Where to download windows legally

[nico445]

I am going to buy a new laptop for my studies and i'm intending on upgrading that with a SSD
but like most manufacturers these days don't ship their systems with discs anymore... is there a place to download a Windows 7 Iso legally?
so that i can use my own key with it that is provided with the laptop.

 

[Click This]

Try the Microsoft Dreamspark program, if you're a high school/college student.

 

[nico445]

Try the Microsoft Dreamspark program, if you're a high school/college student.

Checked it on wiki doesn't seem windows 7 is included. the thing is when i have a laptop i already own the Serial key .. only thing i still need is a ISO/DVD to reinstall windows
and I prefer some legal source if there is any instead of pirating one

 

[fischju]

Just clone the disk. http://www.amazon.co.../ref=pd_cp_pc_2
http://clonezilla.org/downloads.php

Even if it's an HP with a tattoo, a 1:1 clone should work.

 

[the_randomizer]

The issue behind downloading Windows from a bittorrent site is not so much the ISO image, but the serial key. I don't believe Microsoft cares about downloading an ISO image if one legitimately obtains a key.

 

[MeowTheMouse]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html
Hope it helps!

 

[nico445]

http://forum.noteboo...sta-before.html
Hope it helps!

Great! thank you, @fischju i prefer a clean windows over a clone. since manufacturers like to stuff their laptops full with all kinds of bloatware
thanks for the suggestion though

 

[Clydefrosch]

actually, microsoft would prefer you to buy a new disk and key for every time you install windows anywhere

 

[FAST6191]

Yeah this lack of discs with computers grates but check to see if you can burn a backup disc- most will allow it.

If you can spare the bandwidth some OEM suppliers will also let you download a copy so check them (you might have to try Europe wide or US support branches).

After this the only places to legally download them are as part of betas and if you are a member of technet or MSDN. As others have said though they are more concerned with keys you use (obviously do not upgrade your version of windows- start out with home premium and get professional and things will be said) and OEM ones are tied to the machine (motherboard usually being the main thing) so redoing the hard drive should not be a problem.

Also as others said consider cloning the disc (you will probably want a file level one rather than a sector level one) or if you feel especially bored/in favour of troubleshooting rig up the old drive and force a reinstall to the SSD.

 

[Originality]

Most OEMs include software to let you burn a recovery disc and/or include a recovery partition on the drive that includes the original Windows files plus the standard bloatware it came with, in order to restore it to factory defaults.

The issue with trying to download a clean Windows disc and using the key on the back of your laptop, is that the key is only an OEM license, which means it doesn't have all the support for multiple installs or reinstalling. It's supposed to be installed once and that's it. If you want to get a clean install (without the paid-for bloatware) and the normal level of support from Microsoft... you're supposed to either pay for an upgrade or retail copy of Windows.

Since nobody wants to pay for Windows twice, they tend to seek out alternative solutions.

 

[Rydian]

When I need an ISO for some reason I just seek out "1:1" copies on torrent sites.

 

[Deleted_171835]

Direct download links from Microsoft:

Windows 7 x86 All Versions (32Bit)
http://msft-dnl.digi...l-en-us-x86.exe
http://msft-dnl.digi...9643/setup1.box
http://msft-dnl.digi...9643/setup2.box

Windows 7 x64 All Versions (64Bit)
http://msft-dnl.digi...l-en-us-x64.exe
http://msft-dnl.digi...9946/setup1.box
http://msft-dnl.digi...9946/setup2.box

And if you already started a torrent, be sure to check the hash to make sure it's legitimate.

• Microsoft Windows 7 32 Bits
  • MD5: D0B8B407E8A3D4B75EE9C10147266B89
  • SHA-1: 5395DC4B38F7BDB1E005FF414DEEDFDB16DBF610

• Microsoft Windows 7 64 Bits
  • MD5: F43D22E4FB07BF617D573ACD8785C028
  • SHA-1: 326327CC2FF9F05379F5058C41BE6BC5E004BAA7

You can use HashCheck.

 

[chains_of_androm]

If you are a student in the US, you can get it for $30 from Microsoft.

 

[Kioku]

Do a quick google search.. There are sites with direct microsoft links. I still use them, even today.

 

[sentinel5000]

Forget windows and jump to the Ubuntu side. U need office?? aww u have to buy it but wait! ubuntu has libre office and its free . give it a try!

 

[Kioku]

Forget windows and jump to the Ubuntu side. U need office?? aww u have to buy it but wait! ubuntu has libre office and its free . give it a try!

Ubuntu is good.

 

[sentinel5000]

Ubuntu is great on laptops and desktops, I have Ubuntu 12.04 installed in both my lappy and desktop and its working like a charm!

 

[Deleted-236924]

Forget windows and jump to the Ubuntu side. U need office?? aww u have to buy it but wait! ubuntu has libre office and its free . give it a try!

But that's kinda irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Also, Windows has access to OpenOffice and it's free.

And if you already started a torrent, be sure to check the hash to make sure it's legitimate.

• Microsoft Windows 7 32 Bits
  • MD5: D0B8B407E8A3D4B75EE9C10147266B89
  • SHA-1: 5395DC4B38F7BDB1E005FF414DEEDFDB16DBF610

• Microsoft Windows 7 64 Bits
  • MD5: F43D22E4FB07BF617D573ACD8785C028
  • SHA-1: 326327CC2FF9F05379F5058C41BE6BC5E004BAA7

You can use HashCheck.

Would the hash be the same for different versions of Windows 7? (I assume not.)
Like Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Ultimate, etc.

 

[Rydian]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3564

Looks like you can edit a config in the ISO to change the version it chooses to install.

 

[Fluto]

You could get the windows 8 beta.
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