Is it legit?

[prroots]

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 **

 

[pebbly]

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

 

[electrotune1200]

Looks a bit funny to me.

 

[prroots]

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?

 

[Bill2]

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.

 

[pebbly]

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

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

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".

 

[prroots]

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

 

[Tews]

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

 

[Jonathan_King]

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

 

[prroots]

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

Interesting. Thanks

Any hints on where to get the best deal?
Pete

 

[Jonathan_King]

Try the Microsoft store: Category Results for Windows 7 on Microsoft Store

 

[prroots]

Try the Microsoft store: Category Results for Windows 7 on Microsoft Store

Thanks. This is a lot cheaper for $70. Why wouldn't I go that route:
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Anytime Upgrade from Home Premium - Operating Systems

 

[thefabe]

Their were a lot of keys for sale on ebay but "somebody" brought it to Ebays atttention, and the items were removed. So the legitmate ways offered here are the best way to go. Fabe

 

[Jonathan_King]

Try the Microsoft store: Category Results for Windows 7 on Microsoft Store

Thanks. This is a lot cheaper for $70. Why wouldn't I go that route:
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Anytime Upgrade from Home Premium - Operating Systems

I don't know what the licensing is for Anytime keys. Is it legal to use them to upgrade from any other edition or Windows version?

Put it this way: if you post here saying you did so, I will not flag you for piracy. At the same time, I can't endorse it because I have no idea if it's legal or not.

 

[prroots]

Try the Microsoft store: Category Results for Windows 7 on Microsoft Store

Thanks. This is a lot cheaper for $70. Why wouldn't I go that route:
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Anytime Upgrade from Home Premium - Operating Systems

I don't know what the licensing is for Anytime keys. Is it legal to use them to upgrade from any other edition or Windows version?

Put it this way: if you post here saying you did so, I will not flag you for piracy. At the same time, I can't endorse it because I have no idea if it's legal or not.

I was assuming that anything for sale on a legitimate site like NewEgg.com would be OK. I am not interested for myself, but I have friends who are interested in upgrading from Vista Home Premium. I don't want to mislead them; hence my inquiry. As an aside, there seems to be a lot of uncertainties regarding this issue.

 

[Guntmeister]

The Anytime Upgrade is to upgrade Win7 Home Edition to Win 7 Pro. This will not work to upgrade from Vista or XP. You must have 7 Home already installed.

Pros: Much easier than most upgrades. No disc. Just type code into the Anytime Upgrade utility which is built into Windows 7. Takes about 10 minutes.
Cons: Requires an Internet connection to download the update.
Other Thoughts: Many deals on PC's come with the Win7 home edition. This is a inexpensive and simple way to get pro. Among other things, Pro gives you domain connectivity, RDS and XP model.