buying a product key

Electrorazr · Jul 22, 2013

Where can I buy the cheapest copy of Windows 8 Pro? I just built a nice gaming PC and I want my copy of windows to be legit.

apache_lives · Jul 22, 2013

microsoft's website or a reputable computer shop

Dark Lord of Tech · Jul 22, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/keeeo8z

And don't purchase from ebay.

Electrorazr · Jul 22, 2013

I understand not to purchase from ebay... but microshaft wants 199.00 for the pro version... isn't there a place to get a legit cheaper option?

Dark Lord of Tech · Jul 22, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416552

Electrorazr · Jul 25, 2013

If I purchase the OEM version to install is it true that if I have to change a part in my computer that I will have to buy another copy of windows 8 because the OEM version knows what the PC has... kind of like my HP computer that I bought if I try to install the OS from scratch with an additional hard drive or a different hard drive than the original then it hickups because the hardware doesn't match???

Dark Lord of Tech · Jul 25, 2013

Windows 8 OEM is Transferrable but only one computer at a time.Windows 7 OEM is tied to the first board it's installed on.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^

OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC maker, not MS.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 OEM is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

Dark Lord of Tech · Jul 25, 2013

Don't forget to choose a Best Solution when you open a question thread , the forum members will appreciate that.Thanks for posting on the forum.

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buying a product key

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