fiveopk.blogg.se - Windows 7 activation

That change lasted exactly one year: with the launch of Windows 8.1, Microsoft restored the old licensing terms. To make the subject even more confusing, Microsoft briefly changed its licensing rules with Windows 8, adding a Personal Use Rights clause that allowed individuals to buy OEM Windows and install it on personal PCs. (See " Is it OK to use OEM Windows on your own PC? Don't ask Microsoft.") In the past, Microsoft has been remarkably inconsistent in its advice to customers about whether this practice is allowed. There are no technical limitations to prevent you from using OEM software on your own PC, although this software will work only for a clean installation and not for an upgrade. When I checked just now, a package specifically intended for refurbished PCs cost only $50 for a 64-bit copy.

When I checked a few minutes ago, Amazon was offering OEM Windows 7 Professional packages from multiple sellers at prices ranging from $101 to $150. The current price for OEM Windows 7 Professional at Newegg, for example, is $140. You can find OEM System Builder software from dozens of online merchants.

However, the license agreement with those copies explicitly prohibits you from using that software on a PC you build or refurbish for your own personal use. Under Microsoft's arcane licensing rules, you can legitimately purchase OEM copies of Windows 7 (any edition). OEM Windows software for new or refurbished PCs I don't recommend taking a chance with random sellers on eBay or Craigslist-not when there are so many well-established merchants that offer proper warranties and return policies, as well as an assurance that the underlying Windows license is legitimate.

Staples has a similar selection in its online store.

Many are too old to recommend except for diehard bargain hunters, but if you know what you're looking for you can find perfectly good hardware that costs less than you'd pay for a retail copy of the Windows 7 version it includes.

Newegg has an enormous selection of refurbished PCs as well.

Tiger Direct offers "off lease" Windows 7 PCs for as little as $100.

Other online sellers with similarly extensive selections include the following: Amazon-owned Woot, for example, always has lots of choices in its Computers section, although you'll have to dig into the specs to confirm that the operating system you're looking for is included. There are plenty of sites where you can find "factory reconditioned" PCs for sale at legitimately low prices. Used and refurbished PCs with Windows 7 preinstalled Big online retailers that serve business markets should have similar selections covering a wide range of brands and the full spectrum of prices.