I know I'm not legal right now using windows 7, but...

[Papa Hogan]

Are you legal now OP?

Not yet

It's not. They would have to buy the computer from you, buy the OEM copy of Windows 7 from you, install the OEM copy on your computer via the OPK with the strict intention of reselling this computer, then resell the computer back to you for it to be technically "legal." Odds are any shop you take it to is going to tell you the same thing: just install the damn thing and dont worry about it. Or, y'know, charge you an arm and a leg and do it anyway to the point you should've just bought a retail copy

So it's illegal to distribute even the OPK? I did not want to shell out $80 more, but if there's no way around it, that's what's required. Too bad I don't have 2000 pro anymore so I could use the upgrade version. Actually, I'd probably just stick with that. Anyone know where to get it cheap LEGALLY?

 

[WilliamM2]

Not yet



So it's illegal to distribute even the OPK? I did not want to shell out $80 more, but if there's no way around it, that's what's required. Too bad I don't have 2000 pro anymore so I could use the upgrade version. Actually, I'd probably just stick with that. Anyone know where to get it cheap LEGALLY?

Just install it. Using the OPK still won't meet the requirements. BTW, if you buy Windows 7 3 packs (or more) they include the OPK disk. We have tons of them at work. We don't use them, no reason to.

 

[Papa Hogan]

I think I'll send win7 back and get 8...much more lenient installation rules. I didn't want to try it at first, but I suppose something new couldn't hurt. I may need a tutor, though!

 

[Subyman]

Being used to the windows install processes and licensing maze, I was pleasantly surprised when I installed Mountain Lion on a Mac. Buy for $29.99 on App Store, use disk utility to create a bootable USB. Install. No key.

I had a hackintosh up and running faster than trying to install a new CPU on my Windows 8 machine. Had to reinstall, failed online activation, had to call, failed the auto-call, and finally talked to a rep that fixed it. I'm about done with Wndows other than for gaming.

 

[escrow4]

What are you worried about? Install the OEM version of 7 and be done with it. Microsoft doesn't care. The NSA will not search and blow up your house.

 

[Ketchup]

What are you worried about? Install the OEM version of 7 and be done with it. Microsoft doesn't care. The NSA will not search and blow up your house.

Helicopters fly over, dun dun dun duuuuuuun! BOOM!

Well, it sounded like a good plan, lol.

 

[Matt1970]

OK, here's the plan for 2 pc's: If I'm not supposed to install the OEM version on an old system, I need the upgrade version from XP home. On the OTHER system, I should be able to install the OEM I have. I want to see if I can get some computer repair shop that's a Microsoft Partner to download the OPK for me (if that's legal) and install it that way. Will that work?

Here is the scoop as far as Microsoft is concerned. There are sellers selling OEM CD Keys and Windows copies with a broken floppy drive on eBay and that passes as a qualifying piece of hardware per the license agreement. There are sellers that have been doing that for years on eBay and Microsoft allows it. If it makes anyone feel better they can duck tape the broken floppy drive to their computer and install that copy of Windows on it. It will activate all day long. In my 15 years of installing windows with CD keys from customers I have only had one key come back and say it has been activated too many times.

 

[Papa Hogan]

I just reread the license rules on the package again and it looks like it's fine for me to use the OEM win7 as long as I install it with the OPK. If you guys can tell me that the 3-pack of win7 home premium DEFINITELY includes the OPK inside the package, I could do that as long as I sell the systems. Maybe my wife will give them back after I sell them to her. They also have to leave my control, so I'll make sure she's admin and I don't know her password. I think I found my loophole!

 

[Matt1970]

Well it seems you are going to insist on this OPK, so here you go.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/installation/downloads/Pages/windows_7_opk.aspx#fbid=q54mjg2_sMZ

 

[cubby1223]

In my 15 years of installing windows with CD keys from customers I have only had one key come back and say it has been activated too many times.

And even in that situation you can call up and talk to a rep and get the activation key. As long as your answer to the question "How many PC's is this license currently installed on" is "one", that is all Microsoft cares about.

 

[cubby1223]

I just reread the license rules on the package again and it looks like it's fine for me to use the OEM win7 as long as I install it with the OPK. If you guys can tell me that the 3-pack of win7 home premium DEFINITELY includes the OPK inside the package, I could do that as long as I sell the systems. Maybe my wife will give them back after I sell them to her. They also have to leave my control, so I'll make sure she's admin and I don't know her password. I think I found my loophole!

What loophole? If you have the license key you can install it from a normal Windows 7 OEM cd like everyone else:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...-1e127a14612a/windows-7-home-premium-download

 

[Papa Hogan]

Well it seems you are going to insist on this OPK, so here you go.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/installation/downloads/Pages/windows_7_opk.aspx#fbid=q54mjg2_sMZ

That gets me back to square 1. When I click to download it, it leads me to sign in and become a Microsoft Partner again. I will not lie to become one. You would think Microsoft would want everyone to become users of windows 7, whether they paid retail price or not. They are really making it difficult to stay within the bounds of the agreement. Is there a written time limit for how long you can use windows 7 without activating it? It seems to work fine, even though I cannot get windows updates after a while.

 

[Dahak]

To be honest. I have done this over all my builds, even when I was working at a repair shop. I just used the oem media and the key that came with it with no issues as well. Yes it may not be to the letter of the agreement but there really is no issue

As long as you purchased the media legitimately I would not sweat it any more.

As for how long, it will work for 30 days before requiring activation.

 

[Ketchup]

It always seemed to me that you were paying for the license, not the media. So it the media activated with the license you had, you were legit in Microsoft's eyes.

 

[ViRGE]

That gets me back to square 1. When I click to download it, it leads me to sign in and become a Microsoft Partner again. I will not lie to become one. You would think Microsoft would want everyone to become users of windows 7, whether they paid retail price or not. They are really making it difficult to stay within the bounds of the agreement. Is there a written time limit for how long you can use windows 7 without activating it? It seems to work fine, even though I cannot get windows updates after a while.

You're vastly overthinking this.

Ignore the OPK. Just install Windows 7, activate it with the key that you have, and call it a day.

 

[Papa Hogan]

I went ahead and sent the OEM disc back without opening it. I replaced an hdd with xp home on one pc and on the other, I rearmed the activation deadline for win 7. When I can pay for the 3-pack with the OPK, I may do that. I should probably do that instead of buying one retail license as I'm sure I'll find a use for all of the COA's.

Thank you guys for the replies!

 

[VirtualLarry]

As for how long, it will work for 30 days before requiring activation.

It will run for 30 days before entering "degraded mode". Once in degraded mode, unlike XP, it will run indefinitely.

 

[alkemyst]

Your files are always yours in this. Your are doing the right thing so M$ won't even bat an eye. If you do contact them, they may be way more interested in who sold you their OS though.

Personally, I never had a problem with someone using an illegal copy of anything for 30 days or so if they then uninstall it or go out and buy the full version.

Most companies offer this grace period for free fortunately today. In the past I got burned by buying software that magazines raved about only to find out it was all lies.

I have been buying software since 1983.

Long Live Beagle Bros!

 

[FalseChristian]

I have an OEM version of Windows 7 HP SP1 I bought for $99.99. It comes with a valid Key and I've changed my hardware several times without a problem. Look, you paid for it so it's legal. Use it!