Windows 7...

AyJay

AyJay

AyJay

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Joined
24 Nov 2009
Posts
100
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
I bought a copy of windows 7 a while back ( a month or so ago ), but haven't got round to installing it on my build. However, i gave the 2nd cd that came with it ( the x86 version ) to my girlfriend for her laptop. I installed it on there without the activation key, and its now asking her to activate it within three days. So if she were to activate it, would this make my cd ( the 64-bit version ) unable to activate? Its probably a stupid question, but i blew about £170 on it, so i'd rather not waste it on overlooking something. Cheers:D
 
The Retail version can only be installed on one pc at any one time, if you activate then you will need to purchase a new license for your system, can you not re-install her original operating system.
 
RJC said:
The Retail version can only be installed on one pc at any one time, if you activate then you will need to purchase a new license for your system, can you not re-install her original operating system.
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re-install vista? paha.

Any idea why microsoft would issue two disks with only one chance to activate either of them? If they're going to be like that, they could at least offer serial keys avaliable to buy for like £5 or whatever.
 
AyJay said:
re-install vista? paha.

Any idea why microsoft would issue two disks with only one chance to activate either of them? If they're going to be like that, they could at least offer serial keys avaliable to buy for like £5 or whatever.
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This allows user to install either 32 bit or 64 bit software depending on there setup, being retail they can then move the operating system to a new system which may be 64 bit and saves the hassle of purchasing a 64 bit disc or even a 32 bit disc later.
 
AyJay said:
re-install vista? paha.

Any idea why microsoft would issue two disks with only one chance to activate either of them? If they're going to be like that, they could at least offer serial keys avaliable to buy for like £5 or whatever.
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because they are not the same disc. One is 32 bit one is 64bit. it is only one license but you have a choice of 32bit or 64 bit.
 
...Which still doesn't justify why they can't offer serial keys out for a fraction of the price. And before you jump on the ol' " WHAT ABOUT PIRATES " bandwagon, those guys don't even need the serial key to get windows 7 running normally. Whatever, i'll give them a call...
 
You do realise that when you buy software you are buying the license, not the media? The serial key is what costs the money.
 
Well at least i know now why they're called " micro$oft ". So i'll have to roll back to vista, and buy the upgrade version of win7? How would i go about getting vista back? Or can i just install the new windows 7 over the ' old ' one?
 
Makhaira said:
Which would be fraud...
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Re-arming isn't fraud. You can re-arm twice during the activation period for an additional 30 days, allowing you up to 120 days use.

AyJay said:
...Which still doesn't justify why they can't offer serial keys out for a fraction of the price. And before you jump on the ol' " WHAT ABOUT PIRATES " bandwagon, those guys don't even need the serial key to get windows 7 running normally. Whatever, i'll give them a call...
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The vast majority of licenses are a fraction of the price, they're bundled by OEMs with pre-built machines. You too can buy an OEM license, or if the PC has a qualifying Windows installation you can buy an upgrade edition. Discounted pre-order pricing was also available for months before and after the launch. You can't really complain about the price when you opted for the most expensive way of buying the software, and bought an edition you probably don't need.
 
AyJay said:
...Which still doesn't justify why they can't offer serial keys out for a fraction of the price.
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When your buy software you're paying for a license to use it, not the pretty box and installation media.

AyJay said:
Well at least i know now why they're called " micro$oft ". So i'll have to roll back to vista, and buy the upgrade version of win7? How would i go about getting vista back? Or can i just install the new windows 7 over the ' old ' one?
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The operating system is THE most important software you purchase, £150 for a license is good value! If you were on the ball you could have pre-ordered Windows 7 Home Premium for £45. If you don't like paying for an operating system use Linux.
 
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AyJay said:
...Which still doesn't justify why they can't offer serial keys out for a fraction of the price. And before you jump on the ol' " WHAT ABOUT PIRATES " bandwagon, those guys don't even need the serial key to get windows 7 running normally. Whatever, i'll give them a call...
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If you think Windows is too expensive have you considered open source alternatives?
 
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