Recommended source for Win 7 pro 32 bit

[cadillacmike68]

Any recommendations for where to get a legal copy of win 7 Pro 32 bit? Thanks in advance.

[mikemex]

You can buy an original COA from someone upgrading to Windows 8. I'm also interested in getting one for my desktop PC.

[cadillacmike68]

You can buy an original COA from someone upgrading to Windows 8. I'm also interested in getting one for my desktop PC.

But once registered, isn't the COA not reusable??

[mikemex]

But once registered, isn't the COA not reusable??

From what I know, what is forbidden is to use a single COA in two machines at the same time. But taking a COA from one computer and using it in other should not invalidate it. At most, it's taken as a change in hardware. You should remove the installation from the original machine, of course.

[ZaZ]

I think how it works is if you buy the full version of the software with the box and COA, that is allowed to be transferred from one machine to another, as long as it's not on two machines at the same time. However, the version of Windows you buy with a notebook/PC is not the full retail version, but an OEM flavor. OEM Windows is sold to manufacturers at a discounted price and once installed, is tied to that PC/notebook and is not transferable to another machine.

[cadillacmike68]

Thanks, I understand it now, I need an original full retail version.

[twistero]

Thanks, I understand it now, I need an original full retail version.

You could also consider a boxed "OEM System Builder" version. Technically, the OEM System Builder license only allows you, the system builder, to install Windows on a computer which you will sell to a third party. You're not allowed to install and use it on your own computer.

[mikemex]

That's theory. In practice, you can remove the COA from an used laptop and use the code to install Windows in another machine. To Microsoft it's just a change in hardware, they have no way to tell it's not the same machine. If a representative takes the activation call and asks you for details about your machine, say it's for the original one the COA came from. Again, no real way to tell.

Discounted or not someone paid for that copy of Windows and you've got the right to keep using it. Do not obey unfair laws.

[cadillacmike68]

Thanks, I understand it now, I need an original full retail version.

You could also consider a boxed "OEM System Builder" version. Technically, the OEM System Builder license only allows you, the system builder, to install Windows on a computer which you will sell to a third party. You're not allowed to install and use it on your own computer.

I could sell it to my wife for "undisclosed favors"

You could also consider a boxed "OEM System Builder" version. Technically, the OEM System Builder license only allows you, the system builder, to install Windows on a computer which you will sell to a third party. You're not allowed to install and use it on your own computer.

Where would I find this version? I think I'll put a WTB in the marketplace.

[ZaZ]

I could sell it to my wife for "undisclosed favors"

She married you. Was that not enough?

[twistero]

Where would I find this version? I think I'll put a WTB in the marketplace.

It's sold at many retailers, e.g. newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6832116989

[cadillacmike68]

Where would I find this version? I think I'll put a WTB in the marketplace.

It's sold at many retailers, e.g. newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6832116989

I know that, I'm looking for a discounted price one.

[mikemex]

I just got one Dell OEM COA for my machine. The guy installed Linux on his machine and let it go for $25 including the original installation DVD.

I can confirm it installs just fine. You have to activate it by phone.

[Ratatata]

Since you mentioned phone activation, mind enlightening me how does it look like? I understand that Internet Activation fails with hex error code that indicates major (motherboard difference) hardware change and offers you to activate via phone. It'll provide some phone number to call and a code that you have to enter? Also, is the whole thing automated, or you have to jump through loops and hoops?
Sorry about digging out an old thread.

I just got one Dell OEM COA for my machine. The guy installed Linux on his machine and let it go for $25 including the original installation DVD.

I can confirm it installs just fine. You have to activate it by phone.

[mikemex]

It'll provide some phone number to call and a code that you have to enter? Also, is the whole thing automated, or you have to jump through loops and hoops?

Pretty much. The installer generates a code and you have to call Microsoft and enter such code by phone. Then it will give you back a new code to activate it.

It is automatic but in my XP days I recycled several COAs from dead machines and from time to time a representative picked up the call and asked me about the details of my machine. The only important thing to remember is that is the COA is OEM for a specific brand then stick with that brand when asked about the details of the machine.

Also, I'm not sure if it makes a difference but I installed my copy from a generic disc with SP1 that you can download from Microsoft.

[farmall]

If you run a modded BIOS such as Middleton with an updated SLIC (and of course have the right COA) you may be able to install from recovery media created for another machine.

I just did a Windows 7 Pro 64 bit install on a T61 using recovery media supposedly for a T420. Those media were supposedly good for a variety of Thinkpads but T61 wasn't listed.

Worked like a champ.

[A31]

If you've got the COA and/or a legal key for Windows 7, just download the edition you need from here (perfectly legal) http://www.mydigitallife.info/windows-7 ... e-premium/ then burn the ISO to a DVD and use the key you already have to activate Windows with.

No need to buy a disc when you already have the key.