Hello, I read some user comments that there are counterfeits sold through Amazon. Some people complained that they did not get the activation code after they bought Windows from Newegg. The original of the Microsoft is not listed in Newegg and Amazon. Both MS and Newegg did not help. Which of the above companies listed in the title are reliable to buy from?
Is it safe to buy Windows from Amazon, Newegg, Staples, Bestbuy and Costco?
- Thread starter modeonoff
- Start date
Solution
viveknayyar007
Splendid
- Apr 25, 2013
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Hello modeonoff
It's good and safe to Download Windows 10 from Microsoft's website and then buy its product key separately from Microsoft.
Cheers!!
It's good and safe to Download Windows 10 from Microsoft's website and then buy its product key separately from Microsoft.
Cheers!!
- Mar 16, 2013
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Buy a boxed OS from Costco/BestBuy/etc is perfectly fine.
Buy a license direct from MS online is fine.
Amazon and Newegg...you have to really look at "who" is selling it. Some of those are, in fact, not valid.
And if is significantly cheaper than it should be...it is suspect.
geofelt
Titan
- Oct 9, 2006
- 56,061
- 4,859
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Windows comes in two parts.
1. The actual code itself.
It can be downloaded directly from Microsoft or bought loaded on a usb stick ready for installation.
2. The activation code which sets the windows version.
That can be bought again, directly from Microsoft or from a reputable seller.
It will usually be delivered by email.
I would have no problem buying directly from newegg or amazon as a seller.
If you buy in a sealed package containing both the usb stick and the activation code you should be OK.
There should be no price benefit from buying from one of the subordinate sellers on newegg or amazon.
A sales discount if 10% is permitted; if you see much more, the sale is suspect.
1. The actual code itself.
It can be downloaded directly from Microsoft or bought loaded on a usb stick ready for installation.
2. The activation code which sets the windows version.
That can be bought again, directly from Microsoft or from a reputable seller.
It will usually be delivered by email.
I would have no problem buying directly from newegg or amazon as a seller.
If you buy in a sealed package containing both the usb stick and the activation code you should be OK.
There should be no price benefit from buying from one of the subordinate sellers on newegg or amazon.
A sales discount if 10% is permitted; if you see much more, the sale is suspect.
- Aug 23, 2011
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Amazon/Ebay are about the same you have nearly unrestricted listers with no real way for them to be filtered out until after they are reported a few times for being a scammer. Newegg it really depends on which part of the site you buy from and you don't have the protection you get from Amazon and Ebay should you run into a issue.
All being said when it comes to Windows copies I have bought quite a few from Ebay but only from a few sellers that I know are custom builders that buy OEM licenses in bulk. In 20 years of doing this I have yet to get a counterfeit product, Paypal, Ebay and Amazon all have policies to protect the buyer should you not be happy with your purchase you just need to do a little more research on the seller before you buy items over $20. When you come across a seller with 100k+ items sold with 93% positive feedback your not likely to be scammed versus someone that has 20 sales and 5 negative reviews or no reviews at all.
Sellers that work for partners of Microsoft get perks most people don't have access to, they are able to get copies at such a drastic cost reduction when they buy in bulk they can easily double or triple the selling price and still be half of what you pay at WalMart.
So what am I saying at of all of this?
Do your research on your seller and you will very rarely have any issues at all.
All being said when it comes to Windows copies I have bought quite a few from Ebay but only from a few sellers that I know are custom builders that buy OEM licenses in bulk. In 20 years of doing this I have yet to get a counterfeit product, Paypal, Ebay and Amazon all have policies to protect the buyer should you not be happy with your purchase you just need to do a little more research on the seller before you buy items over $20. When you come across a seller with 100k+ items sold with 93% positive feedback your not likely to be scammed versus someone that has 20 sales and 5 negative reviews or no reviews at all.
Sellers that work for partners of Microsoft get perks most people don't have access to, they are able to get copies at such a drastic cost reduction when they buy in bulk they can easily double or triple the selling price and still be half of what you pay at WalMart.
So what am I saying at of all of this?
Do your research on your seller and you will very rarely have any issues at all.
Now I found that I can also go to a MS Store and buy the boxed version with usb in it.
How about Staples and Costco? They are about $10 cheaper than MS store.
How does the OEM version work these days? 20 years ago, I bought the OEM version, installed it on a computer. When I was done with the computer, called MS and they allowed me to install in another computer. Somewhere I read that the OEM version of Windows 10 only allows installation on one computer (the one that had Windows activated). So, it means that if I want to change computer later, I cannot use it?
How about Staples and Costco? They are about $10 cheaper than MS store.
How does the OEM version work these days? 20 years ago, I bought the OEM version, installed it on a computer. When I was done with the computer, called MS and they allowed me to install in another computer. Somewhere I read that the OEM version of Windows 10 only allows installation on one computer (the one that had Windows activated). So, it means that if I want to change computer later, I cannot use it?
- Mar 16, 2013
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Yes, CostCo and Staples are fine.
OEM rules 20 years ago have no relevance today with Win 10.
Yes, you can transfer that license you purchase to new hardware.
Thusly:
Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html
Thanks. I am going to use the internal graphics chip of the 8700K to drive a 4K monitor. When I need a GPU later, I will buy it. I have not figured out which Bluetooth dongle is compatible with Windows 10, Ubuntu Linux and Mac OS yet. If I install Windows now and add the USB Bluetooth dongle and GPU later, will there be a problem? I recall that around Windows 95, when I changed the hardware, the OS got messed up.
Haven't settle down for the display yet as I cannot find a 4K display of 40-43" size without issues. Trying to look for 43-55" TV.
Haven't settle down for the display yet as I cannot find a 4K display of 40-43" size without issues. Trying to look for 43-55" TV.
Thanks. How about the bluetooth dongle and another keyboard? Some of the parts have arrived for two weeks. Better build the machine and try them out to check if there is any defects during the 30 days return period.
Do I need to wear those anti-static wrist strap? Never has any issue many many years ago.
Do I need to wear those anti-static wrist strap? Never has any issue many many years ago.
- Mar 16, 2013
- 179,781
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Regarding the OS and licensing/operation....the only main part you need to worry about is the motherboard.
Wrist strap?
Some people have built hundreds of systems, and never used one. Like me.
Other people would not even attempt to open the side panel without one.
Your call.
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