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Certificates
of Authenticity, also known as C.O.A.'s
are absolutely invaluable to own!
Probably the most well-known of the many Certificate's of Authenticity in use is the
Microsoft® COA version. It usually comes attached to the software box. It's an official
looking holographic type of Certificate, which guarantees the software is
authentic and not pirated or counterfeit.
Below we have reprinted common questions and answers on use of a popular (example) COA, the certificate of
authenticity used by Microsoft® Corporation.
Please note: We are nor selling a Microsoft® COA. Microsoft® uses their own design COA which looks nothing like our COA's. In fact, Microsoft® Corp does not own a U.S. Trademark on the generic term "Certificate Of Authenticity" or own the internet name CertificateOfAuthentcity.com which we in fact own!
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This is an article written about the MS Certificate Of Authenticity, and its use. |
Question: I can't find the Microsoft® Certificate of Authenticity
previously located on the front cover of the Microsoft® operating system
owners manual?
A Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity may now be located on the chassis of your PC, and/or with MS Windows®.
Certificate of Authenticity may now be located on the chassis of your PC.
- On the side of the PC for Desktops, Minitowers or Microtower PC's.
- Or on the bottom (or side) for some PC's
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What is the certificate of authenticity used for?
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Please refer to the
http://www.microsoft.com/support/windows website.
Extracted from the Microsoft® web site:
" The Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a security certificate that
accompanies all Microsoft products distributed by original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs).
A COA is used to assure the end-user and consumer a software program is not
counterfeit. For instance, if you purchased a computer system from a computer
store and it came with Windows® operating system software pre-installed on
its hard disk, the "Certificate of Authenticity should also be included"
Product ID (Windows 9x/Windows NT) or Product-Key (Windows 2000) written on
the Certificate of Authenticity may be requested during the Operating system
installation.
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What is the difference between a product key and a
product ID? |
Product key is for Windows 2000.
Product ID is for Windows NT and Windows 9x.
They may be required during Operating System installation. It is strongly
recommended that you write down this information and store it in a safe place
(in case the COA sticker gets damaged).
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Is Certificate of Authenticity linked to an OS version
(Service Pack, etc.)? |
No. Certificate of Authenticity is attached to the Windows Operating System
(Widows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT4, Windows 2000, etc...), not to the version
of the OS.
Please note that even if the Windows 98 COA mentions Windows 98 Second Edition,
it also applies for Windows 98 First Edition.
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Is a Certificate of Authenticity valid for any
language? |
A Certificate of Authenticity is valid for all nations and languages.
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