Windows 7 Product Key without Disk?

monksman

monksman

CAGiversary!
Feedback
8 (100%)
Hey guys, so I'm in the process of buying components to build my own PC. Well I'm for sure going to be using Windows 7 as the operating system, but my friend told me that I shouldn't pay the full price for it. He said that he has the disk to install Windows 7 Pro and that all I needed to do is buy an product key online. Can this actually work? If so it this legal? And where can I buy a product key? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
Whether you buy a product key or purchase the retail package, you're doing the same thing. Just go with what's on sale and cheaper.

It will work, but you probably don't need Windows 7 Pro, stick with Home Premium. It'll be cheaper.

The disc itself is not worth anything, in fact they can be downloaded for free from Microsoft. (it would be called "Windows 7 Home Premium MSDN") The disc by itself is useless, it's the unique product key that you're paying for.

This is what you'd purchase;

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premi...&qid=1365856955&sr=8-1&keywords=windows+7+key

Though I don't know why you wouldn't just go Windows 8, it's so nice when you get used to the new features;

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-System-Builder-OEM-64-Bit/dp/B0094NY3R0/ref=dp_ob_title_sw

And there are a ton of sites that will advertise selling Win 7 product keys for like $50 or so. They may work, but they are not legal licenses. I've had clients purchase these in the past (not from my advice) and while they do activate when you get it, often the license will be sold multiple times or pirated and if you ever have to reinstall you will get a counterfeit warning.
 
[quote name='monksman']Thanks for the reply! I think I'm going to stick with 7 due to all the bad ratings I've heard about 8.[/QUOTE]

8 is fine. It's faster than 7 and takes up less space.
 
[quote name='monksman']Hey guys, so I'm in the process of buying components to build my own PC. Well I'm for sure going to be using Windows 7 as the operating system, but my friend told me that I shouldn't pay the full price for it. He said that he has the disk to install Windows 7 Pro and that all I needed to do is buy an product key online. Can this actually work? If so it this legal? And where can I buy a product key? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks![/QUOTE]
Just buy home premium upgrade and you can just boot to the disk and do a clean install that way and save some money.

Here's an auction for 64Bit Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade. Here
 
Good points. I don't think you should hate on something solely on the fact that it's "different". The speed tets do look promising. Hmm, I guess if I hate the layout I could always install that classic shell people are talking about. Looks like I'm buying Win8!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
[quote name='BigPopov']I haven't really noticed much of a speed difference but I really like the UI additions/changes.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, I shouldn't have said faster. I mean more responsive. Some apps are ~10% faster though.
 
[quote name='aShufflinZombie']8 is fine. It's faster than 7 and takes up less space.[/QUOTE]

This ^^. And if you get Start8 ($4.99) you get the Windows 7 look and feel without sacrificing the speed of Windows 8.
 
I found someone that said they'd sell me a Win7 key for cheap, he seem reputable. I want Win8, but I'm also trying to save money. I don't know what to do!!
 
Not sure what the current offer is, but look up "the ultimate steal" if you're a student (w/email).

I purchased Win7 for $30 but that was a good while back.
 
Product keys are not transferrable like that, especially if it's an old product key tied to a machine. (even if it's never been used) no one is going to be selling you a unused retail packaging for "cheap" because it's worth more than that.
 
[quote name='monksman']I found someone that said they'd sell me a Win7 key for cheap, he seem reputable. I want Win8, but I'm also trying to save money. I don't know what to do!![/QUOTE]

Please don't do that. It's probably a volume lincense that used for piracy. I can't say for sure but I don't want a CAG to get ripped off.
 
I'm going to just play it safe and buy myself a full copy of Windows 8. I'm sure this CAG that told me the deal is trustworthy, but I'm just going to play it safe so I don't end up paying more in the long run.
 
if you are a student with a .edu email address many schools give you free OS copies, or if you know someone with an .edu!
 
[quote name='bfett9']if you are a student with a .edu email address many schools give you free OS copies, or if you know someone with an .edu![/QUOTE]

I don't have a .edu email since our school uses their own, but thanks for the idea. I know a friend in College that might help me out.
 
[quote name='boneless']Where can you get a free copy? I have only seen discounted student rates for windows 8 but never free.[/QUOTE]

I'm not sure, but I'm sure if you looked around you could find a college that gives them out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
bread's done
Back
Top