I have no idea wht makes you think it isn't legit. If you are concerned, you could always contact MS. It looks ok.
You can see here if you like:
https://www.google.co.uk/images?q=wi...w&ved=0CBQQsAQ
Oh okay! So Win8-era COAs and serials look like that now. I'm used to the 98SE/2000/XP/Vista/7 look. So, I'm gonna conclude that I wasn't really 'conned' because the guy seemed to be an authorized refurbisher (by the paper) and gave me the serial key and product key (on paper). I guess I don't have a COA mentioned on the paper, but the serial key and the paper with the COA makes up for it.I have no idea wht makes you think it isn't legit. If you are concerned, you could always contact MS. It looks ok.
You can see here if you like:
https://www.google.co.uk/images?q=wi...w&ved=0CBQQsAQ
As far as I'm aware it is NOT legal to sell 'bare' refurbisher licenses - refurbs must be pre-installed. (even in Germany) How heavily MS police this I don't know, but the refurbisher stands to lose all their rights if it is outside the rules.
It seems that the vendor has found a way of offering low-priced 'downgrades' for Windows 8 machines without having to do any work in the process. This would have to be queried through MS Legal, rather than the Activation Centres, as the normal operators would not be expected to have a clue about the legalities involved.
As I said in post #18 for what the trouble is worth ?$100 just buy a new OEM?? I think the example of my brothers experience was fairly explanatory - when something looks too good to e true then it probably isn't.
I found a brand new system builder's license still in the MS envelope thing (which I think is the legal OEM license to sell) that cost $135. It's a bit pricier than the OEM refurbisher's licenses, but it's legal. I just have to remember to add 'system builders' when I look for licenses next time (if I'm right). Correct me if I'm wrong.As I said in post #18 for what the trouble is worth ?$100 just buy a new OEM?? I think the example of my brothers experience was fairly explanatory - when something looks too good to e true then it probably isn't.
Don't know about the system builders mate but I would certainly be checking out the activation on that edition you have first for the sake of a phone call simply is not worth any more grief.:)
I looked up system builder's licenses and as far as I can tell, its like the refurbished version. This is my situation.
I contacted MS and they told me the Windows version I bought was a real product key and they told me it was an OEM version.Don't know about the system builders mate but I would certainly be checking out the activation on that edition you have first for the sake of a phone call simply is not worth any more grief.
[Source]A refurbished PC is allowed to use an existing product key (2nd hand if you like) as long as it still comes with its authenticity certificate (COA). This is referred to as MAR (Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher) meaning that Microsoft authorise them to use existing product keys/licenses.
Buying a MAR version of windows means you are technically buying a second hand copy - however, being software, as long as it comes with its COA, will make absolutely no difference at all.
I read this and I realized I did not get the original COA. The original PK was on the piece of EULA paper I showed earlier. Does this technically make that paper my COA?
You have got spooked over this.
You will feel better if you ring MS and explain what you are doing, where you got the key from, etc.
Then you can rest easy.
Let us know what they say.
I don't know where Noel's obsession with Germany comes from.
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