Is my Windows 7 Home Premium Retail Genuine or Fake?

[dw2016]

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

 

[Layback Bear]

Welcome to our forum dw2016.

From what I can tell from your pictures it looks proper.
It does appear to be very old DVD because it does not include SP-1.
Do keep in mind the crooks are very good at making illegal copies.
Did this DVD come with a matching COA key?
How did you come by this Microsoft DVD.

Have you used this DVD to install Windows 7 yet?

 

[dw2016]

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

 

[Layback Bear]

COA =Certificate Of Authenticity"

It is the key that let you legally activate Windows 7.
The Microsoft sticker is thicker than paper and has a adhesive on the back so it can be stuck to the computer that Windows 7 is installed.

I personally would never buy Windows 7 off of eBay.

The COA key should be on the Microsoft Sticker that comes with a proper Microsoft DVD.

Because you live in the U.K. their has to be a respected walk in store you can buy Windows 7.
If you have a problem, you have all the paper work and can go back to the store.

Where I live using a local store that has access to several warehouses, Windows 7 Home Premium is like finding hens teeth. I can still buy lots of Windows 7 Pro.

 

[dw2016]

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

 

[Layback Bear]

Let us know how your adventure with eBay goes.

 

[Eric3742]

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.

 

[torchwood]

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

 

[torchwood]

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

 

[torchwood]

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

Roy

 

[dw2016]

Hi Torchwood,

I've googled the last 3 blocks of the activation code and absolutely nothing comes up on google which is a good sign I suppose...

Now the code could very well be legitimate, however the disks might not??? As I've mentioned in my first post, it's the hologram on the disks that bothers me - a thin plastic film comes away very easily revealing the hologram underneath (see image 5 in my original post). on the MS website it says:

Earlier version of Windows
Microsoft packaged software products prior to Windows 10 such as Windows, Office and Windows Server are delivered on a CD or DVD, which includes vibrant colour and 3D effects on the inner hub of the disc as the disc is tilted. This hologram is embedded within the disc; it is not a label.
There is also an inner mirror band hologram located on the inner part of the back (data) side of the DVD. It changes colour as the disc is tilted.

Note: The copper holographic material is embedded within the DVD and is not a sticker. If the hologram peels away, you may have received counterfeit software (report counterfeit software to Microsoft).

Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/howtotell/Software.aspx?tab=PackagedSoftwareTab

I've highlighted in red what tells me that the DVD's could be counterfeit.

Deiniol

 

[torchwood]

Hi DW,
Have a look at this thread, especially the pictures you'll see what i meant about versions
http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/389210-another-no-longer-genuine-help.html

Roy

 

[Brds7t7]

Hi dw2016,

looking at your photo that looks a little dubious. If that hologram is a sticker then it is 100% a fake disc. MS NEVER has the hologram on a sticker, it's embedded into the disc.

A friend of mine bought a Retail Windows 8 from ebay, looked very realistic, packaging was high quality, along with all booklets and product key card. But, when checking the discs it was clearly a sticker with the hologram.
After running slmgr.vbs /dli it came up with an OEM_DM key so it was not a Retail version, most likely a manufacturer key.

If it were me, I would ask for a refund.

 

[dw2016]

Hi Torchwood,

Just had a look at the thread you suggested. I saw the COA sticker images - they are for OEM if I'm correct? (I have an OEM sticker for Vista on my computer from when I bought it new from HP years ago).

The COA in my image on the original post is stuck onto the outer packaging of the DVD case, the product key is on a separate yellow sticker which is on a sheet inside the case. I guess that's how Retail versions are sold?

When I was doing my original research into versions I decided I'd go for Retail and not OEM as they are only for system builders (which I'm definitely not!). It would also mean that I could 'move' the OS to a different machine if I wanted to in the future (or if there were any major hardware changes).

The video was very enlightning, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB7qgQtNZe4

Obviously, counterfeits are getting very sophisticated and you need to be on the ball to spot them!

Deiniol

 

[dw2016]

Hi Brds7t7,

Exactly, the hologram is just stuck on! On the other side of the 64bit disk there is supposed to be a small hologram surrounding the central hole but it's almost all scratched off...

The small hologram on the reverse of the other other disk (32bit), is intact but I found can easily lift it off with my fingernail.

I've already put a request for a full refund through the official eBay channels stating that I believed it to be counterfeit.

Deiniol

 

[Brds7t7]

Good job you caught it within the 30 days. There are some very authentic looking fakes on eBay. I haven't purchased anything major from ebay for a few years now. Except some very cheap items which won't cost much if they break.

But, as far as software goes, eBay is just a breeding ground for counterfeit goods and scammers unfortunately.

 

[Layback Bear]

Just send back the DVD you have off of eBay and be done with it.

Find a place you trust and buy Windows 7. I know of no discounts on legal Windows 7.

I seriously doubt you will ever find a legal Retail Windows 7.

If you want to understand what Microsofts license are here is a good site to read.

https://social.microsoft.com/Forums...license-types-explained?forum=genuinewindows7

 

[Eric3742]

It may not be counterfeit or fake, but it can be USED before.

Also this is not Retail version, but
It is Anytime Upgrade version. On the disc in picture 2.

eBay may have to accept refund, otherwise you can report to MS
Let eBay deal with the seller.

 

[Brds7t7]

It may not be counterfeit or fake, but it can be USED before.

Also this is not Retail version, but
It is Anytime Upgrade version. On the disc in picture 2.

eBay may have to accept refund, otherwise you can report to MS
Let eBay deal with the seller.

It is 100% fake.

Also, all Windows 7 Retail discs have the Windows Anytime Upgrade info on them. I own many Retail versions of 7 and they all have that.

 

[Eric3742]

Maybe you can send to MS.

They may offer to give you a new Retail version (Free maybe).

Most Manufacturer like to identify on counterfeit &or fake.
As in this way, they will know more on how it is done, as not many can tell the differences.

I had one incident on a product where i went back to the Distributor for repair.
The staff said it is counterfeit &or fake.
So they give me a new and pay a small cost.
As the staff said they are interested and on how look closely on the counterfeit was made.