HP has separate pages for business desktops and laptops , but you have to look at each model to find the models with Windows 7 available. Big online retailers that serve business markets should have similar selections covering a wide range of brands and the full spectrum of prices.
There are plenty of sites where you can find "factory reconditioned" PCs for sale at legitimately low prices. Amazon-owned Woot, for example, always has lots of choices in its Computers section , although you'll have to dig into the specs to confirm that the operating system you're looking for is included. I don't recommend taking a chance with random sellers on eBay or Craigslist--not when there are so many well-established merchants that offer proper warranties and return policies, as well as an assurance that the underlying Windows license is legitimate.
Under Microsoft's arcane licensing rules, you can legitimately purchase OEM copies of Windows 7 any edition. However, the license agreement with those copies explicitly prohibits you from using that software on a PC you build or refurbish for your own personal use.
Crazy, huh? ZDNet takes a look back at very best tech stories and features of From the year's tech turkeys to products and services that get business done, we round up top gadgets, cloud highs, security lows -- and much more. Read More. There are no technical limitations to prevent you from using OEM software on your own PC, although this software will work only for a clean installation and not for an upgrade.
In the past, Microsoft has been remarkably inconsistent in its advice to customers about whether this practice is allowed. Don't ask Microsoft. To make the subject even more confusing, Microsoft briefly changed its licensing rules with Windows 8, adding a Personal Use Rights clause that allowed individuals to buy OEM Windows and install it on personal PCs.
That change lasted exactly one year: with the launch of Windows 8. The bottom line? Yes, you can install an OEM copy of Windows 7 on a PC for your own personal use; I recommend that you avoid doing so for your business, however, especially if you have a licensing agreement with Microsoft. Most of the readily available options for new PCs include the latest version of Windows--that's Windows 10 today with many Windows 8.
If you love a particular piece of hardware and your preferred version of Windows 7 isn't available on the build-to-order options list, don't despair.
You have four choices available. If you purchase a new PC with a business version of Windows 8, Windows 8. Note that downgrade rights are not included on systems that ship with the core version of Windows 8, 8.
To exercise downgrade rights, you can use media for Windows 7 Professional that you acquire from any source. During installation, don't enter a product key. After completing installation, you'll need to activate your newly installed copy of Windows 7 by using the telephone activation option and explaining that you are using downgrade rights. Did you purchase a retail copy of Windows 7 any time in the past six years?
Any full or upgrade license purchased through the retail channel or directly from Microsoft can legally be transferred to another PC. That includes any of the deeply discounted upgrade offers that Microsoft made available when Windows 7 was new, including the three-license Family Packs of Windows 7 Home Premium.
If you have the original Windows 7 installation media and product key and have removed the operating system from the PC on which it was originally installed, you can reuse that key on any PC. You might be required to activate over the phone; when asked, be sure to specify truthfully that your copy of Windows 7 is installed on only one PC. Note that OEM copies of Windows 7 that were installed on PCs by the manufacturer are locked to that device and cannot be transferred. If the PC on which you want to install Windows 7 originally included a license for any version of Windows, you can buy a Windows 7 upgrade license from any vendor that has the software in stock and install that upgrade on your PC.
You don't need to reinstall the old operating system; if you want to perform a clean install using upgrade media, you can use the workaround I describe in this post : Boot from the upgrade media and do an installation without entering a product key. Then use the same media to "upgrade" your brand-new installation. Follow the instructions in this post. The most expensive option is to purchase a full retail license for Windows 7. It's guaranteed to work with any PC, with no installation or licensing complications.
The problem is finding this software, which Microsoft stopped selling years ago. Most online merchants today offer only OEM copies of Windows 7. Details required :. Cancel Submit. There was a student discount on Home Premium for the last two months - it just ended earlier this month. You just do a custom clean install instead of an in place upgrade. More features for half the price - an offer from true marketing professionals.
Custom Clean Install Steps You can use an upgrade disk, but you can't do an in place upgrade. You will have to do a custom clean install that will remove all your programs, but you can save your files and settings to an external storage before doing so.
Also, you'll have to reinstall all your programs. Here are the steps according to Microsoft: 1. Back up your files and settings.
To avoid losing anything you'll need to save copies of all the files, photos, and other information you want to keep on to an external hard drive. You might be able to download some programs from the Internet. When asked "Which type of installation do you want?
Have Questions About Installing Windows 7? How satisfied are you with this reply? Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. Ronnie Vernon. Hi Gary It sounds like you missed out on the Home Premium offer that was available from September 15, until January 5, ? The decision was made to continue a student discount offer for one edition and I'm sure that Professional was chosen simply because many students are required to join a Domain to access their University network.
Home Premium does not have this capability. Professional also contains all of the same, exact features as Home Premium. Does Microsoft offer student discounts? Yes, Microsoft offers an Education discount available to K and higher education students, faculty, and parents.
The education discount is only valid on select products, and may not be combinable with other offers. Learn more about Surface devices for students, teachers and military. The education discount is available to K and higher education students, faculty, and parents. You must have a school-specific email address provided by the school e. Students and educators at eligible institutions can sign up for Office Education for free.
Use your valid school email address to get started today. Please use the email associated with your personal Microsoft account. A Microsoft account is an email address and password that you use with Outlook. Please do not use your work or school account to check eligibility. Student discounts are also available to parents; use your personal Microsoft account to check eligibility. No—student discounts are not combinable with other promotions.
The best price available—your student discount or the sale price—will be the price you pay. Why shop at Microsoft Store. Fast, free shipping Get your order in days with no minimum purchase required. See shipping details. Free returns Return almost any product in like-new condition in its original packaging within 30 days. See returns details. Instant software downloads Install most apps and software, like Microsoft , Windows, and Xbox games, via digital download.
Free expert help Get free expert help with shopping, orders, product training, and more. Contact us. Return process must be started within 60 days after customer received the device. Not available for purchases by reseller customers.
0コメント