Installing my OS on a completely blank hard drive and new build

[Danny93]

I'm gonna be working on a new PC build very shortly.
It'll be my first computer fully built by myself. When I buy my OS do I need to buy the OEM version or the complete package DVD?

 

[iPwn]

With an OEM version, you're going to pay a little less for the media but it will only activate on one motherboard. You can make system modifications, but once you change out your motherboard, you need to purchase a new copy of Windows.

With the retail version, you're going to pay more for it, but you can uninstall it from one machine and then install it on another machine according to the EULA.

EULA
http://www.microsoft.com/About/Legal/EN/US/IntellectualProperty/UseTerms/Default.aspx

 

[Danny93]

I found a copy of 7 ultimate for £70, brand new retail version. OEM is at least £120.

Looks like I'm getting the retail version.

 

[Tommy Boy]

I found a copy of 7 ultimate for £70, brand new retail version. OEM is at least £120.

Looks like I'm getting the retail version.

Make sure it's the full version and not the upgrade version because you can't do a full install with an upgrade disc.

 

[Remeniz]

I found a copy of 7 ultimate for £70, brand new retail version. OEM is at least £120.

Looks like I'm getting the retail version.

Windows 7 Ultimate - Retail (Black) is going for £168. So for £70 it's definitely not going to be the full version. Having said that the Home Premium upgrade is £82.

Where are you getting your prices from?

 

[Celegorm]

With an OEM version, you're going to pay a little less for the media but it will only activate on one motherboard. You can make system modifications, but once you change out your motherboard, you need to purchase a new copy of Windows.

Just to make it clear though, should your motherboard fail and you need to replace it, you are able to reinstall with the new motherboard. MS just wants to make sure you don't try and transfer the key form system to system.

 

[Danny93]

If I could get on Amazon I could try find it for you Remeniz, but UK is not responding.
I think anonymous script kiddies may be to blame doing DDOS.

Okay, finally online. Take a look at this.

Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate, Full Version (PC DVD): Amazon.co.uk: Software
On the right of the page, '43 new from £70'

 

[Aastii]

If I could get on Amazon I could try find it for you Remeniz, but UK is not responding.
I think anonymous script kiddies may be to blame doing DDOS.

Careful it isn't used, make sure it explicitly says new and sealed, otherwise the key will have been taken and either sold on seperately or used. I would not, under any circumstances trust Ultimate to cost £70, the saying "too good to be true" applies

 

[Danny93]

There is lots of the online stores listing it as this. I dunno why this is.

"SEALED AND BRAND NEW NEVER BEEN OPENED 100 % GENUINE towards microsoft website, activate, update, registered guaranteed or (money back from 1 week of sale)"
"Brand new and sealed. Full retail version containing 32 and 64bit versions. Includes Certificate of Authenticity. Sent via Recorded Delivery."

It might seem too good to be true... but is it?

 

[iPwn]

I wondered myself how a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate could be so cheap...

A lot of the sellers are newly created accounts, which raises a huge red flag. Only a few had 50+ reviews. One of those sellers was Planet Techno, seems they have quite the lineup so you know it's a legit small business. (40 Products)

Amazon.co.ukLANET TECHNO LTD Storefront

Here's the customer feedback numbers for that copy of Windows 7.

5 star: (80)
4 star: (21)
3 star: (9)
2 star: (7)
1 star: (16)

In the comments customers note that this is an OEM version. There were a few comments about how the keys weren't legit, but with at least 101 of those reviews being positive, sounds fairly good.

As for purchasing from here, that's up to you.