A little while ago I bought a copy of Windows XP off Ebay which the seller said came with a product activation key.When I got the software there was no product key included.
Apart from this the software was genuine and unopened.Is there any way i could contact Microsoft to get a completely new activation key for the software?Would I have to pay?Any more information?
2007-12-21 08:11:31 · 11 answers · asked by Mark D 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Apparently you have never bought a genuine copy or you would know the COA comes on the sealed box or directly on the shrink wrap. You bought a pirated copy.
2007-12-21 08:25:33 · answer #1 · answered by Christian Soldier 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Microsoft will ask you to go out and buy a new copy or pay over the phone and get an activation key.
If the product was unopened, there would be a sticker inside the box that you are supposed to stick on the PC to remind you of the activation key. That's where your activation key is.
It is also on the CD box of the OS.
If that key is not found, contact the seller and report abuse to Ebay if no satisfactory reply comes from him. You can at least get your money back.
A good advice, never buy Os from Ebay, they are either fake copies or the license has been used by someone else as well.
2007-12-21 08:26:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
> Apart from this the software was genuine and unopened.
Uh huh.
> Is there any way i could contact Microsoft to get a completely new activation key for the software?
Maybe. You can always try.
> Would I have to pay?
Probably.
> Any more information?
You bought a a used copy that was reshrink wrapped, or a bootleg copy that is fake to begin with. In the latter case it may be filled with spyware, viruses, and other evil software built right into the windows files.
better to take it up with ebay then with microsoft IMHO, and buy the real thing from a store or reputable online site.
2007-12-21 08:16:40 · answer #3 · answered by Barry C 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I am sorry to say that you might get a product key by contating Microsoft, but this is one of the downsides dealing with some folks on e-bay. You always need to protect yourself buy your Payment method, so you have some recourse. One of the downsides with buying software like this, more and more are using the Key Code or Product Key to stop this type of transactions, with software that is basicly useless. because you can't get any updates and no support from the original manufacture, like in OEM software. Yes it's cheap but then what have you got when you don't have any support.
A piece of software that in some ways is useless accept when you first install it.
Don
2007-12-21 08:21:46 · answer #4 · answered by Don M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Microsoft produce different version of Windows, depending on its purpose. They create 'OEM' versions, which ship with new PC's, which usually means the COA label is stuck on the shipped pc and the software package sent with the unit. They also sell retail versions, which are fully boxed. This will contain the COA within the box.
Now, that said, if it is the prior then you are out of luck as OEM licenses cannot be transferred. If it is the latter then you should be able to contact Microsoft and discuss it with them - they may or may not help you.
2007-12-21 09:16:18 · answer #5 · answered by localzuk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi Mark Just to let you know that your not the only one. I was in the same boat. It cost me a fortune trying to get it done on the cheap. Better to cut your losses and start afresh with a new set of Windows. Good luck.
2007-12-21 08:35:23 · answer #6 · answered by jingles 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
hopefully you paid with pay pal. if so i would submit a complaint both with ebay and paypal.they will investigate and refund your money.Oh about the copy you received its probably a bootleg copy but sometimes they will give you a key code generating cd with the software.but i would not complaint to microsoft. good luck
2007-12-21 08:28:17 · answer #7 · answered by mannyfresh311 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in need of product key number
2016-04-10 11:50:57 · answer #8 · answered by Donna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you know where to look you can read the key i have forgotten where but windows do have a help line phone no in the UK its a 0845 no. google it
2007-12-21 08:24:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
surely if it was unopened the prod key should be somewhere inside the package
2007-12-21 08:15:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋