Windows 7 activated but is it genuine?

[Holmes177]

I'm in the market for an inexpensive, used laptop for occasional travel. I have been browsing Ebay and Craigslist and often see a 6-8 year old laptop for sale for $100-150, with a fresh install of Windows 7 Ultimate. W7 Ult was/is not cheap, if you can find a retail copy with genuine COA. I know that a check of "system" will reveal if Windows is activated or not, but is there a program to run to verify the installation? And, how to interpret the results from running said program. Thanks

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
I wouldn't be shopping on either of those sites for electronics most all Ultimate versions would probably be counterfeit

You can go to Newegg.com or even Amazon.com and as long as it's a high rated over a 2-3-4 year period seller and shipped or fulfilled by either at least you would have a company to report any problems too.

You can run this to see what is up
http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

 

[Holmes177]

Thanks TZ, that is the software I was thinking of, but couldn't remember what it was called to even google it. I limit what I buy from Ebay, usually to AC adapters, batteries, etc., and then only from sellers with really good rep. I use Ebay mostly to get a rough idea of pricing. If I need a hard drive, my first choice is Amazon, but will consider BestBuy.
The plus for Craigslist is that you can personally examine the item prior to purchase, and I have had mostly good experiences buying from Craigslist. Did have one experience with Craigslist that was interesting. Replied to listing for HP G60 laptop for sale - "works good, but needs battery". Seller wanted to meet at fast food restaurant, not at his residence.(First sign that something is not kosher). Met seller, but took an AC adapter for that model laptop with me, and my car has a 110 volt, AC inverter. No boot, no BIOS, nothing. Pulled the hard drive cover and found water inside! Seller finally admitted that he found the laptop in a dumpster. Gave him $10 for the RAM & the plastic parts.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
You're braver than I
Best thing about buying from a retailer is using a credit card I've found
At least there is going through them for more resolution disputes

I refused delivery of a 1100.00 graphic's card
Retailer did not want to refund
C.C. company made that an easy cure took 60 days to be a permanent refund/ credit but was well worth the wait retailer was never going to do it "willingly" and also wanted to charge shipping too = full credit

 

[torchwood]

I think your best bet is
Go to Bestbuy or an equivelent well known PC supplier.
(im in UK not sure of your major retailers, but they should ALL have this option)
Then go to the REFURB section usually under retail, see whats available, it should be genuine.

Roy