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Looking to buy Win7 from here - seem legit?

$39.00 for Windows 7 Ultimate (RRP is $320) and the fact that you download the software after purchase should set off some pretty big alarm bells.
I wouldn't go near it personally
 
well although I would agree about being cautious IF you can afford to lose the money you could end up with a bargain.

not recommending it but I have struck luck with some great ebay offers, that have been punts.

If you cant afford to lose it then go with someone who has better feedback
 
It's not legit. He will just give you a torrent link and then email you a serial from a keygen.

Windows 7 Ultimate OEM is 175$ and I'm sure you're fine with Home Premium which is only 100$
 
Hellhammer said:
It's not legit. He will just give you a torrent link and then email you a serial from a keygen.

Windows 7 Ultimate OEM is 175$ and I'm sure you're fine with Home Premium which is only 100$
Click to expand...

Oh I didn't know Premium was only $100. OEM is download from microsoft correct?

Also, all versions now come with 64 bit now right?

Thanks for the feedback guys : )
 
ozreth said:
Oh I didn't know Premium was only $100. OEM is download from microsoft correct?

Also, all versions now come with 64 bit now right?

Thanks for the feedback guys : )
Click to expand...

No, OEM is for system builders meaning that you get no support from MS and the serial only works once, but it comes with install disk of course.

OEM is either 32-bit or 64-bit while retail comes with both. I've used OEMs for years, never had any issues

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

It's same as retail but serial only works once and you get no support from MS (not needed though)
 
i went down the oem route for vista (not for win7) and had zero problems.

I was unaware of the torrent links activity on ebay, doesnt sound good!
 
Hellhammer said:
No, OEM is for system builders meaning that you get no support from MS and the serial only works once, but it comes with install disk of course.

OEM is either 32-bit or 64-bit while retail comes with both. I've used OEMs for years, never had any issues

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

It's same as retail but serial only works once and you get no support from MS (not needed though)
Click to expand...

Gotcha! Thank you. Serial only works once...can I reinstall it on the same machine more than once? Say if I need to do a restore?
 
OllyW said:
You can re-install the OS on the same machine, it's only when you try to install on to another computer that the serial number will fail to activate.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I meant :)

ozreth said:
Gotcha! Thank you. Serial only works once...can I reinstall it on the same machine more than once? Say if I need to do a restore?
Click to expand...

Yea, you can reinstall it on same computer but it won't work on other computer, but I installed my OEM for my Acer this week and used an activator and it took less than typing the serial :D:D:D
 
OllyW said:
You can re-install the OS on the same machine, it's only when you try to install on to another computer that the serial number will fail to activate.
Click to expand...

When it fails you call M$ to activate and they will ask if it is only installed on one computer. Say yes and you get it activated.
 
SavMBP15 said:
When it fails you call M$ to activate and they will ask if it is only installed on one computer. Say yes and you get it activated.
Click to expand...

Doesn't work for OEM as you get no support from MS and the serial is for one computer only. That computer has its own UDID or something so it can only be used with it.

As I said above, using illegal activator actually takes less time than typing the serial :D
 
OEM versions are great, but at least in the US, home/personal use of OEM licenses is clearly outside the current System Builder license. (resale is required).

As such it becomes a personal issue as to whether OEM use is any more "legit" than a keygen and torrent (though why anyone would require a torrent when ISOs are available directly from Microsoft is beyond me).

For more on the issue read the fine article by Ed Bott http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561.

B
 
balamw said:
OEM versions are great, but at least in the US, home/personal use of OEM licenses is clearly outside the current System Builder license. (resale is required).

As such it becomes a personal issue as to whether OEM use is any more "legit" than a keygen and torrent (though why anyone would require a torrent when ISOs are available directly from Microsoft is beyond me).

For more on the issue read the fine article by Ed Bott http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1561.

B
Click to expand...

But if they are only for system builders, why are they sold and advertised in NewEgg? MS doesn't require you to have a contract with them to buy OEM Windows. Only difference I can find is that OEM license can't be transferred and you can't get support from MS.

It would be different if MS required you to be an authorized system builder but as OEMs are sold as retail versions, it can't be illegal, otherwise vendors should check your eligibility
 
So if the motherboard of the computer fails and I get it replaced...that means I can't install the OEM version again right? If that is the case, I will prefer to stay away from an OEM version. Maybe its better to try and get an education discount...
 
macjunk(ie) said:
So if the motherboard of the computer fails and I get it replaced...that means I can't install the OEM version again right? If that is the case, I will prefer to stay away from an OEM version. Maybe its better to try and get an education discount...
Click to expand...

Not sure about that. OEMs are not meant for consumers really. They are meant for system builders which means that they have to offer support, not MS.

OEM version is almost 1/2 of the price of retail so IMO it's worth it anyway. If you can't use the serial anymore, you can just download an activator (illegal) to get it work
 
macjunk(ie) said:
So if the motherboard of the computer fails and I get it replaced...that means I can't install the OEM version again right? If that is the case, I will prefer to stay away from an OEM version. Maybe its better to try and get an education discount...
Click to expand...

If you replace your motherboard you have to phone Microsoft and ask them to re-activate your OEM version.
 
Hellhammer said:
But if they are only for system builders, why are they sold and advertised in NewEgg? MS doesn't require you to have a contract with them to buy OEM Windows. Only difference I can find is that OEM license can't be transferred and you can't get support from MS.

It would be different if MS required you to be an authorized system builder but as OEMs are sold as retail versions, it can't be illegal, otherwise vendors should check your eligibility
Click to expand...

Hellhammer said:
OEMs are not meant for consumers really. They are meant for system builders which means that they have to offer support, not MS.
Click to expand...


I suggest you actually read the information Microsoft provides about their OEM/System Builder licenses and home use. Start here: http://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?PageID=563841

and then actually follow through to the license itself http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/SBlicense which is the contract you are entering in when you buy and deploy an OEM license (at least in the us where such licenses still have some implied validity, YMMV elsewhere in the world.)

This bit from the first link is the current problem with using OEM at home.
Must be preinstalled on a PC and sold to another unrelated party.
Click to expand...

In order to fully comply with the license, you need to use the OPK which requires free registration as a System Builder and then you must also resell the license installed/integrated with a "PC" to someone else. I'm sure there are plenty of mom & pop operations that do just that and get their licenses from NewEgg, so they are the reason NewEgg sells OEM.

The fact that NewEgg doesn't check eligibility (per the license they don't have to, they can resell unopened copies at will, the license only applies when it is opened and installed) and the installer doesn't enforce the OPK requirement doesn't invalidate the terms of the license.

Again, I'm not saying don't do it, just do it with your eyes open and don't fool yourself that OEM=retail-support. It just isn't so.

EDIT: The current disclaimer on NewEgg reads:

Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.
Click to expand...

B
 
balamw said:
*snip*
Click to expand...

Well, it's MS's own fault that they sell it so widely. If it was limited to certain vendors who must check the eligibility, then it wouldn't be MS's fault.

Sure it's against some terms that you agree but so are many other things. MS can't track is the PC sold or not nor is the buyer a system builder or not.

MS makes it too easy for us, who wants to spend twice as much money to get the exactly same thing?
 
Hellhammer said:
But if they are only for system builders, why are they sold and advertised in NewEgg?
Click to expand...

Because NewEgg sells to system builders. (As well as to you and me.)

It would be different if MS required you to be an authorized system builder
Click to expand...

Doesn't that essentially answer your own question? Microsoft doesn't require some specific certification with them. Their agreement says what a "system builder" is and you are required to comply.

but as OEMs are sold as retail versions, it can't be illegal, otherwise vendors should check your eligibility
Click to expand...

The *aren't* sold as retail versions. NewEgg clearly states that these are OEM versions for system builders.

The law doesn't require that vendors check your elibibility in order for the agreement between you and Microsoft to be enforceable.

You *self-check* your eligibility. Kinda like filling out your income taxes. Sure, you can lie, but there can be consequences later.
 
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