COA product key and installed product key discrepancy

[HenriK37]

On a recently purchased, from a supplier believed to be reputable, refurbished 64 bit, Win 7-Pro, computer, the product key shown on the affixed COA and the product key retrieved with Magical Jelly Bean are different. In various places I have searched, I think I have learned that this often happens when big refurbishers use special OEM product keys when they refurbish PCs and install newer operating system software. Is this information still correct?

What happens if I choose to replace the existing HD in the PC after a HD failure or if I want a larger HD in the PC? Will the product key on the affixed COA work?

Should I, for the moment, 1) attempt to reactivate the OS with the product key on the affixed COA; 2) do nothing; 3) or something else?

Thank you, in advance, for comments, suggestions, or pointers to an appropriate tutorial.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

see comments

On a recently purchased, from a supplier believed to be reputable, refurbished 64 bit, Win 7-Pro, computer, the product key shown on the affixed COA and the product key retrieved with Magical Jelly Bean are different. In various places I have searched, I think I have learned that this often happens when big refurbishers use special OEM product keys when they refurbish PCs and install newer operating system software. Is this information still correct?

Not positive, but I think so.

What happens if I choose to replace the existing HD in the PC after a HD failure or if I want a larger HD in the PC? Will the product key on the affixed COA work?

The Product Key on the COA should work regardless of what hard drive you use.

Should I, for the moment, 1) attempt to reactivate the OS with the product key on the affixed COA; 2) do nothing; 3) or something else?

Do nothing if Windows is currently activated and all is working well. If you ever have to re-install Windows, re-activate it using the Product Key on the COA sticker.

 

[DavidE]

What happens if I choose to replace the existing HD in the PC after a HD failure or if I want a larger HD in the PC?

Create periodic system image backups using a program much as Macrium Reflect free.
Store the backup images on a storage device normally kept offline such as an external HD.
Then you can restore your most current backup to a new or same HD as needed.
You can also restore to fix problems caused by bad updates, mistakes, malware, etc.
Macrium Reflect Free

 

[torchwood]

The COA sticker should show as REFURB, if it does not then its only been serviced.

Roy

 

[HenriK37]

The affixed COA sticker is marked 'OEM'. Does this make much difference? The PC appears to be working fine except for the COA sticker product key/retrieved product key discrepancy.