I cringe whenever I have to factor in the O.S when building a computer

[5150Joker]

I bought Windows 8 for $15 from MS. Everyone had the opportunity to do the same when it was offered. I saved the key and used it when I built my new PC. Sometimes it helps to use a little foresight.

 

[Morbus]

I bought Windows 8 for $15 from MS. Everyone had the opportunity to do the same when it was offered. I saved the key and used it when I built my new PC. Sometimes it helps to use a little foresight.

Word. Did the same exact thing with my main Windows 7 key, except I spent 30€ IIRC.

 

[88keys]

Those hacks and workarounds are, in my experience, infinitely easier to use than a windows key...

My argument is you should obey Microsoft's moronic terms of service, or not buy from them at all.

Perhaps... But you only enter the key once. Then you just activate, update, create system image and if your computer goes bonkers re-image to an already activated, and (then) partially updated PC. Of course there are some... slick methods that work pretty good too.

Works well so long as you're not swapping out SSDs and Mobo's all the time.
I also got my copy of Ultimate during a promotion when 7 was released. I got it for around $40 IIRC.

I personally hope to get another 2 years out of my rig. Hopefully Windows (Blue) 9 will be out and it will be good.