riccardo said:
I can understand your points. This is the most worn out COA sticker I have seen, but not the first illegible one. I have a hard time believing it is a fake though. The computer was purchased from PC World in the UK and was brand new. I suppose its not impossible though. Anyway, I think the conclusion for how to proceed has only one expensive option. Thanks for all your advice.
I do wish I had a better response, but that CoA key just doesn't look legit. Even if it was, you'd have to contact the OEM for a replacement, which would be non-free; however, it isn't likely to be as expensive as a full OS upgrade (if the OEM offers it - this is not guaranteed, especially with Acer). I would run that to ground first before going out and buying a new Windows license, personally.