Another "Downgrade Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit to Pro" post

[rottencurry]

Win 7 Ult to Pro OR Win 7 straight to 8.1 Pro

Original Title: Another "Downgrade Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit to Pro" post --> Changed because I'm now focusing more on Win 8.1



Windows details:

Intel(R) Core i5-3570K @ 3.40GHz
8.00 GB of RAM
64 bit Windows 7 Ultimate SP1


EDIT: I now think getting an 8.1 Pro Upgrade Product Key is cheaper rather than trying to purchase Win 7 Pro (and also safer; it's sold by Microsoft). Can I use an 8.1 Pro Upgrade key to upgrade a nongenuine/unactivated copy of 8.1 and get genuine Windows 8.1 Pro? If I can do this I would be saving around $100! So please tell me if I'm missing something obvious.

Hello,
I've been using an illegitimate copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit for a few years now (I hope it's OK to admit that especially since I've been honestly trying to change my ways for awhile now. It wasn't even until recently that I knew it was pirated) In short, I want to get genuine Windows so I can upgrade to Windows 10 without having problems in the future. The day that I'm posting this I've spent hours trying to activate Windows. I bought a key (truly too good to be true) for $41.50 from Bonanza.com. I found out that the Product ID contained 069, meaning the Product Key was attached to a blocked MSDN product. Words can't describe my anger towards the person who sold the key (I know I should have been more wary but I guess I'm too naive), but fortunately he refunded me fully.

Luckily I backed up my old install (I clean installed Windows 7 to activate the key) with Macrium and got it to restore correctly, so here I am back on my ungenuine Windows. I tried a few hours ago to look up some more Windows 7 Ultimate Keys to validate my computer and I found some sellers who seem more legitimate (as in my Bonanza seller joined in May of this year and had 100% rating on close to 200 transactions whereas these eBay sellers joined in 2002 and seem more trustworthy). I even considered buying Windows 8.1 Pro (so I can get Windows 10 Pro) to get the key, get validated, and install Windows 10. Then I thought to myself why not get Windows 7 Pro, since it also allows upgrade to Windows 10 Pro and is significantly cheaper from the most-likely-scamming-sellers (but who knows?). Happily I see that I'm not the only one who thought that and looked at several posts on SevenForums on the topic. All of them have some answers I'm looking for but not all of them. For example, some of the posts I've read (some from 2011, some from a month ago) never say if they are using pirated Windows and the ones that do have vague answers (and I do not want to go through the frustration of Windows not working again). So basically this is what I'm looking to do:

1) I've backed up my current install but I don't really care if I have to clean install as I'm aiming to clean install Windows 10 when I get the chance. I have all the drivers necessary and am prepared to delete Windows 7 Ultimate and start clean, whereas other posts worry about having to clean install. Hopefully clean installing Windows Pro will be easier.

2) I need to buy a Windows 7 Pro Product Key (non OEM). Does anyone have any trustworthy sources? I'm thinking eBay if the seller is experienced. I'm going to be wary of even mailed products as a video I watched (can't find it now but it's basically a guy showing a fake Windows 7 Box and disc).

3) Once I install Windows 7 Pro and validate it I use a USB to install Windows 10.

So as I understand I have to edit the registry and then repair install Windows 7 Pro from my desktop once I get it. It seems pretty easy unless I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance for replies

 

[genet]

Do I need a genuine Windows 8.1 before I upgrade or can I upgrade and then verify?

Windows 8 (core): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Windows 8 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

The keys above will let you install 8.1, but that's all it does. After installation is complete, you will still have to activate with your own Windows 8/8.1 key.

How to download and create a bootable Windows 8.1 installation media. -> link

 

[gregrocker]

Since your goal is Windows 10 I would just install the Technical Preview which is to keep offering new builds. At some point it should offer a free or cheap copy of Win10 to those who register and participate in the Insider program, and if not you have time to shop for windows 7 or 10 from a reliable retailer like New Egg or Tiger Direct where we regularly see 7 Pro for $120.

 

[rottencurry]

Do I need a genuine Windows 8.1 before I upgrade or can I upgrade and then verify?

Windows 8 (core): 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

Windows 8 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB

The keys above will let you install 8.1, but that's all it does. After installation is complete, you will still have to activate with your own Windows 8/8.1 key.

How to download and create a bootable Windows 8.1 installation media. -> link

I know how to download and install Windows 8.1 but I can bypass the activation key right? For like 30 days? I'm asking if I can use a 8.1 Pro Upgrade Key without activating regular 8.1 first.

Since your goal is Windows 10 I would just install the Technical Preview which is to keep offering new builds. At some point it should offer a free or cheap copy of Win10 to those who register and participate in the Insider program, and if not you have time to shop for windows 7 or 10 from a reliable retailer like New Egg or Tiger Direct where we regularly see 7 Pro for $120.

I know I can get the Technical Preview but I would rather have a genuine copy of Windows for peace of mind (I know you can technically get a real license key but I would rather have RTM Windows 10). I know my original post was concerned on Windows 7 Pro but now I think getting Windows 8.1 Pro is cheaper. Do you know (as I asked genet above) if I can activate an 8.1 Pro Upgrade on an unactivated 8.1 that I can install with an ISO and a USB? Can I bypass the activation/use the keys provided above to hold it off and then use an 8.1 Pro Upgrade? The reason I'm focusing on the 8.1 Upgrade Key is because:

1) It's sold by Microsoft whereas the Win 7 Pro and Ultimate keys are not (I don't want to be scammed again)
2) The 8.1 Pro Upgrade is around $100 whereas 8.1 by itself is around $110 and Win 8.1 Pro is around $200

How does the upgrade process go from 8.1 to 8.1 Pro? I can easily install 8.1 with an USB, skip/bypass getting real genuine Windows with the keys above, but can I upgrade to 8.1 Pro with a purchased key? It seems too good to be true so I want to make sure before I do anything.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[SIW2]

Not sure why you don't just buy an oem copy of 7 Pro.

They can be had for about $45 last time I looked.

Softicle do them , to name but one.

 

[ThrashZone]

Really prices for 7 pro are much lower than 8.1 pro :/
Matter of fact 8.1 pro and 10 pro are the exact same price 140.us.

 

[rottencurry]

Not sure why you don't just buy an oem copy of 7 Pro.

They can be had for about $45 last time I looked.

Softicle do them , to name but one.

One of the main reasons I don't want to get OEM is because of the safety issue. I know I can look for a legitimate source but I would rather buy a key from Microsoft (see edited post above). Also, I don't want to have to change my motherboard/install a new hard drive to be able to use OEM Windows (most eBay sellers send hardware with the key). Also, OEM has certain restrictions and I would be happier if I had the Ultimate Windows 10 package rather than OEM. I know it probably doesn't have a big difference but I would prefer if it wasn't OEM (so I can change my components I have a gaming PC that I built and somewhere down the line I might want to purchase a new motherboard or something)

Thanks!

 

[rottencurry]

Really prices for 7 pro are much lower than 8.1 pro :/
Matter of fact 8.1 pro and 10 pro are the exact same price 140.us.

I don't think you saw my edited post above (sorry I don't know how to not make that sound mean ). If I can buy a Windows 8.1 Upgrade key for around $95 I can have peace of mind that:

1) I'm buying from a 100% legit source
2) It's 100% not OEM

I know my original post was asking about Win 7 Pro but I've changed my mind. I guess I should change the title but I think I'll keep it. And where is Win 10 Pro being sold for $140? On Microsoft's website it's being sold for $200. I'm assuming those $140 copies are OEM and if I want to change my motherboard in the future or something major (which I will probably do) I would be pretty salty.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[ThrashZone]

I doubt there are any Retail upgrade keys they just do not exist in any version of windows

OEM/ System builds are locked to the mother board only not the hard drive.

Newegg is a legitimate source.

 

[gregrocker]

Another reason to try Technical Preview if you haven't is you may not like it and want to return to 7. So don't buy a lemon like 8 to upgrade to a OS you may not want to keep. I would buy Win7 Prem From Tiger when it comes down regularly to $89 unless you know for sure you need the few extra expensive features in Pro.

 

[rottencurry]

I doubt there are any Retail upgrade keys they just do not exist in any version of windows

OEM/ System builds are locked to the mother board only not the hard drive.

Newegg is a legitimate source.

This is what I am planning to buy if it works

Buy Windows 8.1 Pro Pack - Microsoft Store

I shouldn't have said I didn't want to get OEM because of hard drive, but I probably will get a new motherboard in the future so I would rather not have OEM. I'm hoping I can buy 8.1 Pro Upgrade (and that's it, not 8.1 normal) so I don't have to buy Win 7 Pro from a source that could potentially be selling blocked MSDN keys. The first time I bought the key as I explained above I didn't take any precautions. Now I'm being as careful as I can. I don't know what you mean "I doubt there are any Retail upgrade keys they just do not exist in any version of windows" because I (I guess I should have been clearer) was planning on purchasing the product from the link above, so it's not retail anyway, just email I believe.

Another reason to try Technical Preview if you haven't is you may not like it and want to return to 7. So don't buy a lemon like 8 to upgrade to a OS you may not want to keep. I would buy Win7 Prem From Tiger when it comes down regularly to $89 unless you know for sure you need the few extra expensive features in Pro.

I'm pretty sure I'll want to keep Windows 10 from what I saw, and if I can get Pro I would be happier because I could control which updates are installed. If worst comes to worst, I can reinstall my unlicensed copy of Win 7 Ultimate if I hate Windows 10 and Windows 8. Win 7 Prem may be around $90 from Tiger Direct but the upgrade key for 8.1 is only $10 more and I can have peace of mind knowing nothing could go wrong.

UNLESS I can't use the 8.1 Pro Upgrade key on an unactivated 8.1. That's my main issue. Do you know if I can do that or not? Will it ask me to activate 8.1 first?

I'm thinking now that I should have posted to EightForums but originally I was asking about Win 7 Pro. Sorry if I caused confusion. I don't know how to move this to another place but if that would be better then feel free to do it.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Well you might take notice to this,

Other system requirements


You must be running Windows 8.1 in order to use Windows 8.1 Pro Pack. Microsoft account required for some features. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software.

Not to mention Windows Media Center will not be in win-10 so that feature will disappear if you upgrade it to 10

Also,

Be smart and read the fine print
It's not an os just an addon to the operating system, sadly I made that mistake. I'm sure it'd be worth buying if you wanted the features, I personally only use my pc builds for gaming.

 

[rottencurry]

Hi,
Well you might take notice to this,

Other system requirements


You must be running Windows 8.1 in order to use Windows 8.1 Pro Pack. Microsoft account required for some features. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software.

Not to mention Windows Media Center will not be in win-10 so that feature will disappear if you upgrade it to 10

Also,

Be smart and read the fine print
It's not an os just an addon to the operating system, sadly I made that mistake. I'm sure it'd be worth buying if you wanted the features, I personally only use my pc builds for gaming.

Do you know what "You must be running Windows 8.1 in order to use Windows 8.1 Pro Pack" means? Do I have to be running ACTIVATED windows 8.1 or just 8.1 and still be able to validate Windows with an 8.1 Pro Pack?

I know the limitations Win 8 and Win 10 bring in, but I don't use Media Center much anyway/watch DVDs. I use VLC player and other alternatives so that is not an issue. I just really want to get Win 10. Sorry if I'm asking something nobody knows because I searched it on Google and it seems like no one has the answer.

 

[gregrocker]

Some people will argue with Free.

Might as well install Technical Preview to make an informed decision?

I don't think MS cut off new installs? The TP Clean Install tutorial is now for RTM. Mike ?

 

[ThrashZone]

Yes I know what that sentence means
It means just as stated
You must have a activated copy of 8.1 installed than means a activation key for 8.1
Pro pack is basically windows media center and a couple more items not sure what but it doesn't make much sense to get pro pack if you don't use media center :/
Seem like a waste of 99.00 = tax then upgrade to win-10

Just buy win-10 Home for 89.us or Pro for 129.00
http://www.sevenforums.com/pc-custom-builds-overclocking/75383-best-deals-day-144.html#post3118970

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit - Newegg.com

 

[Layback Bear]

rottencurry I think you got me lost. Give me a hand to try and understand.

What operating system do you want installed on this computer?

What problems are you have getting the operating system and installing it?

Your odds of finding Windows 7, 8 non OEM (Retail) is slim to none. They are like hens teeth.

Will Windows 10 come both in Retail and/or OEM Builders no body is sure as far as I know.

 

[gregrocker]

So you don't think keeping TP runs enough chance of eventually keeping the OS permanently for free?

I was asking if TP is still available for new installs or cut off to all but registered Insiders.

 

[rottencurry]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll list out what I was thinking. I thought it made sense but maybe not.

1)I'm pretty sure you can't get free Windows 10 from the TP anymore. Even if so I would rather have genuine Windows.
2)I want non OEM Windows. I probably will change my motherboard sometime in the future.
3)I was thinking of 'cheating the system' by installing Windows 8.1 on to of my un-genuine Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit SP1. I would skip the activation like you can always do for 30 days. Then, if I could -and I'm still not sure if I can- I would buy a Windows 8.1 Pro Pack upgrade from here...

Buy Windows 8.1 Pro Pack - Microsoft Store

...which seem to just went out of stock.
4)If my idea worked I would be able to upgrade to genuine Windows 8.1 Pro from an unactivated copy of Windows 8.1. It doesn't make sense to me that someone would be able to do this because doing this gets you Pro for cheaper than either 8.1 or 8.1 Pro. That's why I'm asking. What is the upgrade process like?

And to those saying the cost doesn't make sense... It does. Windows 10 OEM might be on some good sales right now but as far as I know the non OEM copies are $200. If my idea worked I would spend $100 to get Windows 10 Pro (eventually).

 

[ThrashZone]

Nope your just wrong that's all,
There are no shortcut to genuine
100.us pro pack will not make a non genuine copy of windows genuine you'll just of wasted 100.us until you do get a retail or oem of 7 or 8-8.1 thus adding to your experimental thinking