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    Doubt about OS License

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by TherosFear, Nov 21, 2013.

  1. TherosFear

    TherosFear Notebook Consultant

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    Hello, i have like almost 2 months with my current Alienware 14, but since i have it, i reinstalled the system (Windows 8).

    Like the computer didn't had disc i got a clean ISO (From the bay of pirates) and bought the original Pro license through my university account directly from Microsoft, because the fact of calling Dell for a Recovery OEM DVD would take a lot of time.

    So after sometime testing Windows 8.1, i had a lot of issues, first the start menu (I got Stardock 1 week ago so isn't anymore a big problem), i hate Metro, compatibility with some apps and my antivirus (Avast doesn't detects the virus correctly and i got one from an USB last weekend). I want to reinstall the system, i already got a back up of my important files so i can do it anytime, the problem is that i dont have Windows 7 so i was considering to get another from the "Bay" and buy another original license, the problem is that 7 isn't sold anymore and i can't get it throught the official Microsoft's student website.

    Someone knows if i have a Windows 7 OEM DVD from another Dell PC (My uncle computer), the OS could detect the license of my Alienware withouth asking to enter it?

    Really im tired about this Windows 8.1, is nice the fast boot but the thing about certain things like the apps and drivers issues (Touchpad wasn't working correctly the first time that i tried it, after tweaking i got it working), even with the Stardock menu is something that annoys me really. Btw about the antivirus, is there any other great one that somebody could reccomend? (Im not trusting so much Avast after the last problem with the virus)

    I want Windows 7 original because of the updates and any possible problem in the future (Im really legal with software), in case that the OS could ask me for a serial key, is there anyway to buy one?

    Greetings!
     
  2. Mr. Fox

    Mr. Fox BGA Filth-Hating Elitist®

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    We cannot provide help with pirated software and cannot discuss this in the forums.

    Your best bet is to be patient and do it the right way, and the most the affordable way, by going through Alienware Support to obtain properly licensed Windows OS media. They can only provide you with the same OS as what came pre-installed on your Alienware. I could be wrong, but I do not believe they are able to sell or send you Windows 7 installation media if your machine shipped with Windows 8 preinstalled.

    However, for a lot more money than going through Alienware for Windows installation media you can still buy Windows 7 through legal and proper channels. Here are some examples:

    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM | Newegg

    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - OEM | Newegg

    Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit - OEM | Newegg

    Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (License + Media) for Windows | eBay

    Windows 8/8.1 has built in anti-virus/anti-malware protection. You do not really need to install a third-party software solution.

    If you have a valid Windows 7 product key for installation you can legally download a Windows 7 ISO to create your own generic USB or DVD installation media.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-digitalriver-windows-7-sp1-13-languages.html

    Since you already have the product key/license, you can buy Windows 8.1 media as well...

    Windows 8.1 Back-up Media - (Media Only)
     
  3. LinkRS

    LinkRS Notebook Consultant

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    Howdy TherosFear,

    As Mr. Fox has already mentioned, you should get your software from Alienware, as the version you downloaded from the Internet could have been modified and we have no way of knowing if any issues you encounter are legitimate, or due to the source. Microsoft offers what it calls down-grade rights when you purchase an OS. You may be able t call Microsoft once you get your license info from Alienware, and get a legal and legitimate license key for Windows 7. The official page about this can be found here:
    Microsoft Corporation

    Good luck!

    Rich S.
     
    Mr. Fox likes this.