There are many different options: 1. If you're not going to use your old computer anymore, re-use the Product key you have on that one for the new computer you're building. 2. If you want to upgrade the Windows OS, the cost is a lot cheaper ($89 for Windows 7 Home x32 and x64). 3. You can also find legitimate deals by knowing where to look. For example, I have 3 available OEM's that can be re-used because I have no computers that currently have the Product keys registered. You can call Microsoft Support and find out before purchasing whether or not the Product Key is still valid. If you also check Craigslist in Seattle, where Microsoft has playtest sessions where they give away free Microsoft Products. Most participants sell those products on Craigslist with the items unopened. 4. If you have multiple computers or a family that has a lot of people using Windows and also want to have Office, etc., you can invest in a TechNet Subscription for around $275 a year. This includes all OS's and Applications (including SQL Server, but no Visual Studios or Expression) you want to use, limited up to 10 Product Keys per a particular version of an OS. As long as you "own" the computer and didn't sell it, it's still legally yours.
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1. If you're not going to use your old computer anymore, re-use the Product key you have on that one for the new computer you're building.
2. If you want to upgrade the Windows OS, the cost is a lot cheaper ($89 for Windows 7 Home x32 and x64).
3. You can also find legitimate deals by knowing where to look. For example, I have 3 available OEM's that can be re-used because I have no computers that currently have the Product keys registered. You can call Microsoft Support and find out before purchasing whether or not the Product Key is still valid. If you also check Craigslist in Seattle, where Microsoft has playtest sessions where they give away free Microsoft Products. Most participants sell those products on Craigslist with the items unopened.
4. If you have multiple computers or a family that has a lot of people using Windows and also want to have Office, etc., you can invest in a TechNet Subscription for around $275 a year. This includes all OS's and Applications (including SQL Server, but no Visual Studios or Expression) you want to use, limited up to 10 Product Keys per a particular version of an OS. As long as you "own" the computer and didn't sell it, it's still legally yours.