Windows 7 Retail

[ACMDogfight1997]

Does anyone know where I can find retail copies of Windows 7? It's really hard for me to find them.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I did a quick look around and the only retail versions I could were grossly overpriced ones being sold by dodgy vendors. NewEgg still has OEM versions; that may be your only safe choice (there are a lot of counterfeit ones knocking about).

I'm glad I scored my retail copies 14 months ago.

 

[Ztruker]

Go with oem system builder windows 7

Once installed, it's bound to that computer but still, for the price it's the way to go.

 

[whs]

There are plenty of OEM but no real retail. If you have something to upgrade from, here is this.

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade - Newegg.com

 

[AddRAM]

Here ya go.

http://www.evaluesoftware.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=213

 

[whs]

Good find Brian.

 

[bigmck]

Does anyone know where I can find retail copies of Windows 7? It's really hard for me to find them.

It seems odd you are asking for a retail copy. Do you mind if I ask why? You can buy an Upgrade version for the same price as an OEM and it can be moved from one PC to another. You would have to have a previous version of Windows. Do you qualify for that? == An OEM version is the same program but tied to the one PC.

 

[ACMDogfight1997]

What I'm trying to do is to downgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 of any edition. I heard you must buy a retail copy but correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[AddRAM]

There`s a tutorial here but I can`t seem to dig it up.

Hope this helps


Taking A Step Back: Downgrading From Windows 8.1 To Windows 7

 

[whs]

What I'm trying to do is to downgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 7 of any edition. I heard you must buy a retail copy but correct me if I'm wrong.

That's completely wrong. Any OEM version will install just as well and is a lot cheaper.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

 

[carwiz]

You might check with the PC's OEM. Some offer an OEM downgrade complete with disk. (Usually for a price.)
You might also get/create an 8.1 OEM restore disk and save your PID and key for it. You might decide later to reinstall it for an upgrade.

Here's the full story: How to downgrade from Windows 8

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Here ya go.

Microsoft Windows 7

Before ordering from this site, read here. I never heard of Evaluesoftware before now but what I found on the internet about the company made me as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Most of the glowing reviews I did find either could be traced back to Evaluesoftware or were too good (even the best companies get some complaints). Also, they aren't listed with the BBB.

The only places I trust for buying software from (other than the software company itself) are NewEgg and Fry's Electronics (and Fry's tends to be overpriced; I usually only buy when their stuff is on sale). Even Amazon has been known to sell counterfeit software (they often get their software from dodgy sources).

 

[kathy025]

Here ya go.

Microsoft Windows 7

Now I understand why OEMs float about and why Microsoft isn't as imposing when it comes to it technically being available to "system builders only". Full retail discs are indeed expensive.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I personally prefer retail since it can be moved from computer to computer without any hassle. Technically, if you replace a MOBO with an OEM OS on it, you can't transfer the OS to the new MOBO. Usually, M$ will make an exception under those circumstances but you have to talk to them just right. Rumor has it that M$ is becoming less generous with its exceptions.

 

[kathy025]

I personally prefer retail since it can be moved from computer to computer without any hassle.

My thoughts as well. It's unfortunate some countries do not sell the Retail version or it could be very difficult to find. I remember going around several trusted stores in my area (I already live in the capital), only to find OEMs.

My ASUS was sent to repair a while back and the M/B had to be changed. Luckily, I didn't activate the Win7 Pro OEM on the defective M/B.

 

[ACMDogfight1997]

Does it matter if the PC had Windows 8 prebuilt though?

 

[whs]

It matters in so far as the BIOS is probably set to UEFI with secure boot. Installing Windows 7 in that is a bit iffy but there are tutorials on this forum. I would set the BIOS to legacy (NTFS) mode. That will make it easier.

 

[ACMDogfight1997]

Well I'm not the one who's going to install it. I tried doing that but my mom won't trust me. She's not as technologically intelligent as I am and got nervous thinking I would mess up my PC. She's trusting a local PC shop to do it and they're trusting us to find a copy of Windows for them.

 

[whs]

If you want to it really fast and easy, install it in VMware Player. That's the ultimate because you have both systems side by side. Have alook how it works. Just made this video. As you will see, you won't even know Windows7 runs in virtual.

Windows 7 and 8 side by side - YouTube

And for the installation use Shawns tutorial. Just select Windows 7 in lieu of 8. It is really easy.

VMware Player - Install Windows 8

 

[gregrocker]

Tiger Direct has WIn7 Home Premium OEM for $89 and Professional for $135. Very good deals.

Unfortunately MS seems to think it can hide retail Full and Upgrade versions, possibly to cut Support loads since OEM does not include Support. They may also be thinking of all of the PC's owners who've been stuck with the WIndows 8 Phone App on new PC's who need a way to get back to the Desktop experience that XP and now WIn7 perfected.

Yesterday I read 15 pages of Product Reviews on Best Buy for a Lenovo G500 15.6" Laptop 4GB Memory 1TB Hard Drive 59399508 - Best Buy I am considering buying. Nearly every single one gave a scathing review to Windows 8. In fact you'll have a hard time finding any review in the tens of thousands on Best Buy or a comparable site that doesn't rage about Win8. It is amazing it hasn't killed PC sales.