OEM key questions

[HeyYouOK?]

Say if I purchase Win 8.1 from newegg then download the ISO file from microsoft (my PC will not have a cd drive) to make a USB boot drive, Am i correct in assuming i can just use the CD key that was shipped from newegg to activate it and install from USB?

 

I apologize if this was an insanely silly question but im just trying to cover my bases so i make any silly mistakes

 

Thank You!

[Amazingasian]

Use the key that Newegg gives you when you buy Windows.

[werto165]

Should work perfectly fine, you can only use the OEM key on one hardware config, usually a change of mobo it doesn't like and it invalidates it. 

[Speedbird]

Say if I purchase Win 8.1 from newegg then download the ISO file from microsoft (my PC will not have a cd drive) to make a USB boot drive, Am i correct in assuming i can just use the CD key that was shipped from newegg to activate it and install from USB?

 

I apologize if this was an insanely silly question but im just trying to cover my bases so i make any silly mistakes

 

Thank You!

Yes, it will work. PM me if you need a download link.

[LittleCarrot]

Yes, i would like to add you can get Windows 10 Free for a limited time. You can get cheaper keys at /r/microsoftsoftwareswap

[HeyYouOK?]

Yes, i would like to add you can get Windows 10 Free for a limited time. You can get cheaper keys at /r/microsoftsoftwareswap

how legit are these keys? I dont think i would like my keys suddenly not working after 6 months of use.

 

Yes, it will work. PM me if you need a download link.

For the iso file? Wont i be promtped to enter my CD key when i download the ISO file? my PC wont be done for another two weeks. Unless I can just make the boot drive now and when i load up windows on the new build I enter it then?

[LittleCarrot]

how legit are these keys? I dont think i would like my keys suddenly not working after 6 months of use.

 

For the iso file? Wont i be promtped to enter my CD key when i download the ISO file? my PC wont be done for another two weeks. Unless I can just make the boot drive now and when i load up windows on the new build I enter it then?

 

Pretty legit, BTW they have the IOS there. You don't need to enter the CD Key to get them

[Speedbird]

how legit are these keys? I dont think i would like my keys suddenly not working after 6 months of use.

 

For the iso file? Wont i be promtped to enter my CD key when i download the ISO file? my PC wont be done for another two weeks. Unless I can just make the boot drive now and when i load up windows on the new build I enter it then?

Keys from r/softwareswap are usually retail keys from my experience, which activate permanently. However, I'd still get an OEM key from a reputable seller like Newegg, and OEM also comes with a nice Certificate of Authenticity that you can put on your case.

To answer your 2nd question, Microsoft does not really have a site for ISO downloads. There's the ESD Media Creator for 8.1, but these ISOs can't be verified against trusted sources, such as MSDN. For Windows 7 there's Software Recovery, which does not take OEM keys. And it seems to have problems with MSDN ones too (which are classified as retail). I am a reliable source of ISO downloads, and mine can't be verified against the SHA1s provided at MSDN. PM me for more info.

[Speedbird]

Pretty legit, BTW they have the IOS there. You don't need to enter the CD Key to get them

Remember: always verify the SHA1 of a downloaded ISO.

[LittleCarrot]

Remember: always verify the SHA1 of a downloaded ISO.

 

How?

[Speedbird]

How?

Install this program called HashCalc, then have to calculate the SHA1 of your downloaded ISO. Then compare it against one at https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/downloads/