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ivorito

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 29, 2010
41
0
hey just bought myself a macbook (normal, white with upgraded ram) and intending to run windows... i was intending to buy windows, but recently i have been offered a pirated version of windows 7.... what are the risks concerned with installing an unlicensed version via boot-camp? will it affect the warranty? thanks
 
You can get an OEM version of Windows 7 Home premium for $100 through Newegg.com. The differences from the retail version are that the license is not transferable from the first machine you install it on, no technical support nor the fancy plastic box.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...54&cm_re=windows_7_oem-_-32-116-754-_-Product

I would not bother with the pirated version. It can be infected and updates through Windows update can break the install.
 
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Depends what you mean by pirated. If it's a free license key and regular install DVD disc, there's no risk other than it might not activate. On the other hand, if you don't have a key and are using a hacked DVD or bootloader, it's basically jailbreaking the OS to bypass the license check and you might not be able to download security updates. Sometimes the pirated windows installers on the Internet intentionally come with viruses installed.

Either way, it's not worth your time. Buy the legal copy.
 
I will do. I dont want to go through all of this complicated computer mumbo jumbo ;) thanks :)
 
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