This was posted 8 years 10 months 29 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

Related
  • out of stock

Windows 8 Pro 32-Bit OEM $49 Delivered at JB Hi-Fi

480

aprart from getting a cheap legit version of Windows 8 for your self-built pc etc, this is also one of the cheapest ways to gain Windows 10 latter on (of course students get these softwares for free most the time)

Related Stores

JB Hi-Fi
JB Hi-Fi

closed Comments

  • stock might be limited, hurry if you need one

  • If I get a 32-bit, does this mean that I only have access to 32 bits version? I know that it sounds rather redundant, but if it allows me to access 64-bits version as well… This might be an amazing deal for me.

    • +2

      It does. You can use 64bit

      • Does the DVD also include the 64-bit version? I figured it would only have the 32-bit software on it.

      • It does. You can use 64bit

        Are you saying I can buy this 32 bit copy of Windows 8, and somehow upgrade it to 64 bit Windows 8, and potentially 64 bit Windows 10?

        • +2

          No. You pay the license, not the DVD. Just download win8 x64 and use the key you get

        • +1

          @dosada: How long's this been? IIRC back in the day you had to buy a new license if you wanted 64 bit

        • @tensionday: Vista, 7 & 8.

          XP 64-bit were different keys.

  • +2

    32bit….why do they even stock those?

    • +1

      100's of reason for instance you can buy 32bit Windows PC/tablets. I also have an old Alps thermal printer with drivers that will not work on a 64bit OS. I'd imagine businesses with expensive legacy hardware will want a 32bit computer to run them.

    • they stock them to confuse kids that don't know what 32 or 64 bit really is.

      just get the operating system with the prettiest coloured box and you will be happy.

    • -2

      because 64bit is next to useless for the home pc environment.

      ive got a new pc that'll happiliy run a 64bit OS, but I choose to run 32bit for the compatibility of all my games/software.
      there is no benefit to run 64bit when nothing of use (most games) will take advantage of it.

      • +3

        That's pretty short sighted, you are aware that a 32 bit OS cannot use more than 4GB of RAM right.

        So why would I put a 32 bit OS into my system with more than 4GB of RAM? Most gamers these days put at least 8GB into their systems, they wouldn't go anywhere near a 32 bit OS if they knew anything about PC's.

        *Side note: I've never had any issues running games on my system with a 64 bit OS.

      • I've seen/had 32 bit systems running 4gb of ram, and switching over to 64bit actually makes a noticible increase in speed even if you don't change the hardware. Since I started using 64bit systems in 2007, going back to even a 4gb 32 setup is painfully slow.

        My concerns regarding 32bit compatibility were unfounded, unless you use very specific software that the layperson does not, I have yet to see programs that I personally use that do not work on a 64bit system. The only games that don't, probably wouldn't have worked on windows 7+ anyway.

        That's not to mention unless you're doing word processing, were at an age where 4gb is considered the minimum. My q6600 setup started experiencing memory leaks in windows drivers. You need more to compensate for small failings so you can at least do a soft restart your computer. If not it just struggles over nothing and you have to hard reset

  • +3

    It's $25 at http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/

    I have used this with success. Happy to answer any questions about how it works.

    • +4

      How it works?

      • +3

        go to url
        message seller

        pay seller
        receive key

      • +5

        You choose a seller, I would find one with a username that repeatedly lists his offers and has plenty of positive comments/feedback on the subreddit. Since they no longer accept new sellers, the ones that are listing there are all reasonably well known.

        You send him a private message via reddit telling him what you want. He will then send you a link to a site where you can "donate" an amount to him via a range of payment methods. You only need to give your reddit username during donation. Note: your username will be listed as a "donor" so I would suggest creating a throwaway account if you care about this.

        After you donate, you send him another PM confirming you have paid, he checks his recent donations and then gives you the key. You can ask for a download link but they are all listed in the sidebar of the subreddit. You download the zipped ISO, mount it or burn it, then install.

        These are legit keys that are not meant for the general public. They are not pirated or stolen.

        Think of it this way: Ministers get to buy new cars very cheap as churches don't pay tax. If they were unethical they could then instantly sell that car for a slightly higher price than what they paid, but it would still be well under retail value. Is it stolen? No. Is it illegal? No. Is it wrong? You be the judge.

        • +8

          They are MSDN keys with all that entails.

        • Is anyone on Reddit doing something similar with Microsoft Office?

        • If they are MSDN keys, then legally they are for testing purpose only.

    • -1

      great resource for stolen keys

    • That's very cheap. May be sellers use keygen software?

      • +15

        Nah, most likely volume license keys from MicrosoftHUP (They show up as Retail keys under the "Volume Activation Management Tool" by microsoft), they will be legit for sure, you will get updates from microsoft directly. Probably some IT employee in a company that's able to purchase HUP keys looking to make some extra cash, might be someone with access to creating new accounts on the company's email server.

        Is it legal for you to use? Probably not.
        Will you get caught? Probably not.
        Does it work? YES it does, bought a few keys the myspace HUP deal.
        Should you do it? Ethics debate time.

        • I would actually venture that they're MSDN (developer network) keys. As you suggested, software developers at large companies are often given MSDN licenses that give them a ridiculous amount of software with the intention that it is for use for testing their software on, on virtual machines and such. Think along the lines of 10 keys per major BUILD of Windows - so that's a number of builds per version. The license, if your company has spent enough, which many do, include just about every piece of MS software.

          Using them outside of testing your software on them is against the Terms of Service but for home use, as mentioned above, you'll probs be fine. The guy selling them however is running a pretty big risk of getting himself in dire straits with his company - not sure if they would (or could) retroactively ban keys his been provided. Anecdotally, I've heard MS go hunting for key sellers linked to their MSDN program.

        • But how to know if the seller is not giving one of the keys floating in internet. 1 in 100 might work if it does not have crossed activation limits.

        • +1

          @Gaggy:

          Install VAMT 3.1
          https://technet.microsoft.com/en-au/library/dn613834.aspx
          Install ADK -> Tick VAMT 3.1
          https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=399…
          You have to use some SQL express thingy to configure it and you can see what key they have given you, if it's blacklisted, if its a MAK key (volume license key they buy # of activations for), or a MSDN MAK key, or if its a retail key it will show up.

        • +1

          @sheepdog:

          I would actually venture that they're MSDN (developer network) keys.

          Might be for the Windows keys, I'm not sure.

          But for Office products..
          MSDN keys don't exist as "Retail"
          "They are Legit Retail Keys and each customer gets unique key for product they bought" - Reddit Dealer
          You can see the type of key it is if you install Microsoft's VAMT 3.1. As I said before, Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2013 does not exist as a "retail" product.. only Volume License MAK keys (these ones have a number of activations as purchased by the company, you can check remaining activations via VAMT) that can permanently activate the product, and retail keys, I've only seen when you buy a HUP key.

          Anecdotally, I've heard MS go hunting for key sellers linked to their MSDN program.

          That's because the ones that are sold on ebay are the SAME key sold to several customers, causing the scammed customer to not be able to activate, and thus bring it to the attention to Microsoft that someone's been selling MSDN keys.

          The office keys on Reddit, I'm damn sure they're all HUP keys.

        • @cwongtech: Thanks. Wondering if the blacklisted keys are in SQL Expres, we can use query to find out.

        • -1

          http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/comments/34yp8…

          Check sellers description. If key doesn't work, seller will replace it. I doubt they are selling genuine windows key

        • -1

          @sonu1111: you dont know what youre talking about

          stop spouting nonsense without backup

        • @furythree: I know what I am talking about.

          What I referred to is reddit people are not selling safe key, they might be genuine, they might be stolen.

          What description says clearly show that there might be a problem with keys so read it properly and comment

          All I mentioned about was reddit keys. If sellers are selling genuine keys, they should not be writing this description, it should always work.

        • -1

          @sonu1111:

          http://www.reddit.com/r/microsoftsoftwareswap/comments/36bnq…

          They're safer than investing in commonwealth bank stocks after CBA was guaranteed by the fed govt during the gfc.

          And if they're not, or you're the unluckiest Phil on earth, at worst, you're still only out $10-$25. But I dig your scepticism :)

    • +1

      any issues down the track with keys?

      • +1

        Shouldn't be, looking at the prices, they are exactly double what Microsoft wants through the Home Office Use program. Microsoft Professional Plus 2013 (for example) was $15 from the microsoft store if you had a valid email for HUP, the reddit dealers want $30.
        There ARE no retail editions of that program, but it comes up as a retail key on a program made by microsoft for managing their product keys.
        That's the only source for that type of key, and it sort of points towards the source of the reddit dealer keys to be Microsoft HUP.

      • Yep, people get their keys cancelled now and again. Microsoft started cracking down a while back, but its been quiet recently.

        Calm before another storm maybe?

    • I can vouch it is legit. Bought a Windows 8.1 Pro N key for ~$A20. The sellers buy their keys in bulk, so they get discounts and are able to sell it cheap.

      • Great stuff. Can you send me the seller you bought it from and I might buy one myself for a spare HP laptop with win 7 premium OEM.

        • I think you will find that all of the sellers there are quite reputable, reading the comments probably helps too. Probably just a matter of who is cheapest though.

      • The sellers buy their keys in bulk, so they get discounts and are able to sell it cheap

        Thats what they say, not actually what they do.

        They're MSDN keys being sold (against tos), so there is a chance the users account will be banned, and all associated keys deactivated (its happened before, but ms hasnt done much recently, maybe theyll get back into it with windows 10, or maybe they just want people using windows 10)

        • The last thing you said, I reckon they just want us all on 10.

    • +2

      questionable if this is a LEGAL key source….. I'm sure if MS audit you, they would say no!

    • Thanks for this. Found some 8.1 Pro N's around the $15 mark. Bargain. I'll investigate the sellers better tomorrow but it looks promising. Going to need more office keys too.

    • I'll just chime in here to say that I've used them several times for several new PC builds. Never once had an issue with any of the installs or keys. $10 for 8.1N is unbeatable.

  • Would this be ok on a Nuc DN2820FYKH or should I be using 64 bit

  • when i working with MSY, you can only buying OEM version of OS when you combining hardware(that's what OEM version means anyway)….

    so they changed the law??????

    • +1

      Lol "the law." But no, "the law" has not been changed, so "legit" isn't so clear cut.

    • I don't think it's the law. It's just microsoft's licensing agreement.

    • You're allowed to sell Windows 8 OEM licenses without combining hardware now.

      Source: I'm MS Partner

      • You're actually not allowed to sell OEM keys without the key hardware consisting of a board, CPU, RAM, PSU and some form of storage.

        They have recently removed the OEM licensing FAQ and EULA pages from their site however the packaging for each license still states this is in existence. As far as I have been informed though, this licensing is set to change shortly once discussions between Ingram, Synnex and Microsoft have concluded.

        http://oem.microsoft.com/public/worldwide/licensing/OEM_Syst…

        However this is often overlooked by most retailers as well as places like G2A linked below.

        https://www.g2a.com/microsoft-windows-8-1-professional-32-64…

        source: Microsoft Partner

        • In that case I'll have to speak to my manager at Ingram and find out why I've been misinformed.

  • +1

    Grabbed one. Nice find!

  • Hopefully you can buy this and get access to the 64bit of Windows 10

    • +5

      If you already using legit Windows 7 don't bother with this.

      • Nah, it's not for me. All my machines are legally activated by www.realm$kms.kom ;)

      • seriously hate windows 8. using it until the next windows is out.

  • +1

    OEM meaning its locked to that one machine, and no major hardware changes allowed?

    • +1

      OEM means it's meant to be sold with a new machine.

      • Exactly. Hardware changes are fine.

  • +1

    sh1t missed it because there stupid checkout requires java and noscript wouldn't allow it.
    now there are none left.. Good find thought.

  • +10

    Bollox, wife rang me as I was checking out and when I came back … GONE! Bloody wives.

    • I'll take her off your hands.

      • +12

        Need to check the label to make sure it's not an OEM wife and therefore can't be 'transferred.'

      • Glutton for punishment are you?? hehehehehe!!

        Aimed at 'trumpedup'

  • yep gone.

  • +2

    I have been using Windows 8 for a year, but I never got used to the system. Moved back to Windows 7.

    • +4

      you should have installed www.classicshell.net

      • +3

        Microsoft should have built it in.

        • This is the correct answer.

        • @daitro: Ironically, I think I've gotten used to the Windows 8.1 so well that classic shell makes no difference, since I just use shortcuts. (Own a Surface Pro 1 and had it before I got myself a desktop). That being said, I think MS must've been high believing that desktop users would love an UI that's built for tablets. The UI has a learning curve and UI feels clunky without a touchscreen. I got used to it because I ended up remembering some of shortcuts like Windows + S or Windows + E.

          I like the OS though. OS feels fairly light and I think I've never had that much problems (other than several f!@# up with updates by MS).

    • how did you downgrade?

      • Piratebay to the rescue

  • +1

    Bugger! Oh well. Win8 non-oem $70 at Big W (if you can find it) + $30 pro upgrade also at Big W (again, if you can find it).

  • DAMN !… that was one sweet deal :(

  • +1

    So if this is the "Pro" version, then it has downgrade rights meaning you can move to a full licensed version of Windows 7 or Vista and then upgrade to Windows 10 when available (if you don't like Windows 8). Spoiled for choice buying this version.

    http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/en/licensing/sblicensing/Pages/…

  • You can also buy the same copy for the same price maybe even cheaper from g2a.com

    • +2

      Are they legit? A lot of key sites give you MSDN keys which will eventually get blacklisted.

      • Yeah I regularly buy my steam keys from there, you can pay an extra $1.50 to have g2a protection

        • +2

          Steam is different. They aren't going to disable your game once you've activated it. Windows can constantly check you against the blacklist and give you the black screen.

  • +2

    Ozbargained…..so quick

  • Would you be able to get 64 bit Windows 10 with this?

    • +1

      You are only tied to the key. So when you get 10 you can pick either version, likewise with 8.1. The key works across both.

      • Why do they put 32-bit on the box if you get a choice of either?

        • A fine question.

          Perhaps M$ don't want to make it too obvious so people might double purchase. Buggered if I know :)

  • Holy sh*t, this far down the comments and no one's tearing Windows 8 a new one yet?

    • I just installed win 8.1 pro for the first time this week. Love it so far, as I still have the classic win 7 layout. I've had a couple of crashes that I haven't been able to work out yet, but overall, I like it.

    • Haha, the initial use of Windows 8 was a bit horrible with metro UI.. now that I've used 8.1, it's Windows 7 on steroids + lame full-screen start menu that I almost never see.

      • Much the same although I use Start Screen a bit, I taught Win8 for a long time so by default I got used to using it. It's a flakey alternative to the real desktop mode though, I never do important stuff in start ui.

  • I didn't think that JB Hi-Fi sells OEM software.

  • I just recently got a few free Windows Keys from Microsoft which was nice!
    but I also use expired windows on some old machines with no problem
    So what is actually the use of these licenses?

    • Few free windows keys from Microsoft !!!!
      How come?

      • Maybe theyre a student?

  • Still $50 more than Linux.

Login or Join to leave a comment