Solved Where to buy a non-OEM version of Win7 home premium SP1 64bit?

[Twario]

My current build has been good to me over the years, but it's definitely starting to show its age. I feel that it's time not for just an upgrade, but an entirely new system from scratch. New case, new mobo, new RAM, new everything.

This includes a new operating system as well. I definitely don't want to transfer the OS from this build to the new one. The most I'll do is put some files on a USB drive and copy them over to the new one. There's way too much leftover HP stuff and who knows what else from when this build started as a prebuilt PC some 6 years ago.

I don't want windows 8 or 10, I'm perfectly fine with Win 7. It's flawless, and has less compatibility issues with old games (I'm a sucker for old-school gaming).

I've looked around for a boxed of Win7 copy to buy, but all of them say they're 'OEM', which I've heard not good things about. It's also not the same as what I have currently. All I want is a new replacement for the exact one I already have: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1. I've found this on amazon but I can't find out if it's OEM or not:
Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-Bit DVD + Genuine Product Key

UPDATE: Thanks to your suggestions, I ended up getting this
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com
I think it was the best way to go. It is a tad overpriced I'll admit, and it is OEM (and what do ya know, I found out my current OS is OEM as well ), but it'll have to do because there doesn't seem to be any other legal/safe options as far as I can see. Personally I'd rather do this than get windows 8/10. I just wanted to get this out of the way so I could focus on the hardware of the build. Thanks again for the advice, guys. Wish me luck!

 

[dannyk90]

It looks okay but yeah it's not the official box. Not sure why they don't sell them anymore, maybe to get everyone on Windows 10 to use their market ?

Since it was a prebuilt, you should have a sticker on your pc with the windows serial key, you can enter that into Windows website to download the official windows.iso, they also have a usb tool to make it bootable from USB.

Plug in your usb, boot up from usb, install windows. Simple

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows7 Enter your key here.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool USB tool, use a blank USB stick.

 

[AddRAM]

Danny, his oem key WILL NOT work at the Microsoft site. The Microsoft site IS NOT for downloading factory installed software.

He would also need a new key to activate windows on his new build.


There is absolutely no difference between the oem you have installed by HP and an oem you can buy from Newegg or Amazon.

OEM is OEM it`s the same exact operating system without the HP garbage.

You will not find a Retail version of Windows 7 anywhere, and there`s no reason to buy it anyway. (I know, you didn`t mention that)

The oem version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit you found is perfectly fine.

Although, I myself, would not buy it from Amazon. (Others can elaborate on buying software from Amazon)

Since you`re building an entirely new system, I would get nothing but Windows 7 Pro SP1 x64 from Newegg.

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

 

[Twario]

@dannyk90 Oh, interesting. I might have it written down somewhere. The page you linked says it works with a CD too. So basically if I put it onto a disc, it will act exactly like the disc you would find in a boxed copy of Win7?

@AddRAM
Okay, thanks. I'll do that if I can't find the product key of my current one or if the CD ISO method doesn't work.

 

[dannyk90]

The sticker is usually on the pc at the back.

 

[AddRAM]

You`ll do what ?

You have to buy windows for a new build, you can not use the key from your old build, it may well work for activation, but it`s not legal.

Windows 7 does not fit on a cd, you need a blank dvd and a dvd burner and software.

We could easily post sites to download Windows 7 Home Premium, but you still need a key to activate windows on your new build.

Windows 7 is the last thing you should be worrying about right now.

Coming up with $2000 to get started on your new rig should be the 1st

Items to consider in importance.

1) Motherboard
2) CPU
3) Graphics Card
4) Memory
5) SSD = Samsung
6) Power Supply Unit
7) CPU Cooler
8) Case, Keyboard, Mouse

1) Monitor

 

[Twario]

You`ll do what ?

You have to buy windows for a new build, you can not use the key from your old build, it may well work for activation, but it`s not legal.

Windows 7 does not fit on a cd, you need a blank dvd and a dvd burner and software.

Sorry, should have clarified. I meant I would just buy it if the product key thing from the first reply didn't work. I tried the key and it didn't seem to register, so I guess I'm just going to buy it then. Thanks for linking me to the newegg page, I couldn't find it on there earlier.

As for the parts of the build, I've actually got most of that figured out. It'll probably take more research to get it perfect, but the list I have now seems pretty solid. The new build won't happen until the end of next month anyways though, so I'm still preparing.

 

[AddRAM]

I told you, you can`t use an OEM key at the Microsoft site, you need a Retail or System Builders key to download from that site.

A member will soon come along and post a link for you to download Home Premium from that site, he`s very nice.

I don`t use Home Premium or I would

 

[Twario]

Thanks for the help guys. I've decided I'm most likely getting what AddRAM linked to:

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

I just wanted to make sure if it was a good idea to drop cash on it first. I wanted to get it sometime this week specifically, so I can get it before it possibly goes out of stock (it happened with the win7 copy I saw on newegg earlier today when I googled it).

If I buy this, is it going to be a physical CD or just a key? Is this whole "OEM" thing going to cause unforseen problems for me? Because, I just want to add that I'm building the PC mainly for gaming, including the latest ones like Fallout 4 and Witcher 3.


If I end up buying this copy of win7, I'll probably mark this thread as solved and update next month if anything goes wrong with the OS when installing it in new PC.

 

[SIW2]

The difference between oem and full retail is that you don't get MS support.

There is also mention of it being tied to one machine. That is not legal in the UK or in the EU - software cannot be tied to a specific piece of hardware. I don't know what the situation is in The US.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com



If I buy this, is it going to be a physical CD or just a key? Is this whole "OEM" thing going to cause unforseen problems for me? Because, I just want to add that I'm building the PC mainly for gaming, including the latest ones like Fallout 4 and Witcher 3.

The reviews say it's a DVD and a Key. I'm assuming it's legit.

The only problem you may have is if you later change motherboards and then have activation issues on the new motherboard.

 

[ThrashZone]

Sold and shipped by Newegg it is legit
But still a OEM.

 

[SIW2]

The only problem you may have is if you later change motherboards and then have activation issues on the new motherboard.

If you change mobo, you can ring MS on the toll free activation line, and they will activate for you.

 

[AddRAM]

It will be a dvd and should be in a plastic jewel case or cardboard case and should have, I say should have a COA with the key, or the key will be written/stamped on the packaging.

Don`t ever loose it, put it in the PC when you`re done installing windows.

I still don`t understand what you`re going on about OEM for, there is no such thing as non oem, all oem means is that it was installed by the manufacturer.

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer ( like the door that gets installed on a car by Ford ) when you need a new door you can get an oem door from Ford or a copy made by some other company.

A Retail disc (you can`t find anymore)

And an OEM Disc are the same exact thing, they both contain the Windows 7 install files, that`s it, there is no difference between them physically.

The only difference between Retail and OEM is.

With Retail you get 365 days of support from Microsoft (who needs it) and you can move and activate a retail key from 1 PC to another, as long as it`s only used on 1 PC at a time.

With OEM, you get support from the PC manufacturer, and the key is tied to the life of that PC/Motherboard.

That`s it, nothing more, Zilch, Finnito, Notta

 

[dannyk90]

That's odd, I have used keys from stickers in that website before.

Also that's very expensive that link, I have bought one for £20 before which was just a key but for £10 more you can get the dvd too.

[link removed by admin]

 

[Layback Bear]

You can not just buy a legal Windows 7 key.

Microsoft sells all COA keys with the Microsoft (software) DVD only.

If one finds a site just selling COA keys they will not be legal COA keys.

***Twario, what exactly do you mean by non OEM?

From a expert:

Can buy Windows key without media.

Quote:
Noel D Paton
Noel D Paton replied on

Insider MCC: Content Creator

Reply In reply to deleted message

"Peter0.0" wrote in message news:6f018df2-4d42-4aee-8d74-838cda9f3063...
Seems good... Thanks!


There are NO legal sales of Keys for Windows other than with accompanying software - if you buy from this shop it will almost certainly turn out to be a counterfeit copy. Most such sales will work for a limited period, until the number of activations exceeds the limit, at which time MS will Block the Key from further activations and all current installs will become flagged as non-genuine.
If you've already made a purchase and installed the product I recommend that you visit the Windows 7 Genuine forum and read the Announcements and stickies there - and post an MGADiag report to have the key checked.
Microsoft forums - Windows 7 Genuine Advantage Validation Issues (Windows 7)

--

Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth
Noel Paton
Nil Carborundum Illegitemi -
No, I don't work for Microsoft!
Noel's Windows Helpsite - Homepage
3 people found this helpful

 

[Twario]

@Layback Bear
I edited the OP, I ended up buying Win7 professional from newegg. As for OEM, the reason I was concerned because when I looked it up, the general consensus was that "OEM = bad" or "OEM isn't for the end user". Now though it seems relatively harmless after being informed, and apparently it's the only legal option currently. I ended up not buying the one from the original amazon link I had, because that looked a little fishy. I'm pretty sure what I ended up buying last night instead was legit, I don't think Newegg would be selling counterfeit copies. There might've been cheaper options if I looked hard enough, but I'd rather get it from a trusted site like newegg than some shady seller I've never heard of.

 

[AddRAM]

Excellent choice

It would be nice if you gave some feedback after you receive the package, what it comes in exactly, whether it comes with a COA etc.

Not 1 reviewer gives details on Newegg.

 

[ThrashZone]

What's to feedback it's sold and shipped by Newegg it's good to go

 

[AddRAM]

The 2 questions I asked

I know what mine looks like and came with a COA, just curious to know what they are still selling, how it`s packaged etc.