Windows licensing

[Bellzemos]

Hello!

 

I've asked around A LOT but nobody was able to give me a proper and 100% sure answer. Then I found this forum, I hope you guys will know.

 

I have a 10 year old computer in my office, it's running Windows ME OEM and Office 2003 Basic OEM and it has to be replaced.

 

I will buy components myself and build a brand new computer (the only think I'm keeping is the case as it's a standart ATX case).

 

I would like to buy Windows 7 for the computer in question. Now, my question is: can I buy an OEM version and where?

 

I would, of course, like to make the build as cheap as possible and I'm not sure how to go about buying Windows 7 for this build for it to bo perfectly legal (maybe I should note that I live in Europe).

 

So, hand picked components, I will build it, it's for the business environment (an office computer) - what's the easiest and cheapest way to get legal Windows 7 on it?

 

I prefer 7 over 8 because I'm planning to use the old Office 2003 Basic OEM on it (Office 2003 is compatible with Windows 7 but not Windows 8, or so I've read).

 

So the 2nd question is: would that be legal - installing old Office 2003 Basic OEM on the new Windows 7 PC?

 

Thank you in advance!

 

[MagicAndre1981]

I don't know the licensing in the UK. In Germany we can buy OEM versions easily.

[Tripredacus]

The official word (no pun intended)

 

You can buy Windows 7 OEM System Builder Kit from major online retailers like Amazon or Newegg, so probably other online shops too. That media isn't licensed/intended for personal use.

 

The Office license doesn't permit being moved from the original computer.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_2003-office_install/office-2003-oem-reinstall/69fe900c-1340-48d2-b11c-cedefcdd8a60

 

 

Microsoft wants you to buy new Office and buy the more expensive Windows 7.

[MagicAndre1981]

MS lost a lawsuit several years ago and now it is allowed here in Germany.

[Bellzemos]

So, if I understand correctly, I can buy OEM Windows 7 (which have to have a COA license AND the installation DVD included) and install it on a home-built PC for the office (business environment)?

 

And so I CAN install the old OEM Office 2003 Basic on that new system?

 

Thank you!

 

PS: Where in Germany (online shop) could I order the Windows 7 OEM DVD and license for my company PC (english version, not deutsch)?

[MagicAndre1981]

http://geizhals.de/microsoft-windows-7-professional-64bit-englisch-pc-fqc-04649-a635965.html

[Tripredacus]

How is the compatibility with Office 2003 and Windows 7?

 

Bellzemos, will you be getting 32bit or 64bit?

[Bellzemos]

Windows 7 and Office 2003 are compatible - all I'm concerned about is the legal matters which seem really unclear to me.

 

I will be getting the 32-bit and not the Professional version. Wait, does it have to be professional because it will be used in a business company?

 

If not, I'd rather order this one because it's cheaper and absolutely suficese our needs:

http://geizhals.de/microsoft-windows-7-home-premium-32bit-englisch-pc-gfc-02021-a634079.html

 

I don't speak German - but does that package include the DVD and everything else to make it a perfectly legal install? Can I buy it in Germany and install in another EU country without a problem?

 

I will only be installed on that one PC and remain there until the PC dies. And I will build the PC myself from components that I will buy around.

 

Is that legal? Sigh.

 

Thank you!

Edited September 29, 2014 by Bellzemos

[MagicAndre1981]

I don't think that the key is limited to a lanuage/contry. This is the 32Bit Home Premium. I can't really see if this includes a DVD.

[dencorso]

Well, AFAIK, one can only change language freely officially on the Ultimate versions.

And I think this article by Ed Bott on ZD Net may be of interest to you.

And this thread elsewhere, too.

------

@MagicAndre1981: I also think no key is tied to a specific language but there are FPP boxes with the message:

"Activation Restrictions" "Distribution and required activation must occur in <named geographic region>", and there are other FPP boxes without such restriction. I own one 7 Ultimate of each type, so I'm positive about it. I don't know, however, whether there are similarly two kinds of OEM kits, but I think it much probable. See also: MS/GEO

[MagicAndre1981]

ok,thanks. This was new for me.

[submix8c]

FWIW, an OEM Refurbisher DVD (Professional) is identical to the downloadable ISO (FPP) except for the EI.CFG contents. The OS was already installed/activated with the key on the Refurbisher COA (a piece of paper). The Refurbisher COA Sticker has only a bar code and what appears to be a serial#. Yes, it's all official and on the up-and-up. The DVD is white and specifically says OEM Refurbish, similar to what big OEM's have/had (Do not redistribute, yada-yada).

 

JFYI...