Suspect Windows XP disk

[Ragnar]

I have purchased Windows XP Pro on Ebay but now that it has arrived I
propose to send it back as the disk is obviously a copy.

However it comes with what appears to be a valid COA sticker. Is there a way
of finding out if this COA is legitimate, without going to the trouble of an
attempted install? And if I find that it IS valid, can I then claim to have
a legitimate copy of Windows?

I have no intention of contacting Microsoft or anyone else who will charge
me for their advice.

R.

 

[Gordon]

I have purchased Windows XP Pro on Ebay but now that it has arrived I
propose to send it back as the disk is obviously a copy.

The fact that the CD is a copy doesn't matter - it's the Licence you
purchase not the media. However what may be more of a concern is whether
there is any "additional" software on the CD such as root kits, malware etc
etc!

 

[Ragnar]

The fact that the CD is a copy doesn't matter - it's the Licence you
purchase not the media. However what may be more of a concern is
whether there is any "additional" software on the CD such as root
kits, malware etc etc!

Thanks Gordon for your very prompt response. AVG and AdAware have found
nothing untoward.

I would like to try an install BUT from experience this will take hours and
I do not want to discover in the final moments that I have an invalid
license. For example the code could have been registered already. Is there a
way I can find out without going through the full install process?

R.

 

[R. McCarty]

How is the disk labeled ? - Does it say OEM on it. You can check the
Setupp.Ini file in the i386 folder to verify the disk matches the code on
the label. The PID string should have an "OEM" at the end of the ID.

Microsoft maintains a list of "Violated/Invalid" Product Keys but I'm
not sure whether the Activation phone line would be of any help. Once
you mention an eBay purchase they may be reluctant to help you out.

 

[Ragnar]

How is the disk labeled ? - Does it say OEM on it. You can check the
Setupp.Ini file in the i386 folder to verify the disk matches the
code on the label. The PID string should have an "OEM" at the end of
the ID.

The PID string does indeed have an "OEM" at the end.
R.

 

[Gordon]

The PID string does indeed have an "OEM" at the end.
R.

Did the EBay advert SAY that it was OEM? (OEM versions are supposed to be
sold with hardware........)

 

[Ragnar]

Did the EBay advert SAY that it was OEM? (OEM versions are supposed
to be sold with hardware........)

It did not say it was OEM nor did it say it was not. It was sold with an
item of hardware.

R.