$29.99 windows 7 for students

[Manischewitz]

Don't know if this was posted before

http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/windows/buynow/default.aspx

 

[fbrdphreak]

I've done this and these are UPGRADE licenses only. You must have an existing install in place or run the disc from within your existing install.

 

[dodger2020]

I've done this and these are UPGRADE licenses only. You must have an existing install in place or run the disc from within your existing install.

While you are correct that they are upgrade versions you do not need to have an existing install in place. I did this a year and a half or go when I bought the windows 7 pro upgrade through the student discount. I installed it to a clean drive, worked fine. I had (and still have) Vista Business but the drive was flaking out and I needed to reload it anyway.

I've read about some people saying it doesn't work for them but it worked for me - twice - so it definitely works for some. And, anyway, there are methods to install from the upgrade disc to a clean drive.

(edit: and before someone cries blah blah blah scam microsoft blah blah blah http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media you can actually find methods on microsoft's website about doing it. If for some reason it won't activate after doing the custom ("Clean") install, just install it again over top of itself using the upgrade option and it will work fine)

 

[Cstefan]

Aye install without key, enter key. Bam, full version.

 

[makken]

I have done these before, and while you can install on a clean drive, you're going to have to jump through a few hoops to get it activated (default activation over the net is hit and miss, usually have to resort to calling them via phone)

I don't know if you still can, but when I ordered it, you can call up MS and say you're upgrading from a 32bit OS to a 64bit (thus needing to wipe the previous install), and they will send you a link to download an ISO for the full version.

 

[ImDonly1]

I used these keys as full installs before. I did not use their ISOs though, I used ISOs from MSDN.

Also, install without entering the key, then type the key when you are in windows. It is no hassle and the same as any other install. Did not have to do any tricks or activate over the phone.

 

[videopho]

1) IS this a 32 or 64 bit version?
2) Does the Pro do hard drive bit-locking?

 

[Roland00Address]

2) Does the Pro do hard drive bit-locking?

You need windows 7 ultimate or enterprise for the bitlocker feature

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

 

[ImDonly1]

1) IS this a 32 or 64 bit version?
2) Does the Pro do hard drive bit-locking?

The cd key can be used on both 32 and 64-bit versions. I believe both can be downloaded from the website too.

 

[SBCT]

Aye install without key, enter key. Bam, full version.

Exactly right! I bought a copy through them a few weeks ago and did a clean install no problems.

 

[dfuze]

Aye install without key, enter key. Bam, full version.

That's how I did it and it was easy.

I think they allow the "back door" because when updating from a 32 to 64 bit OS you have no choice but the full reinstall.

 

[PingSpike]

I just booted from the CD and installed Windows 7 without a key (just push next at the screen asking for one) and then once I got into Windows I ran the installer again and did an upgrade install. Then the key was accepted and later I activated. Essentially you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 7.

 

[GotIssues]

I just booted from the CD and installed Windows 7 without a key (just push next at the screen asking for one) and then once I got into Windows I ran the installer again and did an upgrade install. Then the key was accepted and later I activated. Essentially you upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 7.

Oh man, I wish I'd thought of that. When I installed (done it a few times), I just kept using my WinXP install, which then had to be upgraded to SP2 (and it's an old install disk) THEN I could upgrade. Never even thought of using a double Win7 install. Woud have been much faster.

 

[ImDonly1]

Oh man, I wish I'd thought of that. When I installed (done it a few times), I just kept using my WinXP install, which then had to be upgraded to SP2 (and it's an old install disk) THEN I could upgrade. Never even thought of using a double Win7 install. Woud have been much faster.

Read above, this method is slow and not needed.
Just press next when installing and don't enter a key.
Then go in windows and enter the key.

 

[KIAman]

Read above, this method is slow and not needed.
Just press next when installing and don't enter a key.
Then go in windows and enter the key.

I've got this deal twice. My first key worked with fresh install right off the bat.

The 2nd one required me to fresh install without key and simply enter the key once the OS was loaded. No need to reinstall.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I still have my college Windows XP Pro, student, full, version.

 

[njdevilsfan87]

Read above, this method is slow and not needed.
Just press next when installing and don't enter a key.
Then go in windows and enter the key.

That actually didn't work for me on a recent purchase (kept getting invalid key error), but there's some a surefire simple registry hack which will make it work.

 

[Zargon]

if you have vista laying around install it first and dont activate then do the upgrade

 

[PingSpike]

I've got this deal twice. My first key worked with fresh install right off the bat.

The 2nd one required me to fresh install without key and simply enter the key once the OS was loaded. No need to reinstall.

Yeah, I tried that first (had to install w/o key anyway) and it didn't work for me.

 

[Cheesetogo]

I have done these before, and while you can install on a clean drive, you're going to have to jump through a few hoops to get it activated (default activation over the net is hit and miss, usually have to resort to calling them via phone)

I don't know if you still can, but when I ordered it, you can call up MS and say you're upgrading from a 32bit OS to a 64bit (thus needing to wipe the previous install), and they will send you a link to download an ISO for the full version.

Calling MS and trying to explain a situation like this is just asking for trouble. Unless you enjoy getting redirected 5 times during each of the 10 calls you inevitably have to make.

 

[TheVrolok]

Damn, I'm tempted to pick up a copy or two just for giggles. Cheap licenses are niiice.

 

[davidtb]

Damn, gots to git me some college id.

 

[master7045]

^this, anyone want to share?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Computer Science, EE and CompE students should know that they can get full versions of Windows 7 and most Microsoft products for "free" (your tuition pays for it) via MSDNAA:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/dd861349

 

[Manischewitz]

apply for a community college. applications are usually free. check glendale community college out