Ahoy hoy folks!
About 2 weeks ago, I was looking to upgrade my PC finally to Windows 7 and I took a chance with Ebay. I found a copy and decided to buy it.
Here's the link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=180580645530&si=fmGZooaDR3NYMajjn24PHUu%252Fr70%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1390wt_1139
About a day ago I got contacted by another ebay seller who warned me that the seller who sold me the copy was dealing with counterfeit software and that he most likely sold me a counterfeit copy as well. Up until this point, the software is still in its shrinkwrap and has not been opened. (I haven't had a full weekend to sit down and do the "nuke then re-install" shenaniganry so I hadn't opened it yet.)
He went on to explain to me that they've been monitoring this seller for quite some time and I needed to contact Microsoft to verify that the copy is fake and report him to ebay as well, as "they've been reporting this guy quite a few times and ebay needs more evidence to prove he's pushing counterfeit windows 7 disks"
So! My question to you folks is: Is there anyway to tell that a copy of Windows 7 is counterfeit just by looking at the COA (Certificate of Authenticity)? I've tried going to Microsoft's website but their method basically entails me breaking the shrinkwrap to check which I'd rather not do if I need to do a return. I also tried contacting their 1-800 number to report piracy, but they're closed until Monday. I've included pics of the box itself. I have to admit, if this is indeed a fake, this is the most authentic looking fake I've ever seen. I'd appreciate anyone taking a stab at it and seeing what's what....
I really appreciate any and all help. You've been great in the past, so I do hope you all can put my mind somewhat at ease!
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Damn well I guess that tears it then.
Damn. Thankfully I don't have it opened and I'm within the 45 day window for ebay's Buyer Protection Plan, but man...if you guys hadn't pointed out the spelling errors, this is probably the most impressive counterfeit software I've ever seen! *Sigh* Serves me right for trying to save a buck. Never shopping for software on ebay again.
Wud yoo laek to lern aboot meatz? Look here!
you can apparently buy a Student version of Office 2010 while you're there, also for relatively cheap.
steam | Dokkan: 868846562
Information on if it is a real copy or not.
You can qualify for OEM versions with the purchase of a new hard drive many places.
Thanks for all of your help!
I've also reported the wanker as well. Microsoft, BSA, and ebay the works. Hopefully he gets a visit from the party van -_-
Wud yoo laek to lern aboot meatz? Look here!
Yep, that's exactly what I did when I bought my OEM disc. I bought a new HDD, and wanted to dual boot my system with XP and WIN7.