Genuine Windows 7 discs possibly counterfeit

[Craigjw]

Hi,

I bought a copy of Windows 7 off ebay, claiming that it was genuine. I looked through the ms site and came across the page for identifying genuine discs, which describes that there should be a holographic inlaid into the disc, with a center and outer ring of holographic, outer having wavy edges.

I have a disc that has a sticker holographic with no inner holographic and the colours are mono copper, not multi-coloured, as described.

Can anyone confirm that this is a counterfeit item please, as I was under the impression that it was genuine.

thank you.

 

[Tews]

Your disc is probably counterfeit .. those holographic stickers are dime a dozen ... You should always get your OS disc from MS..not ebay... Caveat Emptor .. buyer beware...

 

[richc46]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with TEWS. So many posters have been hurt by scams involving Windows DVD. It is best to always buy from known sources.

 

[fseal]

While there is every chance that it is counterfeit (There are just millions of amaxingly well done counterfeits out there) the desciprtion of the holographic area being "multicolored" may be a bit misleading.

The holographic areas CAN look mono copper colored in diffuse light. Hold the disk onder a single point source of liket like a lamp or flashlight and move it around. The "colors" should show up though because the foil is colored they are muted a bit by that.

Also if it's an OEM disk it may be "legit" but frequently those disks have different packaging and disk printing styles (I've not seen one to confirm for 7 though)

 

[Craigjw]

So, it should definitely not have a holographic sticker on the disc, but rather be inlaid to the disc itself? The coloured stuff, being actual coloured images rather than just flashy colours of copper too?

 

[derekimo]

This might answer your question,
How to Tell

 

[Craigjw]

Thank you for the all the assistance. I am quite sure that the copy that I bought is not genuine, which is rather unsettling. I have no idea why the key works mind you. I will for certain make a dispute to who I bought it from and ask for a refund.

 

[derekimo]

Thank you for the all the assistance. I am quite sure that the copy that I bought is not genuine, which is rather unsettling. I have no idea why the key works mind you. I will for certain make a dispute to who I bought it from and ask for a refund.

That did actually work for someone else here that learned the hard way about buying windows 7 on ebay. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[richc46]

If you rember this experience and act accordingly in the future, the cost, now, will be cheap indeed. If you have any other problems or questions about this or any other area of concern, just post.

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

If you have anyway of returning the disk and getting your money back - do it! There are so many scams out there and the only way to make sure you are getting a genuine copy of Windows 7 is to purchase it from a Microsoft Partner or reputable retailer (such as Best Buy). Another thing to keep in mind is that Windows 7 has standard pricing, so though you might see a $5 fluctuation here or there, if you something that seems too good to be true - it probably is!

Hope you are able to fenagle a return!

Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

 

[Bill2]

As far as I know, the window 7 keys on eBay that sell so cheaply are actually keys from an MSDN subscription exploit . Microsoft hasnt fixed that yet. The key is genuine alright, thats why it activates.

Let me clarify. It is illegal to sell MSDN keys. They are only to be used by people who have a subscription with MSDN, and only on machines for developmental research. To sell them is a violation of the agreement, and needless to say such people make a lot of money from this scam. Retail keys (that are legal) are sold in a Box container, MSDN keys are never sold in boxes. What is even more wonderful is it can take months or even years before you find out your key is an MSDN key and it can be black listed at any moment. You can not get your key back or a new one with out being a MSDN subscriber AND using it for Developmental purposes. Also there is no way unless you specifically call Microsoft about it.

 

[HTC User]

This is a genuine windows 7 disc brought from a retailer here in uk, just thought it might help