What Type Of Windows 7 Should I Purchase?

[Gengars]

I see that there's multiple versions on Amazon, some for refurbished pcs and what not.

My situtation: My current hard drive is shit and slows down my computer so I bought a new hard drive as well as an SSD for the OS.

What I want to know is what version of Windows 7 should I be getting? I see some say "For Refurbished PC installation" and others "New Packaging". This is the same computer with Windows 7 already installed but I'm just going to start my hard drive all over again. However in the "New Packaging" version people have said something about how your hardware's serial numbers and such tie themselves to your old OS so that you can't use a new one, or some jargon that I do not understand at all. Does anyone know that could enlighten me?

 

[N3rdR4ge]

why are you repurchasing windows 7? the old copy is still fine if you have the code. if this is a pre built machine the windows 7 code should be on a sticker somewhere on the machine. you can re download windows and burn it to a disk from microsoft's website here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

your windows 7 code is locked to your motherboard's model. if you have the same motherboard you can reinstall windows 1000 times if you want. hard drive has nothing to do with it. there is nothing more to it.

there are two types of windows copies:

OEM=One machine. Always comes with pre-built machines.
Retail=Three machines. Usually bought off a shelf in a store or online.

 

[Gengars]

why are you repurchasing windows 7? the old copy is still fine if you have the code. if this is a pre built machine the windows 7 code should be on a sticker somewhere on the machine. you can re download windows and burn it to a disk from microsoft's website here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

your windows 7 code is locked to your motherboard's model. if you have the same motherboard you can reinstall windows 1000 times if you want. hard drive has nothing to do with it. there is nothing more to it.

there are two types of windows copies:

OEM=One machine. Always comes with pre-built machines.
Retail=Three machines. Usually bought off a shelf in a store or online.

I don't have the code as I moved and left behind a bunch of stuff I thought was useless. So I'll be buying a new copy I guess.
Which of these two would you say is better for my situation?
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-System-Builder-Packaging/dp/B00H09BB16/ref=sr_1_3?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1453265517&sr=1-3&keywords=windows+7

or

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-Builder-Refurbished-Installation/dp/B00LG0K4MM/ref=sr_1_2?s=software&ie=UTF8&qid=1453265517&sr=1-2&keywords=windows+7

 

[N3rdR4ge]

those are the same thing. they are just sold by different people with different wording.

i strongly advise you buy it from amazon (the first link).
the other one is by a random third party seller. very easy to get scammed even on amazon. i sell third party on amazon, anyone can. could be your neighbor selling you a fake copy. who knows. (second link).

 

[4745454b]

OEM=One machine. Always comes with pre-built machines.
Retail=Three machines. Usually bought off a shelf in a store or online.

Wrong. Retail is still limited to one machine. But that machine can change as often as you want. OEM is supposed to be one machine, replace mobo and you need a new copy. (or replace enough other parts that it triggers the activation.) There is the win7 family pack, which I actually bought, that allows you to use it on three machines. But I don't suggest it as it seems once the code is used to upgrade to win10 the other two can't use it. Though I haven't tested.

OP, if you are considering the first link, which is $100+, why not just buy win10? Or 8.1?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416892&cm_re=windows-_-32-416-892-_-Product

 

[Gengars]

OEM=One machine. Always comes with pre-built machines.
Retail=Three machines. Usually bought off a shelf in a store or online.

Wrong. Retail is still limited to one machine. But that machine can change as often as you want. OEM is supposed to be one machine, replace mobo and you need a new copy. (or replace enough other parts that it triggers the activation.) There is the win7 family pack, which I actually bought, that allows you to use it on three machines. But I don't suggest it as it seems once the code is used to upgrade to win10 the other two can't use it. Though I haven't tested.

OP, if you are considering the first link, which is $100+, why not just buy win10? Or 8.1?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416892&cm_re=windows-_-32-416-892-_-Product

I've had nothing but problems with Windows 8.1, and I don't know much about Windows 10. I'm much more comfortable with Windows 7

 

[BrandX]

I can't tell you specifically which copy of Windows 7 to buy due to strict forum rules. What I can tell you is that if you search on Amazon for "Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit OEM SP1 DVD + Product Key" you will find Windows 7 Pro for exactly £24.99. It has to be activated by telephone (at least I think so; that's how I had to do it) which is a nuisance, but it IS genuine - or at least genuine enough.

 

[USAFRet]

... but it IS genuine - or at least genuine enough.

So..'genuine enough'.

If a friend or weblink told you that you could find 2 x 8GB (16GB total) RAM sticks for $23 total...would you accept "genuine enough"?
Or a $200 CPU, (NewInBox with full warranty), for $80....is genuine enough good?

No it is not. You would look at that with a very critical eye, and run away laughing.
Software, especially an OS, is no different.