My Windows 7 copy looks counterfeit. Typo on back cover. Came from China (eBay). Pics

MPC Head

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So I decided to buy Windows 7 from eBay. I didn't trust the people selling product keys only, so I purchased a brand new retail package. When I shop on eBay, I always look for sellers that are really close to me so shipping is fast. So I found a seller, said to be located in Maryland (which is two states away from me), with a great price and great feedback for his W7 sells. I was pissed because when the guy sent me the tracking number, I found out that the item was coming from Beijing, China, not Maryland! But I figured, well at least he shipped it.

THEN, I get an email from eBay saying the listing for the item I just purchased because the copyright holder reported that the item may be a counterfeit. At first I was pissed at eBay because now I had to record of the transaction in my eBay account and could not contact the seller directly from within the item invoice, since eBay deleted. Plus, he had several other sells of this same item, all with positive feedback of the W7 package, and eBay did not remove the listings for them. So I was like, why me? Luckily, I had his email from paypal and contacted him. He assured me that he is the legal owner of the item and that he sent proof to eBay saying so. Still never got my records back.

Anyway, this prompted me to search counterfeit Windows 7 retail packages. I found some interesting info, but my package doesn't fit any of the counterfeit profiles Microsoft says to look out for. The top hologram is built onto the cds, not stickers. Both my CD's have holograms on the small inner ring on the data side of the disks. The COA has the correct print inter-wooven into it and says Made in Puerto Rico. The Product Key passed PID check and activation. The three digit key everyone talks about is 068 (not 065, 066, or 067). And overall, the package looks extremely genuine...unless you actually look for counterfeit features, which I have found that leads me to believe this was not made by Microsoft.

Firstly, the MAJOR thing I found that prompted this whole suspicion. On the back cover, in the second foot not under the features bullet list, there is a TYPO. Referring to XP Mode, it is says "2. Requires download of Windows XP Mode (which tuns on Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate)..." Notice it says "tuns on Windows 7..." instead of "runs on Windows 7..."! Being that the T key is right next to the R on a QWERTY keyboard, this leads me to believe this is human error. Aren't these things manufactured in a factory or something, by robots and machines...and Quality Controlled??? Also, all the text under the bullet list is not that sharp, like it was printed on an inkjet. Also, all that text under the bullet list is yellow. I believe on a genuine copy, that text is white, no? Here is the picture link:
W7CoverBack.jpg




Here's the front cover. Nothing really to note here, that I can see:
W7CoverFront.jpg




Another major flaw I found was on the top of the 32-Bit disc. Notice that in relation to the Microsoft/Genuine hologram at the top right and the large Windows 7 hologram at the bottom, the text on the center of the disc is is upside down and some of the black coating is chipped off:
W7Disks_1.jpg



The 64-Bit disc is just about perfect, other than some slight chipping of the black coating:
W7Disks_2.jpg




The COA looks really authentic other than the barcode being shaped different than the one on the Windows 7 counterfeit page, even though the SKU number is the same. Another interesting note, if I take my barcode scanner app on my iphone and scan the barcode on the MS website, it comes up as "Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Full (From $137 online / $269.99 local)." When I scan the barcode on my physical COA, I get "Windows 7 Ult English DVD (From $85 online)." I don't know what the different could be, because the SKU numbers in the barcodes match.
W7COA.jpg




Another thing I noticed was some ink smeared on a page of the information booklet.
W7BookInkRun.jpg




Lastly, the text and pictures in the info booklet are not that clear and look like poor inkjet printing:
W7BookGraphics.jpg




So, what do you guys think? I'm scared to report this to MS in fear of them making my key blacklisted. But I am also afraid that my key might get blacklisted in the future, even though it doesn't have characteristics of an MSDN product key! Other than that stuff I noticed, it installed fine!
 
It's fake, that's pretty obvious. The hologram thing is most likely a sticker on top of the actual disc surface - you can use a fingernail or razor blade at the very edge and lift it up a bit, that's 100% proof. The part numbers don't seem to match up with the actual Windows 7 Ultimate part number, and it just has a fake quality all the way around.

If you contact Microsoft, show them the pics, explain where you bought it from and your situation, there is a small - small but it exists - chance they'll provide you with a key just for making the report and identifying the seller you got it from.

No guarantees, but at the moment you're better off reporting it to them and going from there. Sure can't hurt to let them know, either way.

I'd report it, personally, without even really thinking about it. It just SCREAMS fake. :D
 
Well, I tried peeling up the hologram, and it seems built into the disk. I scraped really hard with my nail and it wouldn't budge!

Also, what about my product key? How does it pas activation and genuine check?
 
I don't know if they still do this but I remember reading something on Microsoft's site where if you report and send in a high-grade counterfeit (i.e. a disc with the hologram, really well produced) you can qualify for a free replacement of whatever product you tried to purchase.

I tried finding the details of this but I can't find it anymore...

I assume you've checked out this page? (click on "Purchased Retail" and look at all the hologram features)
http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/...5-bcd6-abfee19961df&method=oem&displaylang=en

If all of the hologram features check out and you still think it's a counterfeit, it would definitely be worth reporting to Microsoft as they probably have a serious interest in such a well-made disc. :)
 
just out of curiosity, what is considered "a really good price" for windows 7 on ebay? Its been a while since I have shopped.
 
it's fake.
TheBuzzer bought one or two for shits and giggles.

Them Chinese can make good fakes.
 
I don't know if they still do this but I remember reading something on Microsoft's site where if you report and send in a high-grade counterfeit (i.e. a disc with the hologram, really well produced) you can qualify for a free replacement of whatever product you tried to purchase.

I tried finding the details of this but I can't find it anymore...

Ah, this is why:
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/microsoft-quietly-shuts-down-office-genuine-advantage-program/2798

It seems like the Microsoft Genuine Windows/Office program recently underwent some major changes...

Edit: I'm not sure how much you paid for it on eBay, but do you realize you could have gotten a perfectly genuine OEM disc off Newegg for only $180? (Pretty cheap considering the full retail is almost $300.)
The only catch is you don't get official Microsoft support. But really, not once in my life have I needed official support from Microsoft for Windows.
 
looks like you can get 'buy it now' prices for ultimate upgrade for about $85 on ebay. Reassuring to read that "This software is 100% genuine and never been used before"
 
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OP - I highly recommend that you do not use ebay again. Everything about that seller says red flag in neon lights.
 
this is why i never buy software off of ebay or other easily counterfitted items
 
OP - I highly recommend that you do not use ebay again. Everything about that seller says red flag in neon lights.

this is why i never buy software off of ebay or other easily counterfitted items

I didn't know counterfeit OS's even existed until this whole situation. I have been using XP since 2002, and all my OS's where preinstalled with the PC's I've bought. This is the first time ever I shopped for an OS only, since this is for my custom built tower. I'm new to the OS shopping "game"! I was just a consumer shopping on eBay like I do a lot of stuff!
 
You can instantly tell it's fake by the CoA. A genuine label has an interwoven metallic strip, whereas a fake has distinct cut-out holes.

There are many ignorant sellers offering fakes unwittingly because they got a "good deal" from their supplier.

2zgt3q9.jpg
 
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Too bad they didn't have some major flaw like having Microsoft or Windows misspelled.
 
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You can buy Windows 7 Ultimate new, full version, for $180 on Newegg. This is a good deal, and you won't get a counterfeit. If somehow you did, Newegg would surely replace it for you.
 
I've said it several times in the past on here, stick with Newegg for stuff like this and stay away from ebay. Aside from a key that will probably be blacklisted down the line, who knows if there's any extra bonus malware on that counterfeit Windows 7 copy.
 
If I buy the upgrade, that means I would have to install XP first? Then the Windows 7 Upgrade?

If I buy the OEM, Microsoft will not give me any tech support?
 
If I buy the upgrade, that means I would have to install XP first? Then the Windows 7 Upgrade?

If I buy the OEM, Microsoft will not give me any tech support?

You can't do a in place upgrade to Windows 7 from XP, you have to do a clean installation with the Windows 7 upgrade media. Do a search it has been discussed before with directions on how to do it.

As for the second question, you are correct.
 
If I buy the upgrade, that means I would have to install XP first? Then the Windows 7 Upgrade?

If I buy the OEM, Microsoft will not give me any tech support?

you will have to copy your data off of the machine and then run the upgrade. It checks for a valid XP install and then will wipe it out when it installs 7 over it.
 
Also if you look at the table on the first picture, 5th line down it says "Easy to create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup."

That's how I know it's fake.

Seriously though, I think you're onto something with that T and R thing. Look at the 3rd line on that table... "easieR" is spelled "easieT"
 
Also if you look at the table on the first picture, 5th line down it says "Easy to create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup."

That's how I know it's fake.

Seriously though, I think you're onto something with that T and R thing. Look at the 3rd line on that table... "easieR" is spelled "easieT"

Wow! I didn't even see the "easiet"! Terrible!:eek:
 
X-15 number on the disk is different from the one on the COA sticker.

That X-15 number is actually the part number, if I'm not mistaken.
 
X-15 number on the disk is different from the one on the COA sticker.

That X-15 number is actually the part number, if I'm not mistaken.

Nice catch! But it looks like that's how they are on the microsoft how to tell site.
 
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The seller:
"I've received your request for return/fund. I'll issue the full refund within three days of receipt of your returned item. Please be sure, as specified in my return policy, the item must be in its original/resale condition which means the packing is sealed, unopened and all labels are intact. A return of opened item is not acceptable and not qualified for refund. Please respond and confirm so I can go ahead and process ROA. Thanks

- protess2007"



Me:
"Dear protess2007,

I already opened the item, which is how I realized
it was counterfeit. You shouldn't be reselling this
crap anyway. It's illegal!"




The seller:

"Unfortunately, in this case, I can not accept your return or issue refund. I hope you understand it's the enclosed license key that grants whoever opens it the permanent privilege to use the Microsoft product. So the same return policy on such items is enforced in any online and retail stores.

You've mentioned your supporting evidence such as typos and issue of COA which made you believe what you called counterfeit. All these can be observed without having to open the box, and it's unwise to open it to confirm your "suspicion" instead of returning for refund.

As one time courtesy, my supplier is willing to reimburse if you can obtain Microsoft issued written statement to support your claim. If you have any questions about my legal ownership of the listed items and my supplier's authorization from Microsoft, please contact ebay customer service.

Thank you.


- protess2007"




Me:
"Dear protess2007,

It wasn't the COA that I noticed first, nor the
mis-spelled words on the back. It was the quality
of the DVD's with the black coating chipping and
the blurry print quality of the user manual that
made me suspicious. That's when I looked at the
COA and package carefully and compared it to
Microsoft's counterfeit examples.

As for the Product Key "granting me access", it is
counterfeit and will most likely be blacklisted in
the future. There is no "written statement" from
Microsoft needed when this package BLATANTLY
matches their examples of counterfeit material on
their website.

And the fact that there are mis-spelled words on
the back of the case alone tells you no written
statement is needed. They would not release a
product with mis-spelled words on the box. You
speak as a well educated person, you know this as
well as I know!

Here is a scan of the back cover I made. Notice
under "Which Windows 7 is best for you?", the
third line down, the word "easier" is mis-spelled
as "easiet". Also, the second footnote at the
bottom, the word "runs" is mis-spelled as "tuns".
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b166/djhellfire/W7/W7CoverBack.jpg

I have checked this against a retail copy at Best
Buy, and none of these words are mis-spelled. So
please do not try to play stupid with this "my
supplier" crap. You know what you are selling.
And it's not right! "




Waiting for him to respond again!
 
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I wouldn't get my hopes up. Did you purchase with Paypal? I'd send your findings to them too, so they can get your money back as well.
 
I wouldn't get my hopes up. Did you purchase with Paypal? I'd send your findings to them too, so they can get your money back as well.

I didn't even try going through paypal. You can only file a claim with either eBay, or paypal; one or the other, not both!
 
"Internet Explorer" is spelled wrong on the case. It's spelled "Interner". Third line in the bullet list!
 
So, I just said fuck it and went to Best Buy and bought the Professional upgrade. Had a bunch of reward zone coupons! Got it practically for $50!
 
So, good news. I got the authentic Windows 7 Pro Upgrade (from Best Buy) installed, and it accepted my product key without having to do any workarounds, even though I formatted, deleted, and recreated my C: partition. Thanks for the help fellas!
 
Thanks a lot for that! I searched for a few minutes yesterday on this site and couldn't find it! But I am probably going to go this route. Thanks man!:)

Don't mentioned it. :cool:

So, good news. I got the authentic Windows 7 Pro Upgrade (from Best Buy) installed, and it accepted my product key without having to do any workarounds, even though I formatted, deleted, and recreated my C: partition. Thanks for the help fellas!

That's kind of odd. I could have sworn that if you did that with an upgrade version of Windows 7 you will always have to use one of the workarounds I've posted before. :eek:
 
Don't mentioned it. :cool:



That's kind of odd. I could have sworn that if you did that with an upgrade version of Windows 7 you will always have to use one of the workarounds I've posted before. :eek:

Well, the tutorial you listed said standard activation will work for most users, and everyone else should try a workaround. I guess I fell under most users. I think prior Windows activations are stored in the motherboard. Reason being, when I built this computer, I originally took the c drive from my older computer, which had XP activated on it, and when I booted it up in the new build, it made me reactivate.
 
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