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Windows Cheapest way to get (retail) Windows 7/8?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Whirly, 16 Apr 2014.

  1. Whirly

    Whirly What's a Dremel?

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    So it seems that my house has been cursed in the last month by a PC killing witch. Either that, or 3 PCs just decided to die all within a month of each other. I'm going with the witch thing.

    Anyway, I was able to re-use one windows 7 key as it was retail and I had bought a Windows 8 key when MS were doing them cheap. But now I find myself about to build the 3rd PC and wondering where the cheapest place to get a retail Windows key would be. I've checked out the obvious places but I don't fancy paying £150 if I can help it.

    Of course, I could go OEM but recent experience kinda makes me want to grab a copy that can be transferred if I want to upgrade the mobo/cpu...

    So, am I missing something? Is there a cheaper way to buy (legally), or do I just have to bite the bullet?
     
  2. wolfticket

    wolfticket Downwind from the bloodhounds

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  3. sparkyboy22

    sparkyboy22 Web Tinkerer

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    Phone MS and tell them pc failed and ask to reuse existing oem key.
    Usually they will allow it.
     
  4. narwen

    narwen narwen

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    win 8.1 non-pro £70.57 from scan.
     
  5. Jay88018

    Jay88018 What's a Dremel?

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    Or sign up to a college course, and use the college email addy to sign up to dreamspark......free is a nice price :D
     
  6. Whirly

    Whirly What's a Dremel?

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    Hmm, I might try that. Thanks for the heads up Sparkyboy.

    As for the college course, I think there comes a point where you might (just) be going too far for a bargain. ;)

    As for everyone else, thanks for your help and suggestions. Much appreciated.
     
  7. Ljs

    Ljs Modder

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    I had a look on Dreamspark and didn't see Windows 7/8 available there?
     
  8. Whirly

    Whirly What's a Dremel?

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    Well the good news is I seem to have solved my own problem. Walked into Currys this afternoon and managed to pick up THIS PC for £115. Seems I can claim a free copy of Battlefield 4 as well. I would prefer to build my own PC but at that price I couldn't say no.

    Weird thing is that it seems to have a GT620 card added with the mobo video outputs covered up. Why on earth you'd replace built-in graphics with a discrete card that is worse, I've no idea. Still, hopefully I can remove the card and restore the built-in graphics. Maybe use the Gt620 in a media server.
     
  9. MrJay

    MrJay You are always where you want to be

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    Wow that's a steal for £115!
     
  10. Whirly

    Whirly What's a Dremel?

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    Yeah, top deal. The processor alone is worth £100.
     
  11. Shirty

    Shirty W*nker! Super Moderator

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    Was the store manager broken? Or were you their millionth customer?
     
  12. Whirly

    Whirly What's a Dremel?

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    Just dumb luck. I'm pretty sure it was the display model but at that price who cares? Mind you I still have to get around to hooking it up so I'm not celebrating until I've tested it!

    Overall it's been a pretty good week. First I got a refurbished MSI GTX 670 OC for £83 then I got a full PC for a silly amount. Of course, it does mean an Easter weekend of tinkering rather than sitting on the sofa watching TV but I'll live.
     
  13. sniperdude

    sniperdude Minimodder

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    you can use windows 7 without a key for about 3 months
     

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