How do people that fix computers...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eric's collar
  • Start date Start date
so you pay to use the software and not the actual data? like you pay for the key not the disk? so downloading a pirated version of a windows OS is not actually fraudulent, using a crack/fake key is fraud?

Correct, as long as you purchase a key, you are using a legal version of Windows.
 
I did some looking into these sites (well, googled them) when looking to upgrade my gfs computer to Win7. All the info I read about them were that they were scams, MS never sell keys without the media unless to a buisness that is using WDS servers and such.
 
I did some looking into these sites (well, googled them) when looking to upgrade my gfs computer to Win7. All the info I read about them were that they were scams, MS never sell keys without the media unless to a buisness that is using WDS servers and such.

Correct. Unless you're paying (close to) retail price, chances are it's a scam. These websites use keygens and then sell off keys that aren't legally purchased, but usually work.
 
I thought that if you were a student you could get an upgrade to win7 for £35, im pretty sure that was legit and not a scam, infact my Mrs did it, worked fine, i remember reading about it on the MS site, can get office too.
 
download the OEM disk, or the all vista/ all w7 two DVD's that have all 32/64 bit versions of windows...

there is an all vista with the OEM cert's built in so as long as its a branded machine it will not even ask for a key. (but you still need to use the same version thatso n the COA jsut incase it requires a key for some reason)

however anyone using cracked / leaked windows will only come unstuck at some point...
 
That's just an upgrade though. And as a student you're only allowed to do it once and you can only upgrade from Vista to Win7 I think.

I done it myself when I was in my third year. Cost me about £40 I think to bump up from Vista to Win7 Ultimate.
 
Sorry guys can someone just confirm this question I have lol going to look like a right idiot.

Ive just built myself a new gaming computer and I purchased the retail copy of windows 7. If my harddrive was to die on me does that mean I could use the same product key which I have allready used on the dead drive on the new one ?
 
Retail=can install on any computer, as long as it's only on one at a time. May need to call Microsoft to reactivate when you change PC.

OEM=tied to the PC it was bought with. Will continue to work with most hardware changes except motherboard.
 
... He installed windows 7 and fixed other problems for £20 which is less than the price for win7.

It's possible to get hold of Windows 7 for £20 using this:


Volume licenses are a cost effective way for businesses to buy MS software.
E.g. a MAPS subscription provides 10 Win7 Professional licences for £200.
 
Last edited:
Sorry guys can someone just confirm this question I have lol going to look like a right idiot.

Ive just built myself a new gaming computer and I purchased the retail copy of windows 7. If my harddrive was to die on me does that mean I could use the same product key which I have allready used on the dead drive on the new one ?

Yes, the retail version can be installed on any machine as long as one licence instance is used at one time.

The OEM version is tied to the computer but can be reinstalled many times on that machine. Only one instance still applies, you cannot multiboot several instances of windows.

On the OP,s point, I know of several cowboys who will install/upgrade for 'free'. It is not they that are at great risk here, but the user which may explain several trips to the repair shop as software fails due to viruses exploits etc.
I repair PC's for friends and family but only install the licensed version of software from downloaded OEM or retail disks, ie the COA attached to the machine. or other proof of purchase.
 
Last edited:
Correct. Unless you're paying (close to) retail price, chances are it's a scam. These websites use keygens and then sell off keys that aren't legally purchased, but usually work.

or most likely that certain loader program that has the win7 master oem key in it ;)

*** Edit *** .. perfectly legaly no matter were u download it from itl just start a trial of the os

moment u use software to not pay for it tho... thats bad :p
 
I have OEM copies for all version of windows that I've purchased at some point. It's perfectly legal to use these as installers for client PCs.

If a client has a valid licence attached to their PC then there is no problem using that disk for installs.

If however, the client has no license key, then Iwill ask them to purchase a new copy.. Simple as that.

Most PB and Dell PCs have rescue partitions any how so they don't tend to be a problem, providing the the HDD hasn't blown.

As A PC technician, it's important to stay on the right side of the law at all times, with no exceptions.
 
Back
Top Bottom