Kernel wrote:
> Daave wrote ...
>
>> You need to ask Microsoft what they sent you.
>>
>> Did they send you an actual COA? If so, the license type should be on
>> there.
>
> Yes, they sent an actual COA. The license type is not on the COA.
As I recall, if it was an MS-sourced (their image) generic (non-branded)
OEM version then you saw "OEM" somewhere on the COA sticker. After you
do the install and enter the product KEY, you would see "OEM" in the
product CODE (Control Panel -> System Properties -> General tab).
How much did you pay Microsoft to replace the pirated copy you got from
eBay? As I recall, the price that Microsoft charged to dole out a legit
copy (in exchange for a pirated retail or OEM copy) was maybe $10 less
than buying a legit OEM version from an online store (you didn't save
much with Microsoft's exchange program and might do as well or better
getting a whole 'nother legit OEM copy). Difficult to follow your
changing story. I can't tell if Microsoft send you replacement
installation media for the legitimate VioSoftware copy (which was never
mentioned if retail or OEM) or you got them to dole out a legit copy for
the pirated one you got from eBay. Replacements for defective media
probably costs around $20 but the pirate replacement was close to full
retail cost of the OEM version.
You mention the bells and sirens after installing the eBay copy of
Windows XP and couldn't do upgrades. So it sure sounds like you got
Microsoft to exchange a legit copy for a pirated copy from eBay. From
the pictures at:
http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/content.aspx?displaylang=en&pg=coa
You should see "OEM" on the COA sticker if what you got from MS was an
OEM version. If you are still unsure (by the absense of "OEM" that it
is a retail version) then you could probably used the same contact venue
that you used before to submit the pirated exhibit to Microsoft for
exchange.
For the VioSoftware copy (the disc you cannot read), was it a:
- Retail version? <---.___ You never mentioned its license type
- Or OEM version? <---'
For the eBay copy (the pirated version that caused all the bells and
sirens on upgrade), was it a:
- Retail version?
- Or OEM version? <--- Looks like it was this license type
Microsoft's replacement disc was to replace WHICH copy:
- Replaces the VioSoftware disc?
- Replaces the eBay disc? <--- Looks like you replaced this one
How much did Microsoft charge you for the replacement?
See "OEM" anywhere on the COA sticker? If not, it's a retail version.
Did you ever visit the following web page to validate your install of
Windows (from eBay since it appears your issue was with a pirated copy
since you couldn't even read the VioSoftware copy)?
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.aspx?displaylang=en
If that (or the validation program in Windows) detects a pirated copy,
it leads you to where you request to buy a legit copy from Microsoft. I
don't have a pirated copy to see just where they lead you. Maybe they
dump you to:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/cu_sc_genadv_master?ws=support&ws=mscom#tab4
In any case, you might be able to call them to find out what Microsoft
sent to you.