To check if your copy is legal click the llink below
Windows Validation AssistantQ:
What is a COA label?
A:
A "Certificate of Authenticity" (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine Microsoft software. It includes advanced anti-counterfeiting features to help you verify the authenticity of the software you acquired. COAs may also contain a barcode that is used for product tracking purposes.
Please retain the COA label. A COA label should always accompany the product with which it is associated. COA labels cannot be purchased separately.
For more information about COAs, view the Certificate of Authenticity page.
Q:
What is Proof of Licence?
A:
With the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 the words "Proof of Licence" began appearing on COAs and Product Key labels. A genuine Microsoft COA or Product Key label with the words "Proof of Licence" indicates legal proof of ownership of the associated software. COA labels and Product Key labels should always accompany the product with which they are associated and cannot be purchased separately.
Q:
Does Windows, or other products purchased under a Volume Licence Agreement come with a COA?
A:
No. It's important to note that Volume Licence Agreements do not cover the full Windows operating system; Volume Licence provides for Windows OS upgrades only. Customers must first have a qualifying underlying operating system licence - purchased with an accompanying COA from either their OEM/System Builder or a retailer (as FPP) - before installing Volume Licence software on their computers.
Q:
What is a Security Thread?
A:
The Security Thread is an embedded strip running through many COAs and is intended to make counterfeiting harder. A Security Thread is a good indication of whether or not a COA is genuine.
CD Questions
View all answers.
Q:
What is a Product Key label?
A:
The Product Key label is the orange label affixed to the retail installation CD holder that contains a 25-character code. Beginning with the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2, the words "Proof of Licence" appear on the label. Product Key labels only accompany retail products. Product keys for preinstalled Windows software are printed on the preinstalled Windows COA.
Q:
What is a recovery solution?
A:
A recovery solution is a way to restore your Windows operating system in the event that it fails.
Q:
What is an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD?
A:
An Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD features a three-dimensional holographic image over the entire surface of the CD. This holographic image is part of the CD itself. It is not a sticker, and makes it easier to identify genuine Microsoft software. Genuine Microsoft software comes with an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD.
Q:
What colour should my Holographic CD be?
A:
From 2003 onwards, holographic CDs should appear primarily copper in colour with a silver band around the outside. Earlier versions may be different. Please check the specific product listing to confirm which version you have.
Q:
When should I receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD?
A:
You should receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD if you acquired your Microsoft Windows operating system software with the purchase of your PC from a System Builder — a small or medium-sized PC manufacturer. You can also check this by looking at your COA label. If the COA label on your PC carries the phrase "OEM Product" under the program name, OR if the number on the far right side of your COA ends with the letter "D," then you should receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD from your PC manufacturer.
Q:
What if I did not receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD?
A:
In this case, look at your COA label. If the COA label on your PC carries the phrase "OEM Product" under the program name, OR if the number on the far right side of your COA ends with the letter "D," then you should receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD from your PC manufacturer. If your COA contains either of the above features and you did not receive an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD, find out what you can do.
If the COA label on your PC is specifically branded with the name of a PC manufacturer, OR if the number on the far right side of your COA doesn't end with the letter "D," then you should not have received an Edge-to-Edge Hologram CD from your PC manufacturer.
If you still have any questions regarding the authenticity of your Windows operating system software, we encourage you to compare your anti-piracy features.
Q:
Why did Microsoft decide to use Edge-to-Edge holograms in its software?
A:
Since the early 1990s Microsoft has been using anti-counterfeiting technology, including holographic images to help protect its intellectual property, its customers and channel partners. The high demand for Microsoft software creates a market for trading in counterfeit and illegally licensed programs. As the pirates have become more sophisticated, Microsoft has sought to stay a step ahead by introducing more advanced features and increasing end-user awareness.
Q:
What is a Wavy Edge?
A:
The Wavy Edge is the area at the edge of the disc, where the copper colour has a clean wavy effect.
Q:
What is a Feathered Edge?
A:
The Feathered Edge is the transition area at the edge of the disc, where the copper colour smoothly changes to a silver colour.
Q:
What is a Medallion?
A:
A Medallion is specific text located at the bottom of the CD. The word "Microsoft" changes to "GENUINE" as the CD is tilted.
Q:
What is a Background Hologram?
A:
A Background Hologram is the copper holographic material that is embedded in the CD. It is not a sticker. The background hologram appears in a vibrant colour as the CD is tilted.
Q:
What is Etched Text?
A:
Etched Text will appear to be etched on top of the background holographic image and will shift from a light shade to a dark one as the CD is tilted.
Q:
What is a Stereogram?
A:
A Stereogram is a high-resolution three-dimensional hologram of the logo that changes colour and shape as the CD is tilted. This is found on a smaller framed area on the face of the CD.
Q:
What is an Inner Mirror Band Hologram?
A:
The Inner Mirror Band Hologram is a detailed holographic image, located on the inner mirror band on the back of the CD, which changes colour as the CD is tilted.
Other Questions
View all answers.
Q:
What is the Windows Validation Assistant and what does it do?
A:
The Windows Validation Assistant performs a check on a user's computer to determine whether the Windows operating system installed on the user's computer was installed using a valid product key. Depending on the result of the validation, a success or failure page is displayed. For more information, see the Windows Validation Assistant FAQ.
Q:
Where does counterfeit software come from?
A:
Counterfeiting is the large-scale illegal duplication and distribution of software. Many counterfeiting groups are organised criminal enterprises that counterfeit and package the software using sophisticated techniques. The illegal software is then sold as genuine software.
Q:
What should I do with my system or software, if the product is not genuine?
A:
If you suspect that your software is not genuine, follow the instructions on the anti-piracy site to report it.
Q:
What is an Anti-Piracy Feature?
A:
Anti-Piracy Features are parts of Microsoft products that are designed to be difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. Certificates of Authenticity, Buffered Edges, Stereograms and Inner Mirror Bands are examples of some of the anti-piracy features that Microsoft products may contain.
Q:
What if my product does not appear on the How to Tell site?
A:
Try and find a similar product to the one you have purchased or a previous version of the same product on the How to Tell Site. Choose the same purchase method by which you acquired your product (retail, came with new pc, or volume licensing). Use the anti-piracy features shown on the similar product page to get an idea of the kinds of anti-piracy features that may have shipped with your product.
All retail products and products that come with new PCs ship with COA labels. To compare your COA label with those of genuine Microsoft products, see the COA questions above.
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