Where to get cheap copy of Windows 7 or 8?

[whitedragon101]

Does anyone know of the cheapest way to get a copy of Windows 7 or 8?

(I'm in the UK but if its a digital download option or similar hopefully that shouldn't matter)

Thanks

 

[mojolicious]

*subscribes*

I've been looking at buying Windows 7, but everything that isn't the full boxed product looks scary: 'officially recycled activation keys from written computers' etc etc etc.

 

[Gjwilly]

My work buys PCs with Windows 7 Pro stickers on them but then IT installed Widows XP Pro on them. Now they're finally upgrading straight to Windows 7 Enterprise so the Windows 7 Pro license isn't ever used.
I just downloaded the official Windows 7 ISO and then activated with the unused license from my work desktop.
No harm, no foul, right?

 

[mojolicious]

Now they're finally upgrading straight to Windows 7 Enterprise so the Windows 7 Pro license isn't ever used.

If your company's upgrade fee was based on moving from W7 Pro rather than from WXP Pro then those licences were used, even if they were never used. Or something. Who knows?