cheapest way to get Windows

[stuck]

Hi

I've built a PC and was hoping to get Windows 7 through work. However, I have just learned these are upgrades to Windows 7 and so I already need Windows installed.

What is the best and cheapest option for me here?

I should also note that I don't have a DVD drive so will need to install from a usb

many thanks!

[DanceswithUnix]

Pre release of Windows 10 for now? Don't know when that expires but gives some time to save.

[pgascoyne]

There used to be a old way of installing a upgrade version of Windows 7 similar to the original Vista upgrade path(I did this with Vista Ultimate Upgrade that I purchased).
Install the upgrade as temporary OS and once done install the OS again using the upgrade option now available.
Just google "how-to-clean-install-windows-vista-with-upgrade-media-128230" and there is a guide that should help you out.
I can't url link as I don't have enough posts!

[dalcross]

Hi,
it's not difficult to perform a clean install with upgrade media as above, but if you were looking to stay legal you could look to buy a full retail copy of vista business or another qualifying OS like XP pro from ebay - retail licenses are transferrable.

[GuidoLS]

Hi

I've built a PC and was hoping to get Windows 7 through work. However, I have just learned these are upgrades to Windows 7 and so I already need Windows installed.

What is the best and cheapest option for me here?

I should also note that I don't have a DVD drive so will need to install from a usb

many thanks!

http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Install...-Upgrade-Media

It's not that difficult. Just be aware that if you're installing an Enterprise edition, you will not have a clean update path to Windows 10.

For the record, this manner of installing Windows 7 is legal, according to MS, as long as you already own a machine with a qualifying OS installed. This method also does NOT require a double install, which the Vista install did. I can say that as long as you follow the directions to the letter, this method does work.

[jag272]

Also if DVD drives are any issue, keep in mind that as long as you have a valid license key (you used to not need one, but they moved the links) MS have ISOs of each type of Windows online. They used to be on Digital River but presumably because Windows 7 doesnt really do anything past the trial they have now locked it behind a License Key check.

Anyway you can go there, download the ISO and then use a tool (I used something called "Rufus" when I was building this PC) to burn the ISO and make a bootable USB. From there you just plugin, boot from it and off you go, so buying a retail box is still an option, just not really a cheap one.

[GuidoLS]

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery (requires the product key)
http://mirror.corenoc.de/digitalrivercontent.net/ - German mirror of Digital River. They've not received a C&D letter, so *probably* legal, as long as you have a legitimate key. It's not possession that's the legal issue with Windows - it's usage, and there may be differences in this regard between the US and the UK/EU.
There's a large number of legally available torrents as well, but I'll not post them - just do a Google search if you want to go that route.
https://rufus.akeo.ie/downloads/ - the aforementioned Rufus program.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down...-download-tool - the 'official' MS ISO -> USB program. Works very well.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/univers...easy-as-1-2-3/ - UUI, aka Universal USB Installer. Another ISO -> USB program, mostly aimed at Linux distro's and such, but does have a section for MS products. Recommended even if not used immediately.
If you change your mind, and want to burn to a dvd some day, I posted a very good ISO program in the free software thread at the top of this sub. It's currently the last post there. (Active ISO)

[n14hta]

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery (requires the product key)
http://mirror.corenoc.de/digitalrivercontent.net/ - German mirror of Digital River. They've not received a C&D letter, so *probably* legal, as long as you have a legitimate key. It's not possession that's the legal issue with Windows - it's usage, and there may be differences in this regard between the US and the UK/EU.
There's a large number of legally available torrents as well, but I'll not post them - just do a Google search if you want to go that route.
https://rufus.akeo.ie/downloads/ - the aforementioned Rufus program.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/down...-download-tool - the 'official' MS ISO -> USB program. Works very well.
http://www.pendrivelinux.com/univers...easy-as-1-2-3/ - UUI, aka Universal USB Installer. Another ISO -> USB program, mostly aimed at Linux distro's and such, but does have a section for MS products. Recommended even if not used immediately.
If you change your mind, and want to burn to a dvd some day, I posted a very good ISO program in the free software thread at the top of this sub. It's currently the last post there. (Active ISO)

Great guide!

[TechTorpedo]

There are a number of good sellers that sell oem keys on ebay, its kind of a grey hat area, but if you buy from a high rep seller you shouldn't have a prob

[Mr. G]

There are a number of good sellers that sell oem keys on ebay, its kind of a grey hat area, but if you buy from a high rep seller you shouldn't have a prob

That and /r/microsoftsoftwareswap. Cough