How to find whether OS (Windows XP) is genuine or pirated ?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Amar
  • Start date Start date
A

Amar

hi all...one GK question or can say real time problem ....we had bought two
assembled pcs with windows XP installed...pls suggest me how should i find
whether the installed OS is genuine or pirated?...Is there any tool available
to find the same ?

Thnx
 
Donald said:
Ask yourself these questions:
1) Did you receive a Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity containing
the CD key (5 groups of 5 alphanumeric characters each) for EACH
machine?
2) Did you receive installation media (or a way to restore the OS if
necessary?) for EACH machine?

If not, I would certainly return them IMMEDIATELY, and demand
LEGITIMATE licenses for each machine.


Donald L McDaniel
Please reply to the correct thread and article.
================================================
Click to expand...
I agree with Donald. If the OS is genuine, it does little good if you
can't reload it. Sh...t happens, you need CD's and Keys. Sure you
can clone the drive and restore, but.......
 
Agree Donald...would like to know bit more ..except mentioned things like
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity Cd and all....

To David :

Tried this option also...found that the key written on the side panel of the
system is not matching with key shown by the software tool..

Any suggestion...

thnx
 
Comments inline...

Amar said:
Agree Donald...would like to know bit more ..except mentioned things like
Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity Cd and all....

To David :

Tried this option also...found that the key written on the side panel of the
system is not matching with key shown by the software tool..
Click to expand...

This would be a normal condition if the computer was made by one of the major
suppliers. They do not install the OS on a one-for-one basis, they use a bulk
method with their own Product Key. The user would need to utilize the Product
Key provided on the COA to reinstall the OS.

FYI, the COA is a label not a CD.

The Product Key is usually printed on a COA. The Product Key is required to
install or reinstall from a Windows XP CD. Many people wrongly believe that
a Product Key is contained in the installation CD.

Note that the Product Key must be compatible with the installation CD, e.g.,
OEM, Retail, Volume License, etc.

See this article for clarification of what a COA is:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/en/coa.mspx
 
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