Is my OEM version of Windows 7 genuine?

earthstorm

HappyMJ wrote: »

Shipping date of 12/03/2008 so highly unlikely to have an OEM version of Windows 7 considering it lauched in 2009.

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/uk/en/ukdhs1/Servicetag/2MTTJ3J

unless it was supplied by a PC Retailer who also repairs/builds PCs, they could have supplies of OEM software that they can install if they have replaced the HDD, but they should then place the COA label on the PC case, so without COA it is almost a pirated copy

NiftyDigits

earthstorm wrote: »

i was not recommending using a torrent i was stating it as a possible reason to your comment

Ok, I understand. But there are other ways. The method would determine as to whether it was permanent or not. The lack of a Recovery Disc or partition in this case gives me concern.

gterr

Thanks for your help so far.

I understand that the software is not legal to use without the CoA.
That's one issue. But has it actually been activated? And if so, does it appear to Microsoft to be genuine (i.e. if I continue to use it will I avoid the warnings about non-genuine software?)

If I obtain a CoA, will this make the software legal? And if I do this, must I change the Product Key to match the CoA?

NiftyDigits

earthstorm wrote: »

unless it was supplied by a PC Retailer who also repairs/builds PCs, they could have supplies of OEM software that they can install if they have replaced the HDD, but they should then place the COA label on the PC case, so without COA it is almost a pirated copy

I've already checked. It is not a genuine retail or purchased OEM key.

NiftyDigits

gterr wrote: »

Thanks for your help so far.

I understand that the software is not legal to use without the CoA.
That's one issue. But has it actually been activated? And if so, does it appear to Microsoft to be genuine (i.e. if I continue to use it will I avoid the warnings about non-genuine software?)

If I obtain a CoA, will this make the software legal? And if I do this, must I change the Product Key to match the CoA?

Let me know the reply to the question in post #13.

gterr

NiftyDigits wrote: »

From what I can see it has a Vista signature in the BIOS, but has been used with a DELL Windows 7 Pro disc and key.

Technically it should not activate.

What does it say at the bottom of the page when you navigate to Control Panel > System?

There is no mention of the product key at all, and nothing about the need to activate in 30 days, or whatever. No blue badge on RHS. But it doesn't say it _isn't_ genuine, either!

earthstorm

gterr wrote: »

There is no mention of the product key at all, and nothing about the need to activate in 30 days, or whatever. No blue badge on RHS. But it doesn't say it _isn't_ genuine, either!

well you can go though the process MS takes you to get a genuine licence key to make your copy legal or go somewhere like this http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/MICROSOFT_-_Windows_7_Professional_64-bit_OEM_FQC-04649/version.asp to purchase a genuine copy

NiftyDigits

Can you take a screenshot?

It's really an odd situation, but it is most certainly not a genuine activation.
For instance, your claimed BIOS version is A02. A BIOS from 2008. Before Windows 7 was even released. A crude type of OEM activation has been used. Perhaps a Service has been added to stop Microsoft from running WGA checks. Think that I can guess the software used.

How much did you pay for the thing?
It can be fixed with a clean install, but unless it was dirt cheap I would think about returning it as not as described.

earthstorm

NiftyDigits wrote: »

It can be fixed with a clean install, but unless it was dirt cheap I would think about returning it as not as described.

No need for clean install if he gets a genuine key as you can just add this, but a genuine win 7 key is going to cost over £100, so i agree to return it as not as described

gterr

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Can you take a screenshot?

(Your mailbox is full, Nifty)


http://postimg.org/image/6nytcgvhx

http://s18.postimg.org/58x8nquex/screenshot2.png