Is my Windows 7 Home Premium Retail Genuine or Fake?

Hi Brds7t7

Noted.

AddRAM said:

As long as the key works to activate windows that`s all that matters. I wouldn`t even use that disc to install Windows 7 if it doesn`t have Service Pack 1.

You can always create your own Windows 7 install DVD with Service Pack 1 included.

If and when that occasion should arise, just let us know and we`ll provide a link to download the iso file from the Microsoft website.

If he has received a fake disc then chances are it's highly likely that the product key will also be ripped off. Why would they give out a genuine key with fake discs in Retail packaging? That doesn't seem likely.

It may activate at first, but I'm guessing it's likely to be some kind of OEM or Dev key which will be deactivated later on. I wouldn't even risk it, better to get your money back before it's too late.

If your Windows 7 installation disk isn’t SP1, download it on MS site:
Windows 7 iso download:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
You'll be asked to put the Win 7 key. If MS accept the key, you will download a legit Win 7 SP1 iso file. Then just use it with your key.

I've uploaded some pics from two of my Retail packages so you can have a look, you can see how good the copies are to the real thing though, although the COA clearly doesn't match:

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for all the information and help - VERY APPRECIATED :)

Thought I'd just let you know that ebay accepted my request to return the installation disks and so I consequently got a refund. The seller was obviously not pleased but I did get the distinct impression that they believed that the the package was indeed genuine (they may have very well have been duped in the first place??).

Anyway, I'm back to square one and will somehow try and get hold of an official safe Windows 7 installation at some point - I really didn't like windows 8, and I'm not much of a fan of Windows 10 either (which I have installed on my laptop).

Thanks