I bought windows 7 that looked genuine but turned out to be pirated

Michkelo · 14 Sep 2016

I bought a Windows 7 Pro (32 & 64 bit) full retail version thinking that it was the real thing (because everything about it looked like it was the real Microsoft product, plus it was sealed). When I installed it I tried to activate it at once and got the following message: "the product key you typed cannot be used to activate windows on this computer." Re-entered the product key several times just to be sure I typed it correctly, still the same message. I called Microsoft here in the Philippines (or probably their office in Asia) and the agent asked for the product key to be verified. Turned out it has already been used since 2012. The agent told me that there are counterfeits that could look as good as the real thing. She advised me to have it replaced or refunded. My problem is that I don't know if the store will allow it. I think I remember them saying they have a no refund policy. And if they replace it, it could very well be another counterfeit. Is there any way to hold them responsible? Thanks in advance for any help.

RoasterMen · 14 Sep 2016

Try to return and refund it and say the key is already been used and show them proof, If they don't then you can go ahead and call OMB so you can have a talk with them about this.

amo1102 · 14 Sep 2016

Of course you can. I would email microsoft and ask them to confirm back to you by email that that product key is false and not valid since 2012. Then print that off and go back to the store with your receipt, the product you were sold illegally and the email. If they refuse to refund you, go to the Police or file a fraud compliant. I'm sure that will scare them off into giving you your money back or a product that works! Otherwise if its a laptop, bring it with you to the store and show the owner what he sold you. I can't imagine they would still refuse to give you the real deal.

Suggestion, never go cheap on Microsoft products that may be counterfeit. Go directly to Microsoft - I get mine on line and download it straight. Never failed me.

:)

good luck.

matfx · 14 Sep 2016

If i'm remember correctly Microsoft stopped selling retail version of Windows 7 back in October 2014. So currently shouldn't be any new Windows 7 retail version available unless some shop selling as second hand. But anyway just asked the shop for refund.

Michkelo · 15 Sep 2016

@Roastermen OMB.. Great idea! That'll scare them off...

@amo1102 thanks for the email idea... It'll definitely save me a lot of time. I'm sure they'll ask me to do that anyway. However, I couldn't find any email address of Microsoft. Do you know any? Haha the Police! That's kind of extreme. Although I might have to resort to that if things go sour.

I really wanted to buy it straight from Microsoft, however they stopped selling windows 7. My only option now I think is the oem version of Windows 7 Pro.

Michkelo · 15 Sep 2016

Thanks maftx. I read somewhere that some stores are still selling oem versions of windows 7 pro. I hope I'll find a legit one after I get my money back.. Fingers crossed.

amo1102 · 15 Sep 2016

Hi, try this page, you can also ask for an agent. Then give him your product key, he'll check that its already in use and confirm that. Then screen shoot the chat or ask to have it sent to your help and voila!

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/

I know the Police sounds extreme but sometimes you need to use force against force... If you know what I mean.

Michkelo · 15 Sep 2016

Thanks so much for your help.. will try that. Yea, I know what you mean.:)

ThrashZone · 15 Sep 2016

Hi,
Being in the Philippines I would guess your recourse is limited RoasterMen is in the same region so he would know :)

AddRAM · 15 Sep 2016

You gotta find something there like our Newegg here to buy it from.

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems - Newegg.com

Even OEM is becoming scarce.