windows pro legitimate licenses (as opposed to leaked volume licensing keys like you get on ebay or the facebook ads) are $120-$180 in my experience, and realistically, if you don't want to be "the product" that's a fair price.

But even with all that being said, there's other ways to get Pro versions, if the home user experience is that frustrating. and it is, i know!

if you ever do buy a license key on ebay, do a web search for the key you get. If it comes back with any results, immediately email the seller and say "it didn't work, says it's in use" or whatever. Keep doing this till they give you one that doesn't come up on a search. Usually they'll just refund your money after 2 keys, sometimes with a nasty message. What they're doing is unethical, IMO; so if all you want is a potentially valid key, you might get it for free.

anyone remember FCKGW?