Is my Windows 7 Home Premium Retail Genuine or Fake?

Hi,

Firstly, sorry if this is the wrong forum for this but I wasn't sure where to start this thread?

Anyway, I'm trying to work out whether I've purchased a ligitimate copy of Windows 7 Home Premium. The seller on ebay is adamant that it was bought at a branch of Currys in the UK. My suspicions were aroused when I noticed that the hologram on the 64bit disk can be peeled off (image5) - according to the microsoft website these holograms should be 'in' the disk and therefore should be seamless. The hologram on the rear of the 64bit disk has almost completely come off as well (image6). The hologram is intact on the rear of the 32bit disk (image7). I'm unfamiliar with COA's so don't know if this is genuine or not either (image2)?

I'm getting very strong feeling from the seller that they are adamant that this is a genuine copy and that they have even been in touch with Microsoft to make sure the key is usable (it was originally installed on a computer which is now not working and destroyed). Microsoft have said to them that the key is genuine. They also said that have the original receipts from Currys as well. I've looked through their ebay history and have a brilliant rating. The seller does seem genuine and are not trying to pull a fast one...

I am honestly confused and don't want to get into a huge argument with the seller if they are being absolutely honest.

I'm VERY confused

(I haven't installed the disks because I have no idea if they are genuine, whether they contain any viruses etc)

Any thoughts on this please?

Thank you,
Deiniol

Hi Layback Bear,

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not sure what you mean by a matching COA key? I haven't installed it as I was worried that if it was a counterfeit, it may install viruses on my system. (I've only just recovered my computer from a major infection and decided I would be better upgrading the OS from Vista but I don't like either Windows 8 or 10)

I got it through ebay last week and spent a lot of time deciding if the seller was legitimate or not. My gut told me they were genuine, however it's when I got the DVD's and inspected the packaging that I became suspicious.

I'm pretty sure that the hologram shouldn't just be stuck onto the DVD?! It's so easy to peel off, and the fact that it isn't even lined up very well! To me, it screams 'dodgy'.

Also, the COA doesn't quite look correct - the holographic seal doesn't seem to be woven into the paper like this:

I've been messaging the seller back and forth and we've decided that I'm going to post it back and get a refund (all through the ebay returns system and PayPal). The seller is adamant that it was bought legitimately through a major UK electronics store (Currys) years ago.

Anyway, I just wanted some advice or some kind of confirmation as it has caused a bit of friction between me and the seller!

Deiniol

p.s. I know the above image is an American COA but I couldn't find an appropriate UK version

Hi Layback Bear,

There is a key on the inside of the box on a yellow sticker (photo 4 of the original post - I blocked the actual digits out of photo just to be safe!).

I suppose I could call up MS and ask them to verify the key. However, as I've already started the returns procedure with eBay it seems a bit of a waste of my time any money to call them now.

Deiniol

Hi dw2016

I would say it is legal.

If your use the barcode reader to confirm the code on the label, picture 2 and 4
The top right is the product code on picture 2
Barcode will able to search in the website for more details.

Barcode are basically to identify product from source and company, etc. and it can be unique, on 1 single product.
Meaning this Windows 7 64-bit is or may the 1st version released.
If it is the 2nd version, barcode may differ, mostly like either last 2 or 3, exclude the last digit = check digit.

You can calculate if the barcode product is correct or not, to match the last digit/charc as check digit.
The last digit/number is to verify code is correctly input.
The 1st 2 or 3 is either country /company/ etc.
To know more is to search on how to know the barcode is true or false.

One important thing that only you can see.
The hologram, look at an angle you may see another picture, wording, as this can be confirm by MS.

This is almost same as paper money, where there is a hologram, look at an angle.
Each side show different pictures.
On the picture 2, the center is the plastic wrap to protect.
This once broke, it cannot be joint back. Look like shrink wrap plus label.
This version could be the 1st release on Windows 7 64-bit.

Hi Dw,
Google the last 3 blocks of the code,
If you get multiple hits then its likely counterfiet.

DO NOT POST THE CODE.

Roy

Ive seen that X12 code relate to Home premium / Ultimate and Office 2007

WHAT I DONT LIKE

There is NO mention/picture of the the version, ie.

OEM / OEM System Builder / Retail.

In reality it should be RETAIL, maybe system builder

Roy

just re-read your 1st post,
AS the key has allready been used on another comp.
RETAIL only,

Roy