Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack, 3-USER, 32/64-bit. $139.95 Shipped.

[PitViper]

The B&H price in itself is not all that fantastic since a number of office supply stores, Amazon, etc. will offer this around the full retail price of $149.99.

What is great is that if you missed the $50 pre-order offer from a couple of months ago, you can get a 3 license family pack for ~ $150 ($50/computer). Even if you’re going to upgrade only two computers, this offer is still cheaper than two separate licenses. And you’ll still have one license in your back pocket for a future upgrade. It appears that both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions are included. We can now commend Microsoft for FINALLY giving the consumer some consideration (but probably more aimed at curbing piracy).

It looks like this offer may not be available until 10/21 or 10/22 and possibly available for only two days (OfficeMax offer good until 10/24).

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack @ B&H. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/645759-REG/Microsoft_GFC_00236_Windows_7_Home_Premium.html)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack @ Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Premium-Family-3-User/dp/B002MV2MG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1255956672&sr=1-1)
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack @ Staples. (http://www.staples.com) Search for "820235".
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack @ OfficeMax. (http://www.officemax.com) Search for "2210-0496".

[akwingnut]

The Officemax one isnt working, says it can not find the item, any clues????
-AkWingnut

[PitViper]

The Officemax one isnt working, says it can not find the item, any clues????
-AkWingnut
I saw it in their weekly Sunday ad flyer and (incorrectly) assumed it would be up by now. It's probably not on their web site yet because the offer doesn't start until 10/22. Check out Page 3 of the print ad and you'll find it there. The link to the weekly ad is near the top middle of the OfficeMax home page.

[akwingnut]

Pitviper

Do you think this is a good deal? Something your thinking about getting? I am about to place the order at amazon but thought I would ask someone else about it..

-AkWingnut

[PitViper]

Pitviper

Do you think this is a good deal? Something your thinking about getting? I am about to place the order at amazon but thought I would ask someone else about it..

-AkWingnut
I got in on the pre-sale launch a couple of moths ago and purchased two single-user copies at $49.99 each for the full retail 32/64-bit Home Premium upgrade version.

The family pack is a very good deal if you’re going to upgrade even two computers since the current list price on a one-user retail upgrade version is $119.99. You may be able to find a one-user OEM upgrade version for around $90. Also, the fact that both the 32 and 64 bit versions are included is a big plus. I’m fairly certain (not 100%) that the family pack qualifies as full retail rather than OEM, so the licenses should be transferrable, and you would be eligible for future operating system upgrade versions at a discounted price. Installed OEM versions of XP or Vista may not allow the installation of Windows 7 Upgrade so you would be required to purchase the full version at a higher cost.

[MrGreg]

Is this 3 pack good for 3 upgrades, or 3 fresh installs?

[kenelena]

Remember, if you are a student, it is REALLY cheap...good for 2 out of 3 versions (not ultimate :-( )

http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows-7.aspx

[akwingnut]

I have installed right now the full version of Vista Ultimate Full version. I looked around and noticed that all the sites except amazon said that it comes with both 32/64 bit versions. So I hope that the amazon one honors it and comes with it.

-AkWingnut

MrGreg, I believe its ONE disc with 3 different serials numbers that you can use.

[MrGreg]

I have installed right now the full version of Vista Ultimate Full version. I looked around and noticed that all the sites except amazon said that it comes with both 32/64 bit versions. So I hope that the amazon one honors it and comes with it.

-AkWingnut

MrGreg, I believe its ONE disc with 3 different serials numbers that you can use.

Or maybe a 32 bit disk and a 64 bit disk.

But my question is, does it check for a previous install of some version of windows (i.e. it is an upgrade) or can it be installed on clean hardware?

[akwingnut]

I see what you mean, hmmmm after the 26th when i get it i can post it haha i know a little late......

[ray]

it is an upgrade.

[PitViper]

it is an upgrade.

Yes, it is an upgrade. But unlike the Windows XP upgrade where you only had to put you old CD of Windows 98, ME or 2000 into the CD drive to verify a license, Windows 7 requires the older operating system to be present on the computer. So you have to install XP or Vista on the new equipment first. You can then do a completely fresh install with Windows 7 where all the old files will be removed/overwritten or the drive reformatted.

I just built a new system and putting XP back on it was a pain in the butt. The new motherboard required service pack (SP2) before I could even boot into Windows. I could not load any software or drivers. The SP2 download (to a different computer) from the Microsoft server was slow. The files then had to be extracted/unzipped and burned to disk. The biggest problem occurred when XP did not know where to find the extracted files it was looking for. If XP did not automatically find a file, you had to type in the path (no active “browse” feature). That meant locating the file through a “file search” on the second computer, then telling the new computer where to find it on the CD. So much for “user friendly”.

I’m hoping to create a dual-boot system with Windows 7 & XP. But some of the forums I’ve visited stated that when the Windows 7 upgrade is installed and activated, the XP or Vista license will be deactivated. Let’s hope not… We will see.

[PitViper]

Is this 3 pack good for 3 upgrades, or 3 fresh installs?
From Microsoft....

Currently running Windows XP: Microsoft designed Windows 7 Upgrade media for Windows Vista. Customers with Windows XP can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions but must back up their files, clean install, and then reinstall their applications.

Currently running Windows Vista: Customers with Windows Vista can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade versions. You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and then reinstall your applications) or an in-place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista).

Link (see bottom of page) (http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Windows-7/category/102)

[MrGreg]

Ok, I'll stick with the $99 OEM license (non-upgrade) from newegg, then.

[otlgal19]

10/20 This may only be a SoCal thing :cool: , but Office Depot has a promo starting on Thursday. When you purchase any of the various Windows 7 versions you get FREE installation by their in-house Tech Depot services ($40 value).

Here's the link to this week's store flyer:
http://officedepot.shoplocal.com/officedepot/Default.aspx?action=entryflash&sid=enb-hLu3UqzNBq25Cwou1Askr4A&odserver=www.officedepot.com

[jcossin]

Ok, I'll stick with the $99 OEM license (non-upgrade) from newegg, then.

Me too! That's the one I'm going for. I'll sell my current full version of Vista and just buy the new full version since I'm constantly wiping my PC and having to install 2 OSs to updgrade would be a pain.

[akwingnut]

Sorry I am at a loss here, "You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in -place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista)." Does this mean that when you install the new OS you choose clean install and it reformats using Windows 7 or do you use your version of Vista, then Windows 7? Sorry normally I get the full version so I just install it whenever I want so an upgrade is something new to me..... Thanks

-AkWingnut

[PitViper]

Sorry I am at a loss here, "You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in -place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista)." Does this mean that when you install the new OS you choose clean install and it reformats using Windows 7 or do you use your version of Vista, then Windows 7? Sorry normally I get the full version so I just install it whenever I want so an upgrade is something new to me..... Thanks

-AkWingnut
It looks like with XP you must do a clean install. But XP must already be on you computer. I’m assuming that Windows 7 will reformat the XP partition.

With Vista it looks like you’ll have the option of a clean install or an overwrite. An overwrite means you will most likely not need to reinstall your programs as it keeps Windows registry files intact. However, I always fear “leftover baggage” from the previous operating system which can slow down your system. I always do a clean install. All you “old-timers” out there remember when a clean install was an annual ritual with Windows 95, 98 and/or ME due to deteriorating performance.

I can’t speak for Vista since I’m running XP. Windows XP gave the option of installing to a different partition, allowing Windows 95, 98, or ME to remain intact as part or a dual-boot system (triple boot was possible with DOS). This was a big plus because some of the kids’ older software would not run on XP. I know some of the beta testers posted that the test versions of Windows 7 could be dual-booted. I hope the final version allow that as well. Who knows what compatibility issues will surface?

Bottom line (IMHO): Bite the bullet and do a clean install. I hope this helped.

[Doublej]

Sorry I am at a loss here, "You can do a clean install (back up your files, clean install, and reinstall your applications) or an in -place upgrade (Windows 7 installs over Windows Vista)." Does this mean that when you install the new OS you choose clean install and it reformats using Windows 7 or do you use your version of Vista, then Windows 7? Sorry normally I get the full version so I just install it whenever I want so an upgrade is something new to me..... Thanks

-AkWingnut

Yes, I think clean install means you lose everything on the disk and after the Windows 7 install, you have to install each application again. My guess is that even though it is an upgrade version of the software the DVD will let you perform a fresh install. Make sure you have your Vista key available to reenter if prompted.

With upgrade to Vista in theory all of your applications that were on the machine under Vista will still be there after the Window 7 upgrade process completes.

In either case it's best to back up your data before hand in case something goes awry.

[Jeffbx]

You should always do a clean install when you're installing a new OS, IMHO. Not only do you get rid of any malware, spyware or corrupt files that might be hiding out on your drive, but it's also a great opportunity to blast all of the garbage that you probably never use.

If you're not that comfortable backing up your data & you want to make 100% sure you won't lose anything, I always recommend that you go out & get yourself a new primary HD (good time to get a Raptor!)

Then install the new OS on the new drive, and then put the old drive in as a secondary data drive. You won't be able to use any of the applications that are on the old drive (you can delete those), but you can be secure knowing that you absolutely have all of the data files you started with!

[PitViper]

If you're not that comfortable backing up your data & you want to make 100% sure you won't lose anything, I always recommend that you go out & get yourself a new primary HD (good time to get a Raptor!)
I have the original 74 GB 10,000 rpm Raptor with only the OS installed on it (swap file on 2nd drive, 1TB 7,200rpm Samsung Spinpoint). But the Raptor has much slower throughput than the new 10,000 rpm VelociRaptors. Plus it’s kind of small by today’s standards.

Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136322) has the new 10,000 rpm, 300 GB VelociRaptor (Model WD3000HLFS) for $199.99 After Rebate and $7.xx shipping.

ZipZoomFly (http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=10010258) has the new 10,000 rpm, 300 GB VelociRaptor (Model WD3000BLFS) for $169.00, No Rebate & Free shipping. CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.

Jeffbx,

The biggest difference between the drives is the IcePack mounting frame (heat sink). Do you think that’s worth the extra $38?

[MrGreg]

I've got a 10k rpm Raptor for a boot drive and I like it. The only annoyance is when I haven't used my other drives in a while and they lag for a second to spin up, but on the other hand, I like that they don't spin when I'm not using them.

[akwingnut]

My copies of windows 7 should be in here a few days, hopefully 3 like they said. But then again being in Alaska things take longer to get here. I have 2x250 gig sata in raid for my main drive and a bunch of others. I think i am going to copy the whole c drive place it on another drive and pick what i want out of it then after i reinstall windows..

[aaazdaddy]

Was just at the Costco in Bakersfield (on business) and they are selling the 3-pack of Windows 7 Home Premium for $124.99.

[Jeffbx]

Jeffbx,

The biggest difference between the drives is the IcePack mounting frame (heat sink). Do you think that’s worth the extra $38?

No, as long as you have adequate cooling in your machine you should be fine without it.

Another option for you: http://www.techwarelabs.com/seagate_1-5tb-mod/all/1/

Same speed & capacity as the 300GB Raptor, but cost about $120. I've done this mod on a drive at work & it was pretty easy.