Which version shall I buy ?

[TexTwil]

Hello Windows users,
I have a MacBook Pro and I'd like to install Windows 7 in Bootcamp but I'm totally lost in the versions/prices. I read about the version on the wiki and I guess the "Home Premium" 64bits is ok for me.

I went to the online MS shop and almost buy the "Upgrade" version which is selected by default. We can see it only on the picture that it's an upgrade ... :shock:

Anyway, I clicked on the "Full" version and I see that the price can be very different between countries:
German store: 149€
French : 199€

Thing is though that I want an English version but if I go to the US shop, it tells me that I have to use the German one (I'm currently in Germany). If I choose the UK shop, I'm redirected to the US one.

I also checked amazon.de and found and English version for 99€ here. Is this version what I need or is it also an uprade version ? Why there are so many different prices ??

Thanks
Tex

 

[Jonathan_King]

That is the OEM version, which will work fine for you. Be warned, the OEM license means that you can only install the software on one hardware set. In other words, you can't later decide to install Windows on another machine, and use the same key.

 

[TexTwil]

That is the OEM version, which will work fine for you. Be warned, the OEM license means that you can only install the software on one hardware set. In other words, you can't later decide to install Windows on another machine, and use the same key.

Ok, so let's say I buy a new harddisk in some months (I'm planning to buy and SSD), in this case I won't be able to use the same lincese ?!

If this is the case, which other version should I get ? The same but without "OEM" ? I also found one new on ebay which does not have the OEM.

 

[Jonathan_King]

I believe the one on eBay is also an OEM license. Besides, I'd be careful buying Windows on eBay. Many frauds out there.

The hard drive should not be an issue. It's the motherboard the key is tied to.

 

[TexTwil]

I believe the one on eBay is also an OEM license. Besides, I'd be careful buying Windows on eBay. Many frauds out there.

The hard drive should not be an issue. It's the motherboard the key is tied to.

ok, so where can I buy an English version directly from Microsoft when I'm located in Germany ?

 

[Jonathan_King]

You may have a problem with that. Microsoft tends to sell only the version for that area.

I recommend buying the one on Amazon.

 

[Catbodi]

Exactly I wouldn't buy a Windows from eBay I'd buy from Microsoft Site or Amazon if it says sold by "Microsoft"

 

[TexTwil]

ok, so the one I linked in my 1st post seems to be fine. I could find any "Retail" version though so I think I will just buy the OEM.

 

[Zomby88]

Could he buy a retail version from BestBuy online? Or any other retailer here?

 

[not so gray matter]

Make sure that you buy the correct version of the OEM product. Remember you either want 32-bit or 64-bit, I'm guessing 64-bit if you have a MBP because your ram can be upgraded over 4GB. Let me know if you have any issues installing Windows on the MBP, I've done it a few too many times on my machines.

Couple tips:
Make sure you have your OS X install dvd handy when installation finishes.
Use the OS X install dvd to install Boot Camp. (32-bit is easy, 64-bit takes a bit of tinkering)

Download the following before you install Windows:
Latest NVIDIA Drivers
Boot Camp Update 3.1
Your web browser of choice
An anti-virus (Avast or MSE if you're going free)
An anti-malware (Malwarebytes)

If your macbook pro runs hot you might need to set your SMC to run the fans higher than normal. This can be done through an OS X side program called FanControl 1.2 or through a Windows side program called MacFan. Personally I use FanControl because it sets the speed according to temperature.

I can write out a tutorial for the entire process if you want, but there are plenty on the web. Here's a mini tutorial on actually installing the boot camp software in Windows x64.

* Explore the OS X DVD or Extract the files from the Boot Camp download to your home (user) folder.
* Open an administrative command prompt. (Search > "cmd" > Right click cmd.exe > "Run as Administrator")
* Navigate to the location of the Boot Camp Files
o DVD -- Run this command: D:
o DOWNLOAD -- Run this command: cd %USERPROFILE%

* Run this command: cd "Windows Support/Boot Camp/Drivers/Apple"
* Run this command: msiexec /i BootCamp64.msi
* Once the installation has finished, Reboot.
* Download and install the 64-bit Boot Camp 3.1 update.
* Reboot your computer.
* Download and install the latest graphics drivers for your computer.

 

[TexTwil]

Could he buy a retail version from BestBuy online? Or any other retailer here?

But BestBuy is a US store isn't it ? Then I would have to pay the shipping to Europe ... or do they provide downloadable versions ?

Couple tips:

Thanks for your help but I actually did this a lot of times already. I was using Win 7 RC until now.

cheers