View original (French)

Purchase of PC without OS

Ruthleess Posted messages 9 Status Member -  
Ruthleess Posted messages 9 Status Member -
Hello,

So I need some information regarding gaming computers sold without OS.

I would like to buy a computer that I saw on Materiel.net that I really like, but the technical sheet doesn't mention an OS.

So my questions are as follows:

1) Can I start my computer without an OS?
2) Can I play without an OS?
3) Can I use the WINDOWS 8 key from my old computer on the new one to have an OS for free?

I would like to know this in principle because an OS is really not cheap on the market, or if you have websites like AcheterCleCD that no longer exists currently, it would be nice if you could share those sites with me so I could buy an OS for 20, 30 euros.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Best regards,

2 answers

  1.
    Theophile76 Posted messages 2115 Status Member 388
     
    Hello,
    You can retrieve the key from your old computer if it's a "retail" version of Windows (basically, if you bought it separately)
    Otherwise, in most cases, it's an OEM version (which means it's tied to your motherboard, so you can't install it elsewhere)
    Therefore, there are no "legal" solutions to satisfy your case (you could install a free OS like Ubuntu, but it wouldn't allow you to game, at least not under good conditions).

    --
    0
    1. Ruthleess Posted messages 9 Status Member
       
      Hello,
      To begin with, thank you for your response,

      In response, I would say that the key is written on the back of my tower, so it’s not a box. In any case, would I need to buy a CD that costs 100 euros?
      0
    2. Theophile76 Posted messages 2115 Status Member 388
       
      Yes, I think it's an OEM version (still needs to be verified).
      What version of Windows is it?
      0
    3. epango Posted messages 37195 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   4 270
       
      It's an OEM version. What's surprising is that you have a product key on a PC sold without an OS. Are you sure it's the Windows key?
      0
      1. Ruthleess Posted messages 9 Status Member > epango Posted messages 37195 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention  
         
        Hi Epango, no that's on my old PC actually, there's a Windows 8 key on the back.
        0
  2. Theophile76 Posted messages 2115 Status Member 388
     
    And to answer your other question, no, you won't be able to play without an OS, because your hard drive will be "empty." You need a Windows on it.

    --
    0
    2. Theophile76 Posted messages 2115 Status Member 388
       
      Yes, that's the kind of thing you need, but be careful, there are negative reviews on the link you gave me; it seems that they might be some "hacked" Windows keys.
      However, the seller "KAR.STORE" has received good ratings, in this case. https://www.amazon.fr/gp/offer-listing/B004Q86C9K/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new
      0
      1. FeLynX Posted messages 7236 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   1 538 > Theophile76 Posted messages 2115 Status Member
         
        Hi, knowing that the normal price of a Windows license is €100, I would be cautious... at best it's a functional illegal license, at worst it will cause issues during validation. I've learned to be wary of great deals on sites like Amazon / Cdiscount when I see their super gamer PCs for €300.
        0
      2. Ruthleess Posted messages 9 Status Member > FeLynX Posted messages 7236 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention  
         
        Hey,

        In the end, my brother when he bought his computer was provided with a Windows 10 CD with its Windows 10 key, I will just need a Windows 10 key after all it works out well for me anyway thanks for your answers!
        It really helped me.
        0