Windows 7

[Sting]

Hi, I have got a laptop and so have my two boys. We need to install Windows 7 as they are all currently on a trial version. I have never purchased an opertating system before as it is normally pre installed. Can I buy one copy and put it on all three or do I need to buy 3 copies? Can you buy one for 3 PC's similar to anti virus software? Is it cheapest to download from Microsoft or buy from a shop. I was looking on Ebay but I want to make sure it is genuine.

[skelfbsfb]

Not 100% but if you buy the disc and you already operate windows 7 then it should work on all 3 pcs. Im sure that someone with greater knowledge will confirm.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Sting

Hi, I have got a laptop and so have my two boys. We need to install Windows 7 as they are all currently on a trial version. I have never purchased an opertating system before as it is normally pre installed. Can I buy one copy and put it on all three or do I need to buy 3 copies? Can you buy one for 3 PC's similar to anti virus software? Is it cheapest to download from Microsoft or buy from a shop. I was looking on Ebay but I want to make sure it is genuine.

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There are not any multi PC versions of Windows 7, there was when it was first released a few years ago called Family Edition which allowed you to upgrade 3 PC's but they were only sold for a few months.

Strictly speaking you would need to buy the Retail version which is £111 for Home Premium version.

However you can get away with using the OEM version which is £65 per copy, OEM versions can only be installed on 1 PC and not transferred from one machine to another (where as retail could be installed on a laptop then removed and installed on a different laptop)

With OEM you have to attach the license sticker to the Laptop and it remains with that machine for life (this is per the terms and conditions). With Retail the sticker is on the DVD box.

OEM are supposed to be for newly built machines but you can install on any PC with no issues.

I would avoid Ebay and buy from a genuine dealer such as ebuyer.com

Just to add you can use the same DVD to install it on any PC, the important part and the bit worth the money is the license key, this determines what version you have.

[CaramaC]

The family pack version is still showing as available on Amazon uk

Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Upgrade-Licence

[shauney]

You mentioned that you have 2 boys so you may qualify for student licensing which is much cheaper than OEM and retail.

You mentioned you're running a trial version - you're not confusing Windows with Office are you?

[Sting]

Originally Posted by shauney

You mentioned that you have 2 boys so you may qualify for student licensing which is much cheaper than OEM and retail.

You mentioned you're running a trial version - you're not confusing Windows with Office are you?

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Originally Posted by CaramaC

The family pack version is still showing as available on Amazon uk

Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Upgrade-Licence

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Thanks for the info, it is the download version you can try before you buy. I am confused about the upgrade as without anything to upgrade from I am not sure an upgrade will work. I have actually downloaded windows 8 evaluation version so going with that for now.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Sting

Thanks for the info, it is the download version you can try before you buy. I am confused about the upgrade as without anything to upgrade from I am not sure an upgrade will work. I have actually downloaded windows 8 evaluation version so going with that for now.

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The family pack can be used by simply installing it twice, the first time you install it, you don't activate the product, then you re install it again and it finds the version you already installed and allows you to activate the product, silly but it works.

Have your laptops not got a version of windows already on them (a OEM license sticker on the bottom) not sure how you have managed to get 3 laptops with no licenses.

Using the Windows 8 Beta is only a stop gap as it cannot be upgraded to a full version when its released and will require a clean installation. Its also not supported for Drivers and a lot of software yet.

[DIBBadmin]

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