Obtaining Windows 7 32bit

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Muse

Muse

Lifer
Jul 11, 2001
40,523
10,000
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I'm rebuilding a WinXP midtower system, need Win7 32bit because a card+software running in it won't work otherwise. Bought a used mobo, CPU, RAM and video card from an AT member. I have a Win7 32bit installation CD, but I used the key on one of my laptops, which I subsequently upgraded to Windows 10 32bit.

I'm seeing listings on ebay under $35 for Windows 7 32bit Professional and Home Premium and they say they include the key and COA. Are those legit? If not, how can I best get a legit copy? I saw a listing for $279 at OutletPC and ~$110 at Amazon. I paid less than that at Amazon for my copy almost 3 years ago.
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,579
10,215
126
Well, keycodes are bit-agnostic, meaning, that you can use a "64-bit" or a "32-bit" key code, with either 32-bit or 64-bit install media, to install either a 32-bit or 64-bit version. The version that you install, depends on the install media, not the key code.

(Note that the edition of Windows, Pro / Home / etc., does depend on the key code, as well as the install media. They need to match.)
 
Muse

Muse

Lifer
Jul 11, 2001
40,523
10,000
136
VirtualLarry said:
Well, keycodes are bit-agnostic, meaning, that you can use a "64-bit" or a "32-bit" key code, with either 32-bit or 64-bit install media, to install either a 32-bit or 64-bit version. The version that you install, depends on the install media, not the key code.

(Note that the edition of Windows, Pro / Home / etc., does depend on the key code, as well as the install media. They need to match.)
Click to expand...
Well, I have install media for what I want, Win7 32bit Home Premium. Guess all I need is a valid key. The key that came with the media I have was already used to activate one of my laptops. How can I get a valid new key so I can install on my midtower?
 
Ketchup

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,559
248
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I read someone post/print that once they upgraded to 10, during the free upgrade period, their code from 7 was "freed up" for another use (obviously not an OEM version). I have not yet tested this though, but I have a Vista machine in mind that I may just have to test that on for myself.
 
Muse

Muse

Lifer
Jul 11, 2001
40,523
10,000
136
Ketchup said:
I read someone post/print that once they upgraded to 10, during the free upgrade period, their code from 7 was "freed up" for another use (obviously not an OEM version). I have not yet tested this though, but I have a Vista machine in mind that I may just have to test that on for myself.
Click to expand...
Mine says:

OEM System Builder Pack
Intended for system builders ONLY

So, I guess I can't use it again even though I upgraded that machine to Windows 10

I'm wondering now. Win 7 Home Premium is no longer available and I read something today saying MS discontinued availability of Win 7 32bit Professional on Oct. 15, 2016. What I'm seeing at Amazon confuses me. I'm now wondering if I should just install XP Pro SP3 on the machine. I have a licensed copy. I have a card in the machine that has to run in XP mode anyway. Why not just run XP? Win7 is gonna have it's support plug pulled in 3-4 years anyway.
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,579
10,215
126
If running Windows 7 is bad, because it goes EOL in approx 4 years, then running XP Pro SP3 today, is even worse, because it's already EOL.

Seriously, why is it so hard to find Windows 7? You don't need 32-bit, just buy a 64-bit key, and install with your 32-bit media. Worst case scenario, buy Win7 Pro 64-bit, those have been on the market more recently, and are probably more available.
 
Ketchup

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,559
248
106
I would need more info before saying "don't use xp" not matter what. Is the machine going to be on the Internet? Will it be serving more than a single task? Can you give any more detail about this card+software?
 
JackMDS

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,548
424
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As far as I can See the page that I linked to on NewEgg has 32bit version too.

Otherwise, recently I get very confused.

I can understand long term concern when buying an expensive Car or a House that involve serious money/fianancing consideration.

I can Not get the "Crying" concerning expense around $100. If $100 is that important (as an example) for Not to buy or use something in computer basic that might expire or get out of grace in few years.


:cool:
 
C

C1

Platinum Member
Feb 21, 2008
2,387
113
106
I dont get it.

There's all kind of places that you can buy a product key for $15 or a whole CD disk box package for under $20 for 7.

I think even Staples Office Supply sells product keys.

You can download a whole ISO too from PC River.

Anyways, after trying "7" Im not at all enamored with it.

(AFAIK, MS f...ed up big time.)

The difference between Linux (eg, latest MINT 18+) and something like "7" or "8" is zip
or even negative against something like a "7" or "8.".
 
M

Mike64

Platinum Member
Apr 22, 2011
2,108
101
91
VirtualLarry said:
Seriously, why is it so hard to find Windows 7?
Click to expand...
Didn't Microsoft "officially" stop selling it? (Meaning, the only packages/keys that are "out there" are whatever were already in distribution channels when MS stopped releasing new ones?)
 
VirtualLarry

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,579
10,215
126
Mike64 said:
Didn't Microsoft "officially" stop selling it? (Meaning, the only packages/keys that are "out there" are whatever were already in distribution channels when MS stopped releasing new ones?)
Click to expand...

Yeah, and Newegg still carries it.
 
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