Windows 7 free????

A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows 10,
or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.

In article , says...

A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows 10,
or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.

I don't believe there's any official free Windows 7 available from
anywhere. Be cautious of anything advertised differently, it's not
approved by MS for sure!!!

The free upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 has run it's course and is
no longer available.

Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows 10,
or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.


First some terminology.

Instead of saying "free", say "I'm a pirate".

Be honest about what you want. Something for nothing.

*******

Microsoft has a download page for the Win7 DVD.
You have to enter your license key, to download the ISO.
(A Dell COA won't work. A Retail key will.)

The alternative, is to visit the Heidoc site and get
their download tool. The tool generates the URL of a
legitimate ISO file from microsoft (with a microsoft.com
URL). The Heidoc tool is suspected to generate a URL
based on TechBench. My guess is, Windows 7 media will
not be available forever, so get it while you can. When the
Heidoc tool gives you a URL, you simply paste that into
a browser and start your download (2.5 or 3.5GB).

The other part, is activation. As a Pirate In Good Standing,
you still need to activate your copy of Windows 7. You
could research "Daz Loader". I know nothing on the topic,
except that name. Daz is a person, and the loader is
something presumably they invented. Sites like MyDigitalLife
(MDL) might have more info.

When Windows 10 came out, Pirates In Good Standing were
using their copy of Win7 with Daz Loader to get a copy
of Win10. And were claiming that "Microsoft could not tell
the difference". I have not seen information since, as
to whether this was actually true or not, and whether
any of those copies of Win10 eventually became "Not Genuine".
Microsoft occasionally pushes out updates to "catch"
people like that (invalidate their copy).

In any case, the upgrade from Win7 to Win10, is for the
most part finished. I've not heard of anyone using
the Accessibility option to get a copy lately, so I presume
people have stopped with the free upgrade now.

*******

So you don't have to grab a potentially modified copy
of Windows as a Torrent file. You can get a legit Windows,
then apply an activator or crack to the software to make it work.
For whatever that's worth.

And Vista SP2 is perfectly usable. It's about the same
as Windows 7 in terms of qualities. It's better than the
original release of Vista at least.

*******

In 2014, Microsoft gave away the source to some early version
of DOS. Maybe by 2040, they will "give away Win7". It could happen.
Stay tuned.

https://www.wired.com/2014/03/msdos-source-code/

Paul

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:27:53 +0000, Smirnoff
wrote:

A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.


Windows 7 is *not* free. If you see a "free" source for it, it is
pirated, and perhaps laden with malware.

Using such a product is like playing with fire. I recommend staying
far way from such things.

Paul wrote:
Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows
10, or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.


First some terminology.

Instead of saying "free", say "I'm a pirate".

Be honest about what you want. Something for nothing.

*******

Microsoft has a download page for the Win7 DVD.
You have to enter your license key, to download the ISO.
(A Dell COA won't work. A Retail key will.)

The alternative, is to visit the Heidoc site and get
their download tool. The tool generates the URL of a
legitimate ISO file from microsoft (with a microsoft.com
URL). The Heidoc tool is suspected to generate a URL
based on TechBench. My guess is, Windows 7 media will
not be available forever, so get it while you can. When the
Heidoc tool gives you a URL, you simply paste that into
a browser and start your download (2.5 or 3.5GB).

The other part, is activation. As a Pirate In Good Standing,
you still need to activate your copy of Windows 7. You
could research "Daz Loader". I know nothing on the topic,
except that name. Daz is a person, and the loader is
something presumably they invented. Sites like MyDigitalLife
(MDL) might have more info.

When Windows 10 came out, Pirates In Good Standing were
using their copy of Win7 with Daz Loader to get a copy
of Win10. And were claiming that "Microsoft could not tell
the difference". I have not seen information since, as
to whether this was actually true or not, and whether
any of those copies of Win10 eventually became "Not Genuine".
Microsoft occasionally pushes out updates to "catch"
people like that (invalidate their copy).

In any case, the upgrade from Win7 to Win10, is for the
most part finished. I've not heard of anyone using
the Accessibility option to get a copy lately, so I presume
people have stopped with the free upgrade now.

*******

So you don't have to grab a potentially modified copy
of Windows as a Torrent file. You can get a legit Windows,
then apply an activator or crack to the software to make it work.
For whatever that's worth.

And Vista SP2 is perfectly usable. It's about the same
as Windows 7 in terms of qualities. It's better than the
original release of Vista at least.

*******

In 2014, Microsoft gave away the source to some early version
of DOS. Maybe by 2040, they will "give away Win7". It could happen.
Stay tuned.

https://www.wired.com/2014/03/msdos-source-code/

Paul
I have two HP Laptops with Win 7 Pro pre-installed, one a 4540s and one
a 450 G3 -- my question is which download should I get to have a safe
install if I ever need it (I realize I will have to purchase a new key):
Win 7 Pro SP1
Win 7 Pro KN SP1
Win 7 Pro SP1 OEM
Win 7 Pro SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro N SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro KN SP1 COEM

Thanks, JAS

Smirnoff wrote:

A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

Piracy has not changed regarding Windows 7 just because Microsoft
dropped support for what is still THEIR property. Dropping support does
not relinquish ownership.

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:43:20 -0500, Paul
wrote:

Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows 10,
or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.


First some terminology.

Instead of saying "free", say "I'm a pirate".

Be honest about what you want. Something for nothing.

Something for nothing is always nice

*******

Microsoft has a download page for the Win7 DVD.
You have to enter your license key, to download the ISO.
(A Dell COA won't work. A Retail key will.)

The alternative, is to visit the Heidoc site and get
their download tool. The tool generates the URL of a
legitimate ISO file from microsoft (with a microsoft.com
URL). The Heidoc tool is suspected to generate a URL
based on TechBench. My guess is, Windows 7 media will
not be available forever, so get it while you can. When the
Heidoc tool gives you a URL, you simply paste that into
a browser and start your download (2.5 or 3.5GB).

The other part, is activation. As a Pirate In Good Standing,
you still need to activate your copy of Windows 7. You
could research "Daz Loader". I know nothing on the topic,
except that name. Daz is a person, and the loader is
something presumably they invented. Sites like MyDigitalLife
(MDL) might have more info.

Daz Loader 2.2 will activate Win7 easily and with no future problems
after activation. You need a trusted source to get a DAZ loader that
has not been comprimised.

When Windows 10 came out, Pirates In Good Standing were
using their copy of Win7 with Daz Loader to get a copy
of Win10. And were claiming that "Microsoft could not tell
the difference". I have not seen information since, as

You can't update to a higher version of Windows when you use a loader
to activate. However, Pirates in Good Standing use a valid Win7 serial
number. There are MAK keys available for instance. There is also a
Microsoft Keygenerator which puts out valid Office and Windows keys
and gets updated monthly. Pirates in Good Standing know where to get
these. Windows 10 keys are a bit harder to get but who wants Win 10
anyways. You use Microsoft Toolkit to Activate Win 10. Some people I
know updated from Win 8.1 to Win 10 through Microsoft using a key from
the MS keygen. MS accepts these as totally valid keys.

to whether this was actually true or not, and whether
any of those copies of Win10 eventually became "Not Genuine".
Microsoft occasionally pushes out updates to "catch"
people like that (invalidate their copy).

True at one time but not true now. I don't think MS cares too much
about Win7.

I have never had an update from Microsoft invalidate activation after
using a loader. If that were to happen then it would take about 2
minutes to re-activate.. I haven't used a loader for several years
though as I can get valid Windows serial numbers easily.

In any case, the upgrade from Win7 to Win10, is for the
most part finished. I've not heard of anyone using
the Accessibility option to get a copy lately, so I presume
people have stopped with the free upgrade now.

*******

So you don't have to grab a potentially modified copy
of Windows as a Torrent file. You can get a legit Windows,
then apply an activator or crack to the software to make it work.
For whatever that's worth.

And Vista SP2 is perfectly usable. It's about the same
as Windows 7 in terms of qualities. It's better than the
original release of Vista at least.

*******

In 2014, Microsoft gave away the source to some early version
of DOS. Maybe by 2040, they will "give away Win7". It could happen.
Stay tuned.

https://www.wired.com/2014/03/msdos-source-code/

Paul
--
JT

Wolf K wrote:
On 2017-01-16 14:10, JAS wrote:

I have two HP Laptops with Win 7 Pro pre-installed, one a 4540s and one
a 450 G3 -- my question is which download should I get to have a safe
install if I ever need it (I realize I will have to purchase a new key):
Win 7 Pro SP1
Win 7 Pro KN SP1
Win 7 Pro SP1 OEM
Win 7 Pro SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro N SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro KN SP1 COEM

Thanks, JAS

IIRC, you can make repair media with W7, that's the first thing you
should do. Second, get Macrium or similar, and backup/image your
system partition regularly. (Keep data on a separate partition, and
back that one up, too). Thirdly, d/l Win7 Pro and burn the DVD. There
are constraints on its use:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...2-394b1a933805


Control panel System will tell you the Windows version, and the
product key used for Activation. That should be enough. If you bought
the machine with W7 installed, then you need an OEM version. Control
panel System will show the product key.

If you want to know more, there are free system analysis tools (I just
fired up Sandra SI to remind me what it shows), d/l a couple of them
and see what they tell you. My guess is Win7Pro SP1.

OK, Sandra SI has done sniffing (this is an HP Pavilion desktop).
Among other things, Sandra shows:

Windows System: Microsoft Windows 8 Home 6.02.9200
Full name: Windows 8.1 6.3.9600
Activation Status
Name: Windows(R), Core Edition
Type: Windows(R)Operating System, OEM_DM channel
Activation required: No

So for this box I would get Windows 8.1 Home OEM 64 bit for a
repair/reinstall DVD.

Hope this helps,

Thank for the info.

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:27:53 +0000, Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Right. As a general rule, it is reckless in the extreme to download
software from anywhere but the official site if the software maker.
So if -- as I suspect -- this free "Windows 7" isn't hosted on
Microsoft.com, then it is almost certainly malware, or at best comes
with malware in the installer.



--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://BrownMath.com/
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
Shikata ga nai...

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 17:11:28 -0600, VanguardLH wrote:
gq wrote:

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 13:36:37 -0600
VanguardLH wrote:

So how many times does gq (genderqueer) show he is a boob in Usenet?


Replying to trolls is a mug's game. Surely you know better than to do
that, and this was just a momentary lapse. :-)

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://BrownMath.com/
http://OakRoadSystems.com/
Shikata ga nai...

JAS wrote:
Paul wrote:
Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows
10, or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.


First some terminology.

Instead of saying "free", say "I'm a pirate".

Be honest about what you want. Something for nothing.

*******

Microsoft has a download page for the Win7 DVD.
You have to enter your license key, to download the ISO.
(A Dell COA won't work. A Retail key will.)

The alternative, is to visit the Heidoc site and get
their download tool. The tool generates the URL of a
legitimate ISO file from microsoft (with a microsoft.com
URL). The Heidoc tool is suspected to generate a URL
based on TechBench. My guess is, Windows 7 media will
not be available forever, so get it while you can. When the
Heidoc tool gives you a URL, you simply paste that into
a browser and start your download (2.5 or 3.5GB).

The other part, is activation. As a Pirate In Good Standing,
you still need to activate your copy of Windows 7. You
could research "Daz Loader". I know nothing on the topic,
except that name. Daz is a person, and the loader is
something presumably they invented. Sites like MyDigitalLife
(MDL) might have more info.

When Windows 10 came out, Pirates In Good Standing were
using their copy of Win7 with Daz Loader to get a copy
of Win10. And were claiming that "Microsoft could not tell
the difference". I have not seen information since, as
to whether this was actually true or not, and whether
any of those copies of Win10 eventually became "Not Genuine".
Microsoft occasionally pushes out updates to "catch"
people like that (invalidate their copy).

In any case, the upgrade from Win7 to Win10, is for the
most part finished. I've not heard of anyone using
the Accessibility option to get a copy lately, so I presume
people have stopped with the free upgrade now.

*******

So you don't have to grab a potentially modified copy
of Windows as a Torrent file. You can get a legit Windows,
then apply an activator or crack to the software to make it work.
For whatever that's worth.

And Vista SP2 is perfectly usable. It's about the same
as Windows 7 in terms of qualities. It's better than the
original release of Vista at least.

*******

In 2014, Microsoft gave away the source to some early version
of DOS. Maybe by 2040, they will "give away Win7". It could happen.
Stay tuned.

https://www.wired.com/2014/03/msdos-source-code/

Paul
I have two HP Laptops with Win 7 Pro pre-installed, one a 4540s and one
a 450 G3 -- my question is which download should I get to have a safe
install if I ever need it (I realize I will have to purchase a new key):
Win 7 Pro SP1
Win 7 Pro KN SP1
Win 7 Pro SP1 OEM
Win 7 Pro SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro N SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro KN SP1 COEM

Thanks, JAS

I think I used a Win 7 Pro SP1, being careful when using
the COA key on my laptop, to be installing the Home Premium
to match the Acer Home Premium it came with. I had to do
phone activation (type in 56 digit number into phone,
listen to robotic 56 digit response). The activation info
will appear on the screen, as well as 1-800 number to make
the phone call. Make sure you have your pen and paper handy
when doing the semi-automated phone activation.

You can back up the hard drive content on your laptop,
and do the whole install process, to prove it's working.
Then, backup the fresh install, and store it for a rainy day.
Restore from backup to put the HP version back on the computer.
That allows you to test today, that you've got a workable
version in your possession. It'll cost you a DVD and
an external hard drive, to be testing everything works
as you would expect. You can use Macrium Reflect Free to
make the backup, if you don't have any backup software
to speak of. Because it's free. You make the Macrium Boot CD,
for emergency restores - you'll need it, trust me.

Paul

Paul wrote:
JAS wrote:
Paul wrote:
Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I have just bought a new PC after my XP gave up the ghost and advised
him to do the same. He tells me that money is a bit tight.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,
if genuine it would presumably entitle him to an upgrade to Windows
10, or is that expired now.

However, I said I would ask for some feedback from people that know
better than me. So, would be obliged for that.


First some terminology.

Instead of saying "free", say "I'm a pirate".

Be honest about what you want. Something for nothing.

*******

Microsoft has a download page for the Win7 DVD.
You have to enter your license key, to download the ISO.
(A Dell COA won't work. A Retail key will.)

The alternative, is to visit the Heidoc site and get
their download tool. The tool generates the URL of a
legitimate ISO file from microsoft (with a microsoft.com
URL). The Heidoc tool is suspected to generate a URL
based on TechBench. My guess is, Windows 7 media will
not be available forever, so get it while you can. When the
Heidoc tool gives you a URL, you simply paste that into
a browser and start your download (2.5 or 3.5GB).

The other part, is activation. As a Pirate In Good Standing,
you still need to activate your copy of Windows 7. You
could research "Daz Loader". I know nothing on the topic,
except that name. Daz is a person, and the loader is
something presumably they invented. Sites like MyDigitalLife
(MDL) might have more info.

When Windows 10 came out, Pirates In Good Standing were
using their copy of Win7 with Daz Loader to get a copy
of Win10. And were claiming that "Microsoft could not tell
the difference". I have not seen information since, as
to whether this was actually true or not, and whether
any of those copies of Win10 eventually became "Not Genuine".
Microsoft occasionally pushes out updates to "catch"
people like that (invalidate their copy).

In any case, the upgrade from Win7 to Win10, is for the
most part finished. I've not heard of anyone using
the Accessibility option to get a copy lately, so I presume
people have stopped with the free upgrade now.

*******

So you don't have to grab a potentially modified copy
of Windows as a Torrent file. You can get a legit Windows,
then apply an activator or crack to the software to make it work.
For whatever that's worth.

And Vista SP2 is perfectly usable. It's about the same
as Windows 7 in terms of qualities. It's better than the
original release of Vista at least.

*******

In 2014, Microsoft gave away the source to some early version
of DOS. Maybe by 2040, they will "give away Win7". It could happen.
Stay tuned.

https://www.wired.com/2014/03/msdos-source-code/

Paul
I have two HP Laptops with Win 7 Pro pre-installed, one a 4540s and
one a 450 G3 -- my question is which download should I get to have a
safe install if I ever need it (I realize I will have to purchase a
new key):
Win 7 Pro SP1
Win 7 Pro KN SP1
Win 7 Pro SP1 OEM
Win 7 Pro SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro N SP1 COEM
Win 7 Pro KN SP1 COEM

Thanks, JAS

I think I used a Win 7 Pro SP1, being careful when using
the COA key on my laptop, to be installing the Home Premium
to match the Acer Home Premium it came with. I had to do
phone activation (type in 56 digit number into phone,
listen to robotic 56 digit response). The activation info
will appear on the screen, as well as 1-800 number to make
the phone call. Make sure you have your pen and paper handy
when doing the semi-automated phone activation.

You can back up the hard drive content on your laptop,
and do the whole install process, to prove it's working.
Then, backup the fresh install, and store it for a rainy day.
Restore from backup to put the HP version back on the computer.
That allows you to test today, that you've got a workable
version in your possession. It'll cost you a DVD and
an external hard drive, to be testing everything works
as you would expect. You can use Macrium Reflect Free to
make the backup, if you don't have any backup software
to speak of. Because it's free. You make the Macrium Boot CD,
for emergency restores - you'll need it, trust me.

Paul
Thank you and that sounds like what I will be doing. I have a external
hard drive enclosure and a copy of Macrium Reflect Free on hand. I have
an onboard DVD read/write unit and will make the Macrium Boot CD also.
Thanks,

JAS

Stan Brown on 2017/01/16 wrote:

VanguardLH wrote:

So how many times does gq (genderqueer) show he is a boob in Usenet?

Replying to trolls is a mug's game. Surely you know better than to do
that, and this was just a momentary lapse. :-)

I don't continue a discussion but on occasion I jab once for fun, like
equating his "gq" nym with "genderqueer". If the troll responds hoping
for more replies, I'm deaf to him. I've already flagged that subthread
to be ignored and I use "Hide Ignored Messages" view (which hides the
entire subthread) by default. I wouldn't have seen your reply except I
was bored and got curious by selecting an All Messages view.

So when you see a boob walk into a glass door, you just pretend to not
see the incident or do you chuckle or spout "Doh!" to ridicule him?
C'mon, gotta have some fun. Here comes the water balloon. Splat.

On 17/01/2017 01:19, Stan Brown wrote:
On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:27:53 +0000, Smirnoff wrote:
A friend who's still running Vista asked my opinion about Windows 7
being offered for free on the web.

I told him that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Right. As a general rule, it is reckless in the extreme to download
software from anywhere but the official site if the software maker.
So if -- as I suspect -- this free "Windows 7" isn't hosted on
Microsoft.com, then it is almost certainly malware, or at best comes
with malware in the installer.



Thanks to all who replied.

Think I'll tell him to save up!

On Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:02:59 -0500, Wolf K wrote:

You can still get retail versions here and there, search for "windows 7
retail version source" or similar. NB that these are leftover stock, and
eventually will run out. It may be simpler to find a refurbished machine
at a reputable shop. You can buy a high-end laptop (W7 Pro 64 bit) for
about the same price as a mid-range W10 one.

AFAIK, there are no more free upgrades to W10.

Or switch to Linux (I recommend Mint). There are Linux versions of the
most common 3rd party programs (Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, etc),
as well as decent image processors and such. The variety is smaller, and
the quality is uneven, but for the "average user" Linux is IMO a viable
option if cost is a major factor. Your friend would not have to ditch
his machine. He can test Linux from a CD or a USB flash drive.

Have a good day,

Hey ASS****....

No one wants to hear about your ****ing linux SPAM on a Windows
newsgroup. You ****ing linux TROLLS are a dime a dozen, and no one wants
to hear about your goddamn worthless (so called) "operating system",
which does not work, has never worked, and never will work.

If you want to ruin a completely useable computer, and desire having a
life of misery, by all means, download that "free" copy of linux, and
begin suffering.

If you want a computer that actually works, and has a future, spend a
few $20 bills and buy MS-Windows. You wont regret it.

Now get your ****ing linux bull**** out of this Windows newsgroup, and
take your ****ing ass back to any linux newsgroup, so we dont have to
see your SPAM assed TROLLING. Linux begins with the letter "L", because
it designed for "L"OSERS. (Like you).

DO NOT COME BACK TO THIS NEWSGROUP. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME!

Have a real ****ty day.