Win 7 Retail copy

SimonM

Active member
I am going to have to order my new PC without an operating system. I need the full retail system which comes with both 32 & 64 bit versions. PCS only supply the OEM version, where it's a one time choice when you order the PC.

I have to use the 32 bit version for now, but expect to be able to change & do a fresh install of the 64 bit version within the year.

This is new territory for me - I've always had machines with a pre-installed OS before.

Any suggestions as to where best to get it from? Microsoft offer it at full price, of course, but I see both Amazon & PCWorld have it at a seemingly worthwhile discount. Amazon in particular refer to their product as Win 7 Pro (2009). Do you think that means that it will spend longer updating itself after installing than a possibly more recent version direct from Microsoft? Any reason why that should matter (bandwidth is not an issue)?
 

PCS

Administrator
Staff member
Any version of Windows will require some updates installing, so don't worry too much. When we install it for you we install all the updates on our production line.
 

SimonM

Active member
When we install it for you we install all the updates on our production line.

Which is one of the reasons why I would rather have bought it from you. Sadly I can't go to 64 bit just yet though & I don't want to be locked to 32 bit for the life of the machine. So I'll have to pay the extra for the retail copy (which I would have to do wherever I bought it from) & install it myself, then let it trundle through all the updates.

Still happy to buy from PCS, of course, if you could supply - even if it still means I have to install it myself.

How does OEM installing/authorisation work? I don't suppose you can put your 32 bit copy on & authorise it with the product key from my retail copy, can you? That would save me an hour or two!
 

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
Are you sure you need the 32-bit version, I presume its for some specific software?

I know Win7 64-bit has two separate program files folders and I believe one is supposedly for 32 bit programs, though someone else may like to confirm that (in case I'm imagining things).
 

JSG10

Expert
It does indeed have two seperate program files folders, one the normal and usual 'program files' the other 'program files (x86)' No idea the difference between the two but nearly everything I've installed has automatically gone straight into the x86 folder and I've had zero compatibility issues.
 

SimonM

Active member
Are you sure you need the 32-bit version, I presume its for some specific software?

Yes, if it was just for some 32 bit software, it would be fine. Very little 32 bit software has any problem running under Win 7-64, but some parts of a particular business management suite I'm involved with has some 16 bit elements to it & there's no way that will run under 64 bit. We know - we've tried it!

It does work quite happily under Win 7-64 Professional using the XP Virtual Machine, but it's a bit of a pain & I don't really need anything 64 bit offers at the moment, so it's easier to stay with 32 bit for now. But I'm not expecting the restriction to 32 bit to last for all that much longer & there is no upgrade path from 32 bit to 64 bit other than buying the retail version to begin with.

When I can change, I'll probably add some more RAM & install the 64 bit version on a new solid state primary hard disk (they'll be better & cheaper in a year), relegating the existing HD to just storage.
 

vanthus

Member Resting in Peace
32-bit software programs, by default, install to the 'Program files (x86)' folder.
Some software applications programs install both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the program
 

Meds

Moderator
Moderator
SimonM,

If you want, you could purchase the retail copy of Windows 7 and send it into us whilst your order is in production. We will install the 32bit version for you along with all updates, drivers etc before we dispatch the PC to you. Then in the future should you wish to install the x64 version, just follow the step by step guide in the Welcome Pack we send out with every PC :)
 

SimonM

Active member
Brilliant! - thanks Meds, it's a deal. :D
Not only will that save me time, it'll keep me out of areas that I'm not familiar with & will provide reassurance for both parties if there are any problems at a later stage.

Now that's what I call service.

And I thought we were the only people who looked after our customers like that. :p
Well, not quite like that, because we don't sell computers, but you know what I mean.:)
 

SimonM

Active member
Meds - I'll place the PC order first & then see if I can get it shipped direct to yourselves with my order number as reference in the delivery note.

Rep added & your name passed to my colleague who needs a new laptop.
(Ok, I told her about PCS yesterday, but I'll send her the link to this thread.)
 

Meds

Moderator
Moderator
No worries mate. Once you've placed the order send me a PM (via the forums) so we can arrange for the delivery of the OS. Probably best to send it FAO myself so it comes upstairs to the office rather than through the warehouse.

If your colleague has any questions, feel free to ask!
 

SimonM

Active member
Once you've placed the order send me a PM (via the forums)

Well, I would, but your mailbox is full. Order no 375189.

Mine's empty, so send me a PM with what you want on the delivery instructions to get the OS delivered to the right desk.
 
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