I need a legal new copy of Windows 7

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  1. Posts : 125
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
       #1

    I need a legal new copy of Windows 7


    Hi,

    I have a laptop running Vista Home Premium 32-bit. Now that Micro$oft has discontinued support (and even Mozilla now, also) I'd like to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (the Intel Core 2 Duo T6400 2GHz processor is a 64-bit device). I don't want to get a newer version of Windows, partly because I can't find any drivers for my laptop hardware beyond W7 and partly because I prefer the classic Windows GUI over Windows 8/8.1 and I won't touch W10 with a bargepole.

    A search throws up lots of used copies with genuine product keys that are claimed to be guaranteed to work but I'm a bit sceptical whether the Microsoft servers will let me activate them. Can anyone give me a heads-up on the best way to do this upgrade? I think there are a few genuine brand-new retail copies around from UK sellers but they're still at ridiculous prices and it wouldn't be cost-effective for the life that's left in the laptop or for the remaining support for Windows 7.

    Any info gratefully received.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #2

    Newegg.com has legal copies of Win 7 Pro.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 125
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Jeannie, thanks for responding.

    Unfortunately it appears that only Newegg in North America offers software. That part of the 'All Products' subsection is missing from the UK and other European webpages. In addition, even allowing for the exchange rate it's questionable whether it's cost-effective as I have heard that support for Windows 7 Professional will end in 2 or 3 years.

    I'd be happy buying a used copy if I could be sure that Microsoft will let me activate it on a new platform. I don't know what the procedure is if you want to take it off one computer and install it on another so I'm a bit dubious about the claims made by sellers of used copies.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #4

    "buying a used copy"?
    OEM copy is to be used only in one computer. Once activated on one computer it won't activate in another.
    Only retail copies can be transferred. And those copies worth more than those OEM on Newegg.

    Beware as most Win7 for sale are pirate.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 125
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Those are exactly my concerns. A number of the used copies advertised state that the sale includes a "de-commissioned" PC but, as I said, I don't know if there is a legal way to remove Windows from a computer so it can be installed on another.

    "OEM copy is to be used only in one computer", that's a given but what if I wanted to upgrade my hardware, uninstall Windows from the old system and install it on the new one? Am I correct in thinking that is not possible?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #6

    As I wrote, OEM copy is to be used only in one computer. Once activated on one computer it won't activate in another. You can't transfer to another. Only retail copies can be transferred.
    If you call M$ and explain that your MB has been replaced in warranty, maybe, they reset the key so it can used on the new MB.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 2,774
    Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
       #7

    Altex Electronics also can sell brand new OEM and Retail Windows 7 Professional 32 & 64 bit packages. I purchased two from the Austin TX branch I know they are for real.
    Last edited by RolandJS; 31 May 2017 at 14:19.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #8

    RolandJS said:
    Altex Electronics also can sell brand new OEM and Retail Windows 7 Professional. I purchased two from the Austin TX branch I know they are for real.
    This the link for Win 7 Pro OEM at Altex's website: https://www.altex.com/AdvancedSearch...=windows+7+pro

    NewEgg currently has it on sale for $30 less than Altex: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-804-_-Product

    The only safe, legitimate copy of Win 7 that is available anymore is Win 7 Pro and, until Roland mentioned Altex, the only vendor I would trust for buying Win 7 from was NewEgg. I especially would not trust eBay nor Amazon (Amazon has been known to sell counterfeit products, even from their own stocks). I know it sucks to have to spend so much for a one use product that has less than three years left but it is what it is.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #9

    They can only be used on one machine at a time, because you only bought one license. That is why buying is much better than renting/subscribing. It is why you can sell a car you bought, but you can't sell a car you are renting.

    Megahertz07 said:
    "buying a used copy"?
    OEM copy is to be used only in one computer. Once activated on one computer it won't activate in another.You can't transfer to another.
    Last edited by SIW2; 31 May 2017 at 20:48.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 9,600
    Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #10

    SIW2 said:
    That is not true. It is a common misconception. They can only be used on one machine at a time, because you only bought one license.
    That is for retail copies. Strictly speaking OEMs are to be sold to manufacturers only although that rule has been ignored somewhat. They are also intended to be installed on machine and are not intended to be transferable although some users have been able to convince MS to do so under the guise them still using the same machine that had to have the MOBO replaced. However, MS has become increasingly reluctant to allow the transfers lately. Read this from Microsoft on the subject.
      My Computer


 
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