

 

[theog]

Thanks for the swift replies but you say retail upgrade licence, does that require a version of windows already installed, since my new pc has nothing on it, just bought all the parts and put it together, no os is installed. So would the upgrade version work for instance its £40 on software4students and since im a student thats a big saving.

Yes, but you will need a WinXP or Vista license.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

does that require a version of windows already installed, since my new pc has nothing on it,

The upgrade version requires that you OWN a qualifying XP or Vista license. But it does NOT need to be installed.

You can use the upgrade disc on a brand new drive. You will probably have to do the registry workaround to activate it. It's perfectly legal and the way Microsoft designed things.

 

[mrwearysinner]

windows 7 ultimate 64bit best! works marvels!

 

[Fruito]

Ok i dont have a retail version of either xp or vista so im guessing OEM (Home premium as its the cheapest) is the best option.

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks for the swift replies but you say retail upgrade licence, does that require a version of windows already installed, since my new pc has nothing on it, just bought all the parts and put it together, no os is installed. So would the upgrade version work for instance its £40 on software4students and since im a student thats a big saving.

Did you read my post:

If you have any retail copy of XP or VIsta (installed or not) that you won't use while it is qualifying for Upgrade version, then I'd buy Upgrade version. The best deal now is the Home Premium Family 3 pack of Upgrade licenses for about the price of one license. Google to get the latest pricing.

Any friend or family member who has an old copy of XP or Vista can also gift it to you to qualify. You only need to have it on hand, not installed. This is on the honor system.

 

[Fruito]

I must have not refreshed, Ill ask around. How do you go about using the old copy to get the upgrade to work if its not installed?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You don't "use" the old copy. You just have to "have" it---as Greg said, it is on the honor system.

If you buy an upgrade version, you will likely have to do a registry fix to activate it. Takes about 1 minute.

 

[Fruito]

Are there are any tutorials as to what i do for the registry fix or can it easily be explained?

 

[seavixen32]

Have a look here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[alphanumeric]

Personally, I'd rather pay the extra for a full version over an upgrade version just to make the installs quick and easy without having to do any extra steps or worrying about having a qualifying OS. But thats just me. From what I've seen with retail versions get you both a 32 bit and a 64 bit DVD. With OEM you only get the one DVD and have to pick 32 bit or 64 bit. Your product code is still good for either one, but you just get the one DVD. I think most people go with OEM as its cheaper than retail versions. That was one of the reasons I bought an OEM version.

 

[theog]

Are there are any tutorials as to what i do for the registry fix or can it easily be explained?

As the new MOBO has a uEFI BIOS, you need to work those two tutorials together.
How to install Windows 64 bit on a uEFI BIOS:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...e-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?ltr=C

uEFT BIOS setup: you will find a video on Asrock website.

 

[Fruito]

Ok if i find a copy of xp or vista, i am going to go for the digital download from the student site since there cheaper, so the download versions the same but you just have to burn it to disk. Dont have to have retail version to do this?