Buying Windows 7, confused....

Encantador

I am looking to purchase two copies of W7, one machine is 32 Bit and the other 64.
I am assuming unless you have a 64 Bit PC you have to buy the 32 Bit version.

Some websites list just one and don`t say 32 or 64 Bit, some list a 64 Bit, and Amazon says...
`Windows 7 Home Premium (includes 32-bit & 64-bit versions)`

Does that mean on the DVD are both versions and you choose the one you want?

Do I need one box to say 32Bit and the other 64Bit

Best price is around £95, need them before the weekend.

Is the OEM versions worth considering??

totalsolutions

"Best Price" may be pre-installed PC's

Best price for me would be around £22 from Pugh Computers, but you need to be in school or a student, but may be worth a call.

Two DVD's should be included in the box. You may not always get a box and just a sleeve + DVD.

Full retails means you can install again on your PC after upgrading the hardware.
Other versions are a "use once deal", replace the motherboard and buy again.

Zanzibar

Hi,

Are you sure you do have a 32-bit only PC? Most PCs have been 64 bit capable since the Pentium-4 based PCs produced from around 2005 - the Pentium-4 600 series.

Encantador

Zanzibar wrote: »

Hi,

Are you sure you do have a 32-bit only PC? Most PCs have been 64 bit capable since the Pentium-4 based PCs produced from around 2005 - the Pentium-4 600 series.

Thanks for the replies.

No, not really, the 32 bit (maybe) machine is about 2 years old Dell 17in laptop.

The best price is ebuyer, it says....
Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium - Licence and media - 1 PC - OEM - DVD - 32-bit - English



There is another one for a few pence more that says 64 Bit.
Does not say `Full Version` which a number of sites say, is this a problem?

JasX

Encantador wrote: »

I am assuming unless you have a 64 Bit PC you have to buy the 32 Bit version.

this is true, however 95% odd of all machines sold since about 2002 have been 64-bit machines, if your machine is much older than that its likely not worth putting win7 on it.

Encantador wrote: »

Some websites list just one and don`t say 32 or 64 Bit, some list a 64 Bit, and Amazon says...
`Windows 7 Home Premium (includes 32-bit & 64-bit versions)`

Most give you both DVDs, some may only ship the one version so worth asking. additionally your license key is valid for either the 64bit version or the 32 bit version you just install the one you want with an install disk you get 'somewhere' and you'll have no trouble activating with microsoft so long as the edition of windows matches

(ie doesn't matter if its 32 bit home premium RETAIL or 64 bit home premium RETAIL your code is jusst as good, however that same code wouldn't work for xx bit Ultimate Edition Retail or xx bit home premium OEM)

Encantador wrote: »

Do I need one box to say 32Bit and the other 64Bit

No, you need 2 keys and access to 32 bit and 64 bit media from 'somewhere' the important bit is the license key which is good for either 32 bit or 64 bit.

you could also consider the 3-license family pack they do.

Encantador wrote: »

Best price is around £95, need them before the weekend.

thats reasonable, check they're both either FULL versions or Upgrade versions but avoid anything labelled 'windows anytime upgrade'

if you post links someone can check for you

Encantador wrote: »

Is the OEM versions worth considering??

No, also note that OEM license keys will not work with RETAIL install DVDs and RETAIL license key's won;t work with OEM install DVDs

Final note, generally you can install any edition of windows 7 from the corresponding install DVD, ir you'll get the same disk for a 64bit RETAIL install of home premium, professional or ultimate and get to choose the one you want to install as part of the setup process, naturally only the one your key matches will successfully activate.

Also there is minimal difference between 'Full' and 'Upgrade' editions you can;t get around with two one line commands during install

http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp

JasX

Encantador wrote: »

The best price is ebuyer, it says....
Microsoft

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium - Licence and media - 1 PC - OEM - DVD - 32-bit - English

please quote the quickfind number or post a link, that could be one of several, it also looks unsuitable as being OEM

EDIT:
seems the 3 pack has been pulled by microsoft:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/windows/operatingsystems/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222001027

best bet I'd say is a pair of these (and follow the procedure linked above if you need to clean install):
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-0745.aspx
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Upgrade-Vista/dp/B002DGS81C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1272275880&sr=8-1

Tesco and/or Amazon seem cheapest I could see for £66 each. being Retail editions you can legally re-use them or sell them 2nd hand on ebay when you scrap the computer