How do I go about purchasing Windows 7?

I'm building a new PC and the OS I want is Win7 Professional 64-bit, but I don't know how to purchase a copy of the OS. As far as I know there are two "versions" -- the OEM version, which is reasonably priced, and there is the Retail version, which is holysh*t expensive ($130 more).

The OEM version seems to be the best choice, but I've heard some conflicting things about it. As far as I know, the OEM version is for "system builders," to whom I was bluntly informed are Dell, HP etc. After a bit of searching I've learned that I could also qualify as a system builder, considering I'm building a new PC from scratch and plan on installing a single fresh OS on it. But I've been told that it's also illegal to purchase the OEM version of Windows 7 without the intention of selling it. Is this true? Does the OEM version come with a product key?

I've also tried using that student promo deal where I can purchase it for $30, but the only problem is that I'm only allowed to purchase the Upgrade version, which I don't think will work on a blank system with no prior OS.

To current Windows 7 users, how did you acquire your copy?? Did you buy the pay-out-your-ass expensive retail version, or the OEM, and does the OEM even work?

Here are the versions available:

Full retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116717

OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

Get OEM. There is no difference in my experience.

I've always bought OEM...

Get OEM. There is no difference in my experience.

I've always bought OEM...

Tezcatlipoca666

I got the student version.

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit for $50.

I got the student version.

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit for $50.

trivialrage

I got mine free, yes free, being apart of MSDNAA and being a student has lots of benefits. :)

Got both of mine free :D.I got a student version of W7 Pro 64-bit and also a DELL OEM W7 Ultimate for my studio xps.

I suggest you make sure you have exactly what you want forcomponents before buying OEM. If you change anythign major, (CPU or Motherboard) you will not be able to activate an OEM version after reinstalling. If you buy retail, you can call microsoft and they will reset the hardware id that ties your key to your machine. Also, with OEM, you don't get customer support from microsoft as the OEM's woul have to support it instead of them.

I'm building a new PC and the OS I want is Win7 Professional 64-bit, but I don't know how to purchase a copy of the OS. As far as I know there are two "versions" -- the OEM version, which is reasonably priced, and there is the Retail version, which is holysh*t expensive ($130 more).

The OEM version seems to be the best choice, but I've heard some conflicting things about it. As far as I know, the OEM version is for "system builders," to whom I was bluntly informed are Dell, HP etc. After a bit of searching I've learned that I could also qualify as a system builder, considering I'm building a new PC from scratch and plan on installing a single fresh OS on it. But I've been told that it's also illegal to purchase the OEM version of Windows 7 without the intention of selling it. Is this true? Does the OEM version come with a product key?

I've also tried using that student promo deal where I can purchase it for $30, but the only problem is that I'm only allowed to purchase the Upgrade version, which I don't think will work on a blank system with no prior OS.

To current Windows 7 users, how did you acquire your copy?? Did you buy the pay-out-your-ass expensive retail version, or the OEM, and does the OEM even work?

Here are the versions available:

Full retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116717

OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

Noverech

[QUOTE="Noverech"]

I'm building a new PC and the OS I want is Win7 Professional 64-bit, but I don't know how to purchase a copy of the OS. As far as I know there are two "versions" -- the OEM version, which is reasonably priced, and there is the Retail version, which is holysh*t expensive ($130 more).

The OEM version seems to be the best choice, but I've heard some conflicting things about it. As far as I know, the OEM version is for "system builders," to whom I was bluntly informed are Dell, HP etc. After a bit of searching I've learned that I could also qualify as a system builder, considering I'm building a new PC from scratch and plan on installing a single fresh OS on it. But I've been told that it's also illegal to purchase the OEM version of Windows 7 without the intention of selling it. Is this true? Does the OEM version come with a product key?

I've also tried using that student promo deal where I can purchase it for $30, but the only problem is that I'm only allowed to purchase the Upgrade version, which I don't think will work on a blank system with no prior OS.

To current Windows 7 users, how did you acquire your copy?? Did you buy the pay-out-your-ass expensive retail version, or the OEM, and does the OEM even work?

Here are the versions available:

Full retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116717

OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

gmaster456

Oh please. I have used nothing but OEMs on all the systems I've built and kept and MS has yet to say boo about anything. It's also obvious because I've always activated them after fresh install. So tell me how is it they police this? I here all kinds of negativestories about OEMs but I've yet to see any of them come true. Of course if there wasn't so much misinformation out there these forums would be no fun to read. Good for at least one hearty laugh a day.:lol:

[QUOTE="gmaster456"]

[QUOTE="Noverech"]

I'm building a new PC and the OS I want is Win7 Professional 64-bit, but I don't know how to purchase a copy of the OS. As far as I know there are two "versions" -- the OEM version, which is reasonably priced, and there is the Retail version, which is holysh*t expensive ($130 more).

The OEM version seems to be the best choice, but I've heard some conflicting things about it. As far as I know, the OEM version is for "system builders," to whom I was bluntly informed are Dell, HP etc. After a bit of searching I've learned that I could also qualify as a system builder, considering I'm building a new PC from scratch and plan on installing a single fresh OS on it. But I've been told that it's also illegal to purchase the OEM version of Windows 7 without the intention of selling it. Is this true? Does the OEM version come with a product key?

I've also tried using that student promo deal where I can purchase it for $30, but the only problem is that I'm only allowed to purchase the Upgrade version, which I don't think will work on a blank system with no prior OS.

To current Windows 7 users, how did you acquire your copy?? Did you buy the pay-out-your-ass expensive retail version, or the OEM, and does the OEM even work?

Here are the versions available:

Full retail - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116717

OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758

Rickylee

Oh please. I have used nothing but OEMs on all the systems I've built and kept and MS has yet to say boo about anything. It's also obvious because I've always activated them after fresh install. So tell me how is it they police this? I here all kinds of negativestories about OEMs but I've yet to see any of them come true. Of course if there wasn't so much misinformation out there these forums would be no fun to read. Good for at least one hearty laugh a day.:lol:

[QUOTE="Rickylee"]

[QUOTE="gmaster456"] It is true it's illegal if you don't plan on selling it

gmaster456

Oh please. I have used nothing but OEMs on all the systems I've built and kept and MS has yet to say boo about anything. It's also obvious because I've always activated them after fresh install. So tell me how is it they police this? I here all kinds of negativestories about OEMs but I've yet to see any of them come true. Of course if there wasn't so much misinformation out there these forums would be no fun to read. Good for at least one hearty laugh a day.:lol:

Not my point. I'm saying a difference that makes no difference is no difference.

i agree. Not his fault MS has no way of policing this. Also it's no fault to him, it's a fault for the retailer who sold him the OEM.

The argument over purchasing OEM versions is purely one of business ethics. The OEM version is half price for builders of PCs who plan to use the one license and then sell the computer to another user. I do not know why MS would offer software under these terms on a website like NewEgg that is obviously there for both businesses and the general public. If they really wanted to keep OEM copies out of the hands of individuals they could easily prevent this either by only selling OEM licenses in bulk or requiring purchasers to setup a business account and verify that they are retailers of finished PCs.

If you want to avoid the ethical dilemma here's what you do. Buy the OEM copy, install it on your new PC, sell your PC to a friend for $1 and permanently lease it back again for the same $1. You are now in compliance with the license agreement.