Where can I buy a license key?


  1. Posts : 2
    windows 7 ultimate x64
       #1

    Where can I buy a license key?



    Hello,

    it may sound like a daft question but I have to ask, since I am tired ofbuying windows7 from EBay or amazon as they work for a while and then they getflagged as counterfeit.

    Where can I buy a genuine licence key only, since I have a copy of windows 7already installed? Microsoft is not offering me the option to buy one.

    Thank you
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Sorry


    Sorry it wasn't my attention
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 3,615
    Win 10 x64, Linux Lite, Win 7 x64, BlackArch, & Kali
       #3

    I don't believe anything other than OEM keys are available & I wouldn't trust any offerings. OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer keys are bulk license keys issued by Microsoft to manufacturers for installation on their specific machines tied to those machines via BIOS Slic Table.

    The SLIC table is a portion of system BIOS that is dedicated to containing operating system license activation information. SLIC tables are added to BIOS by large computer manufacturers to expedite the process of licensing operating system software on new computers.

    Is your Win7 installation appearing as Genuine in System
    Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31,242
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
       #4

    There are two types of OEM licence available from Microsoft, (or should say Were available),

    There are those that @Snick has described accurately above, these are the ones that often appear on sales sites online that have been modified to fake the SLIC tables in software, (which Microsoft is aware of and quickly blacklist the keys), they also usually contain other additions such as keyloggers, Bitcoin miners Etc so should be avoided at all costs.

    Microsoft also developed another type of OEM licence, this was aimed at Small System Builders, the Small "Mom & Pop" electronics shops, and some say personal users (there is some "discussion" about this one, But I can say that I've never heard of Microsoft ever not honouring one of these licences because it was purchased by an individual, rather than a system builder

    Now there are still some of these System Builders OEM Disk and Licence packs available, they are not easy to find and it may be that one of the small Mom & Pop's local to you may have one on a shelf somewhere. If you are trying to obtain a legit copy then I would say you need to look at the large online IT stores, (not general store types Like amazon or Ebay), and be prepared to pay a premium price now that legit stock is very rare. Last time I saw a price it was around $150 but I would not be surprised if this was now nearer $200.

    Although the licence should only be acquired in a sealed pack where the disk and key are not visible without breaking the seal, you do not need to lse all your programs and data, see the Inplace upgrade tutorial on this site
    Last edited by Barman58; 10 Sep 2018 at 11:18. Reason: Added Info
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 16,132
    7 X64
       #5

    1.You could try a pc builder/repair guy. They often have system builder copies they can sell you. I have seen them for about £50.


    2. In many countries, restrictive practice ( tying software to specific hardware ) is not allowed, so inhabitants of those countries can purchase legit second hand licenses. That includes so called oem pre installs.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 1,784
    Linux Mint 18.2 xfce 64-bit (VMWare host) / Windows 8.1 Pro 32-bit (VMWare guest)
       #6

    Apparently Newegg.com is still selling Windows 7 OEM licenses:
    windows 7 oem - Newegg.com

    At Walmart.com you can get either Windows 7 OEM or Windows 8.1 retail:
    https://www.walmart.com/ip/OEM-Micro...em-PC/36009635
      My Computer


 

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