Buying genuine Windows CD with Key sticker but no COA

[Web User]

Hello,

I want to know if buying a Windows 2000 genuine Retail CD
with the orange CD-Key sticker is legitimate.

There are some sellers, including some pricegrabber
storefronts that sell such CDs. I am considering buying
them because they are cheaper than the sealed packaged
versions.

Thank you.

Mostafa

 

[Leythos]

Hello,

I want to know if buying a Windows 2000 genuine Retail CD
with the orange CD-Key sticker is legitimate.

There are some sellers, including some pricegrabber
storefronts that sell such CDs. I am considering buying
them because they are cheaper than the sealed packaged
versions.

Many of those packages are from units shipped as OEM installs on
computers. The package is already installed on a computer by the vendor
(like Dell) and the sealed package is never opened.

There is no real way to tell if it's legit, but the OEM ones do have
restrictions.

 

[Oli Restorick [MVP]]

The COA is the license, so without that you'd just be buying a CD.

Oli

 

[f/f george]

Many of those packages are from units shipped as OEM installs on
computers. The package is already installed on a computer by the vendor
(like Dell) and the sealed package is never opened.

There is no real way to tell if it's legit, but the OEM ones do have
restrictions.

My local computer store will sell them but not at any kind of a
reasonable price! They tell me that what they are selling me is the
number so I then have a legal copy of the software, where I get the CD
if it is not installed on one of their systems, is up to me. They tell
me it means they are giving up the right to seel that same number to
someone else that they do build a system for, that is why no break on
the price.
Makes sense, but not cost effective!
I STILL think MS ought to just give up this copyright stuff and just
sell licenses at $25.00 each and not let the software be upgraded
beyond the version you are in, kind of like now. You have XP Home you
get all the Home upgrades but no Pro upgrades. Or 2000, you get the
Pro upgrades but no Server ones. You want Server another $25.00
please. They would make money so fast their heads would spin! There
are "estimates" of over 5 million bogus Windows copies out there. And
businesses could still buy the "full licensed" version, but get more
tech support!

 

[Mrich]

Whats a COA ?

The COA is the license, so without that you'd just be buying a CD.

Oli

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Whats a COA ?

Certificate of Authenticity.

--

Bruce Chambers

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[Web User]

The COA is the license, so without that you'd just be
buying a CD.

Oli

Thank you for the information.

 

[Jay Somerset]

Whats a COA ?

Certificate of Authenticity