Is this Windows 7 (offered on eBay) Legitimate?

[Alex Ethridge]

I'm assembling a new computer from parts and I want Windows 7 on it. I found this offer on eBay. From the ad, it sounds like it is legitimate; but, I just want to be sure. I know I am protected by eBay and PayPal and if it is not legitimate, I can get my money back; but, I just want a second opinion before ordering.

 

[TerryNet]

$50 for Windows 7 Ultimate, and you're asking if it is legitimate? If I remember correctly it was over $300 when readily available! What's that saying ... something like "If it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't."

If you are building a new computer for sale you can still buy Windows 7 OEM System Builder's versions from legitimate retailers (e.g., NewEgg last time I checked).

 

[Alex Ethridge]

The computer is for my own use.

Yes, I know about the $300; but, Windows 7 isn't new any more and there are six other offerings on e-Bay, all under $100.

I guess what I really want to know is this: Based on the wording in the ad, will I have grounds for a refund if it isn't what it appears to be? In other words, is there trick wording that would be a "gotcha"?

 

[valis]

pretty sure we won't be able to answer that, as ebay set up those rules. Whatever they have in their TOS, I'd reckon.

 

[flavallee]

Windows 7 Ultimate Full Install X32 Or X64 Bit Genuine Already Activated

Besides selling for only $50.00 and not looking like any genuine Windows 7 disc that I've seen, the last part of its description throws up a red flag with me.

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[TerryNet]

and there are six other offerings on e-Bay, all under $100.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: it is not impossible to buy a legitimate genuine Windows on eBay, just very unlikely. It really doesn't matter how many shady (at best) deals you can find, they are still shady. There is still a high demand for Windows 7; if Microsoft allowed it to be sold (other than the System Builder's versions) it would still command the original prices.

 

[flavallee]

If you are building a new computer for sale you can still buy Windows 7 OEM System Builder's versions from legitimate retailers (e.g., NewEgg last time I checked).

I just checked the Newegg site.

Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit is selling for $100.00.

Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit is selling for $140.00.

Both are the OEM System Builder version.

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[Alex Ethridge]

This is not a smart-a$$, I-showed-you reply so please do not interpret it that way. My intent here is to inform and only that, in hope it might help someone else.

Kick me in the rear for wanting to save money; but, knowing I was protected by e-bay and PayPal, I decided to take a small risk and ordered this copy of Windows 8 Pro offered on e-bay. I just got off a chat line with Microsoft. They told me what to look for and according to them, this copy of Windows 8 Pro seems is legit after checking several characteristics of the packaging, the disks, themselves, and the COA.

So, it looks like I dodged a bullet and saved a few bucks and there are some copies of Windows being sold on e-bay at low prices and that are legit.

 

[TerryNet]

Thanks, Alex.

Indeed, this is the type of situation where you should be able to find a good and legit deal. A version of Windows (8) that has not been pulled off the market by Microsoft, but which is difficult to sell at full price because people would rather buy 8.1 and save the upgrade hassles.

 

[flavallee]

Alex:

Let us know if the Windows 8 Pro install process and activation process go okay.

By the way, your computer may qualify for a FREE upgrade to Windows 10 when it's released later this year.

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