Where is the cheapest place now to buy a legitimate version of Windows 7?

Forums › Microsoft Windows › Where is the cheapest place now to buy a legitimate version of Windows 7?

HenryNZ

55 posts

Master Geek

#199253 10-Aug-2016 11:05

I am looking to buy a copy of Windows 7. I know it is old but I need it for hardware compatibility reason (I am using it to control Astronomy gears, and some still insist on Windows xp!). For some reason retail version of Windows 7 is going for much more than Windows 10 on PBtech. You would have thought it would be cheaper being so old? There are also surprisingly few listings for it on trademe. I am a Mac guy so I am not familiar with the Windows scene, but am I missing something here? Where can I buy a legit copy of Windows 7 at a good price? I saw lots of listings on Amazon and eBay selling product keys only, but they seem rather doggy and as reliability is important I do not want to chance it.

gzt

17166 posts

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#1608527 10-Aug-2016 13:01

You may be comparing home version of 10 to pro version of 7.

HenryNZ

55 posts

Master Geek

#1608561 10-Aug-2016 13:23

Yes, I notice that the higher price of 7 is for a pro version. But I could not find anywhere that sells win 7 basic or whatever you call it, even if I am willing to pay a reasonable price for it.

gzt

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#1608572 10-Aug-2016 13:33

I guess replacing the machine with an ex-lease i3 or similar for $200 or so with COA sticker and windows 7 pro is not an attractive option?

gzt

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#1608579 10-Aug-2016 13:42

Eg;. But C2D...

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=EXWKSDEL0783&name=Dell-Optiplex-780-Desktop-PC-(OFF-LEASE)-Business-

HenryNZ

55 posts

Master Geek

#1608602 10-Aug-2016 14:01

If I can transfer the Windows from that secondhand pc to my Astro computer it will be a good deal. The Astro computer is a set top box size pc with 5 USB and 1 serial port for hardware operability and is smaller than the size of a Mac mini, running on 12v Without fan. If I cannot transfer the license onto the Astro pc then that's not much point.

wellygary

8345 posts

Uber Geek

#1608610 10-Aug-2016 14:18

HenryNZ: If I can transfer the Windows from that secondhand pc to my Astro computer it will be a good deal.

Fairly sure that MS win OEM licenses are NOT transferable to different hardware..

If it came with a full retail version, yip you should be able to shift it, but not an OEM license...

antoniosk

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#1608620 10-Aug-2016 14:35

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Professional-sofware-keycode/dp/B005G0QTAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470796604&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+7+pro

$70USD is a pretty good price with the current exchange rate.

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Antoniosk

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xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#1608707 10-Aug-2016 16:00

wellygary:

HenryNZ: If I can transfer the Windows from that secondhand pc to my Astro computer it will be a good deal.

Fairly sure that MS win OEM licenses are NOT transferable to different hardware..

If it came with a full retail version, yip you should be able to shift it, but not an OEM license...

Correct.

But its not like they'll kick your door down over it.....

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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HenryNZ

55 posts

Master Geek

#1608745 10-Aug-2016 16:39

So it seems I have the following options:

1. Pay a super premium and buy a retail box in the tune of $250. But then I feel a bit ripped off when Windows 10 is only 199.

2. Buy a second hand cheap PC for about $180, transfer the Windows onto my Astro PC, put may be linux on the PC and on sell it to recoup cost. Not straightly legit but tolerated.

3. Buy an OEM license that are being sold on Amazon. Ones that come with a sticker COA. They are about US$70. I also have a local offer here for Similar price. Again not straightly legit as per EULA being OEM version, but may be tolerated.

4. Buy from Amazon or eBay product keys at a very low price. They claim to be legit but not really sure about that. A bit reluctant spending money on something that sounds too good to be true, as high likelihood it is not legal and no better than going to torrent site.

I don't understand why Microsoft has to make it so hard for someone to spend money buying their product. I would be quite happy to pay $100 for a retail set for something that is some years old?

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1608749 10-Aug-2016 16:41

HenryNZ: I don't understand why Microsoft has to make it so hard for someone to spend money buying their product. I would be quite happy to pay $100 for a retail set for something that is some years old?

Because they do not want people using older versions. They want customers to move to W10 where they can better monetize (and support) them.

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#1610604 12-Aug-2016 11:27

You said legit, so breaking lic agreements isnt an option

Win7Pro OEM : still widely available. Can only be sold with a new PC , or installed on a new PC (its one of these)
Win7home : no longer available . (unless you find old stock)
Win7 Remanufactured licence : its a bulk license for remanned PC's . You could assume it cant be transfered.
None of these are options for Legit (unless its a new PC)

Only legit option (?)
Win10Pro : includes downgrade rights. So Buy Win10Pro , downgrade to win7 (must be 10Pro, not home)

Non legit option. Buy a dead/cheap PC with Win7 COA sticker . Use that install key .
You might have to do ph activation .

HenryNZ

55 posts

Master Geek

#1610684 12-Aug-2016 13:06

When I said I wanted "legit" I meant not pirated, cracked or similar. .
My requirement for the PC is that once it is set up it will keep working reliably.
I do not want to have to deal with activation error etc in the middle of critical work.
In fact, once all set up I do not want it to even do any Windows updates else it risks mucking things up.
It will likely not need Internet at all. Although it will be connected to the home wifi so that it can be remote controlled via VPN. The home wifi is on the net though.
So as long as it remains activated and not at risk of being shutdown by Microsoft,I do not feel compel to follow the EULA to the letter.
I think paying for a physical COA sticker from a dead PC is probably my best bet.