Unsure about a copy of Win7 that I bought

I bought a copy of Win7 off eBay and it came with a disk and a COA label only. The disk looks good and has all the correct holograms but the COA label looks like a fake. I couldn't get it to authenticate on line but I did over the phone.

I'm not sure what do to here and I only have a month to file a complaint with eBay/PayPal so I need to decide what to do soon.

My main concern is that when I upgrade the motherboard later on this year, I'll have to reinstall and then I won't be able to get it to authenticate again on the reinstall.

Any suggestions?

Tony

 

Firstly, definitely start a case at ebay. Secondly, did Microsoft give you a valid Product Key to activate Windows? If they did, use the one they gave you if you need to re-install Windows — but you may not need to since the current hard drive will be connected to the new mobo.

I bought Vista Ultimate from ebay with only the DVD and COA but, mine activated online.

I had a situation on ebay a while back where I had purchased/paid for an item and as soon as the seller got my money, they unregistered at ebay so, I never got my item. I filed a case and within a few days, ebay refunded my purchase price. Make sure to go through the steps they outline including trying to reach a resolution with the seller.

 

If you validated on the phone, I think you are good- you can also run this tool-


http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/exe-validation.aspx

 

My concern would be that if it activated over the phone, but not online, it will probably be valid with the tool. However, it could indicate that the product key has been used before. I've had product keys blacklisted by Microsoft (don't ask, it wasn't my fault, honest!), and it turns your Windows DVD into a paperweight if you want to remain legit.

 

Wouldn't the validation tool be sufficient to verify it is legit?

Sorry, didn't read your full reply.

 

Right now I have the new drive I installed Win7 on unplugged. I'll switch back over to Win7 tomorrow and run the validation tool.

The automated phone validation gave me a long string of numbers to enter and I really wish I had written them down.

I know most older versions of Windows usually craps out when a new motherboard is installed. Is Win7 better about this?

I've contacted the seller and I'm waiting for a response before I open a case.

Tony

 

Nope. Hard drive controllers and HALs cannot be switched on the fly on any Windows version since XP.

 

Download Magic Jelly Bean from here http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/magical_jelly_bean_keyfinder.html and see if it shows you the Win Key, then write it down for future reference.

 

After negating with the seller awhile, I sent it back for a full refund. I still have it installed on one of my HHD's but I'll format that the next time I connect it back up.

I got a copy of win7 on sale from Newegg and that's will have to do. At least it won't be suspect for piracy.

Tony