bought laptop on ebay missing windows product key and COA

I have just got a Latitude e4300 that I got from ebay. The seller stated that it came with Windows 7 Home, and that turned out to be true, but the COA and product key on the laptop are for Vista.

The seller has a 7 day return policy but I am happy with the laptop and don't want to return it.

Should I ask for a partial refund? And how much would it have to be?

 

Is the version of Windows on the laptop legit? It might be one of those laptops that shipped with Vista originally but was eligible for a free Win7 upgrade when it came out.

If the Windows 7 that's on it is legit, I would either use ABR to back up your current license/activation information or use one of the many keyfinder programs out there to get your product key from the registry and call it a day.

 

Yeah, without a way for you to legitimately restore the OS to default...it could be a crack, it could be an OEM install, don't know. Bottom line is the guy was dishonest with you and you need to take him up to task for it.

 

well, Windows 7 has been activated, I have used ABR and it just backed up the key but not any other activation file. How do I know if this is legit?

I have a windows 7 CD so that's not the problem. If this is the free upgrade does that means I have to install it over Vista, or can I just install 7 right away?
I looked up on the dell website the original system specs and it came with vista and XP downgrade, no mention of 7.

 

Activated could mean 'cracked.' You do not know. Also since you did not get the key or COA or discs...the seller could be using that key themselves.

 

yes I have no clue where this license came from. Also the computer has user name is set to a guy named "Anthony Davis" so who know.

why would a pawn shop reinstall the OS and put that name as an user name?

 

Might be stolen then...don't know.

 

right. how do I find out? I was able to run Win updates if that means anything. Shouldn't be crack should it?

 

Send it back. Before the 7 day period runs out on you. And call the cops in the sellers home town.

Why people have such a problem returning defective or potentially stolen merchandise is beyond my understanding.

 

If you use this version of ABR (ABRbeta) http://directedge.us/files/abr/ABRbeta.exe and you have an OEM version of Windows 7 you will have two files, backup-cert.xrm-ms and backup-key.txt. If you only have the backup-key.txt file then you do not have an OEM version of W7 but rather a retail version (it can be either legit or crack).

 

nobody ever said this was stolen. first of all I would have to pay shipping, second of all I would have to wait to get another deal on ebay. I would be staying a month without a computer. you are quick at making a conclusion.

 

For several months before Windows 7 was released, Dell said that any laptop bought with Windows Vista could be upgraded for free when Windows 7 came out. You just had to type in your product key on their website and they would ship you a Dell Windows 7 installation disk of the same version as Vista, granted it was at least Home Premium.

 

did that. I only get the .txt. Monday I am gonna contact the guy about it. Or maybe I should wait 7 days so he can't pull the "send it back" card.

 

If the seller has good feedback, there's no reason to believe it was stolen. To check the key, write it down, then re-install Windows 7 and use the key to activate it. If it doesn't activate then its probably a hacked/cracked version.

 

^ This would destroy any evidence.

@Sir Punk:
Some Dell laptops have the COA under the battery compartment, IIRC. At least worth having a look.

Michael

 

if you are that u got a good deal don't return it , cause getting another laptop without the same deal will cost you more than a windows 7 license , vista is bad but not too bad , you can use vista , or maybe just make an image of the C drive and use it whenever you need to install windows (use the image instead of the installation ) , cheers

 

One reason I'd be reluctant to return it is whether the seller returns the money.

 

Not only that, but to be so presumptuous as to tell the police the person is selling stolen merchandise could land you in big trouble, especially since there are no grounds for doing so.

 

I wouldn't do that, the person who suggested it doesn't have a clue what he/she is talking about.

I could call the police station and see if there has been some report of stolen laptops at this name, but I am not going to do that.

I emailed the guy and waiting for his reply. I will post updates as soon as I hear from him.

 

Windows 7 OEM/RETAIL can be installed on a laptop with SLIC 2.0 or no SLIC just fine. The laptop doesn't need to have SLIC 2.1. Windows 7 OEM/RETAIL can be brought online, a retail store, a university, etc. Meaning they have a UNIQUE Windows 7 key.

As long, the laptop is NOT using a manufacture (Dell, Acer, HP, etc.) OEM SLP Windows 7 key, it should be legit. Since, you did mention that the laptop was supposed to come pre-installed with Windows Vista/XP downgrade and not Windows 7.

Use this Windows keyfinder (Windows 7 version). http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/
Then Google your Windows 7 key and see if it's a manufacture OEM SLP Windows 7 key or not.

In short,
Latitude e4300 = pre-installed Windows Vista/XP downgrade = LEGIT
Latitude e4300 with unique Windows 7 OEM/RETAIL key = LEGIT
Latitude e4300 with manufacture (Dell, Acer, HP, etc.) OEM SLP Windows 7 key = NOT LEGIT

 

Install the newest BIOS A19 and look if it supports SLIC 2.1.
If it does, install Windows 7 with the SLP key from Dell.

 

He already has Windows 7 Home Premium activated on his Latitude e4300. The issue here is that he wants to know if it is legit or not, since his Dell laptop is supposed to come pre-installed with Windows Vista/XP downgrade and not Windows 7. He already brought the Latitude e4300 on eBay.

What you told him to do is not legit. He has no rights to use the SLP key, since the Latitude e4300 was never meant for Windows 7. We have to be ethical in these forums.

 

Some mods like to close topics after I post reply like this LOL but here it goes.

There is no difference between legit and non legit activation on notebooks if the bios has slic table (2.0 vista and 2.1 win7)

It is offline oem activation as .. all legit win7 and non legit win7 will use the exact same serial and certificate.

It is legal if you got the bill from the notebook, and it lists preinstalled os.

You won't be able to tell the difference if legit or not if activated when bios has the slic table

And even more ... any version of win7 from starter to ultimate ... all notebooks use same key.

ps.: for the quickfinger mods ... all this info posted on msdn and wikipedia ... I could link it but putting in easier terms here

 

The 'receipt' from the notebook/laptop has to come from an authorized reseller/system integrator.

Private sales aren't covered by wiki-inspired tap dancing.

The OP bought an ebay item. It's not as advertised (no legit OS or CoA), but for his own reasons he doesn't want to send it back. This is exactly what shady ebay sellers depend on; people not wanting to spend return shipping $$$, go through the horrific paypal dispute process, or cause other kinds of ruckus.

If his bill of sale/receipt was from an authorized reseller/system integrator, one phone call to Dell or MSFT would get him a replacement/legit product key.

His problem.

 

You don't know the OS isn't legit, and calling the police is boneheaded for IP issues.

 

I'd say just keep it simple and either (1) pursue a ~$150 claim against the seller via PayPal (whatever the value of a retail W7 copy is) or (2) return the notebook.

I've done this before for people...PayPal does not appreciate it when sellers include software that is clearly pirated (no key, no COA, nothing = illegal copy).

 

Go ahead and keep picking nits. You don't know the OS is legit either.

I'm advising the OP to take action to protect his interests.

You are advising him to eat the bad purchase.

In the meantime, the ebay and paypal clocks for claims are ticking down.

 

Keep the notebook and enjoy it.

 

I have done that. I get the same key I got with ABR then I googled it but nothing came up, is there a specific site that gives you this information about your key.?

 

have you tried that yourself. I tried a couple of times to install ultimate with a professional key and it would not activate.

I think you just have a big mouth and this is the last time I take time to reply to you, apparently you either haven't read my previous reply or just have some reading comprehension issue.
I AM pursuing this and I am not the type of person that would let this go. Please stay out of this topic if you just want to keep spitting easy judgments.

ok in fact he replied and he seems he's just playing dumb or he has no clue what he's talking about.
his reply
"I am not sure. we didnt list it as coming with a product key...when this became available, we tested it and isted it...we didnt have cd's, keys, manuala or anything....i am not sure what ou would want us to do....thanks"

"we didn't list it as coming with a product key" WHAT?!?!? so in his opinion you can just sell any software you want without product key.

Please let me help write a good reply to this person before I go ahead and file a dispute with paypal. i am sure he will refuse to refund the $150 but I have to try to solve this with the seller to show paypal I have followed all the possible steps.

I thought a good reply could be

"For your information, it is illegal to install any software without owning the license and consequently the product key of that software. The fact that you mentioned in your listing that the laptop came with Windows 7 implies that it came with its license/product key, if that was not the case you would be selling an illegal copy, and that's against ebay and micrsoft policies. I am asking a monetary refund for the value of a Windows 7 license."

Anything to add, delete, edit?

thanks guys for your help so far.

 

You can call microsoft, explain, and they'll sell you a key cheap.

 

You mean this: www.microsoft.com/howtotell ?



Michael

 

In windows update their is a patch that detects if the os is a cracked copy or not... what I would do is make a backup of the os using some kind of software (ex ghost, acronis, etc) and then pop open windows update and grab the patch.... if your os still works after the reboot then its legit, but if it has errors... its obviously cracked

edit:

Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB971033)

Download size: 1.2 MB

Update type: Important

This update to Windows Activation Technologies detects activation exploits and tampering to key Windows system files. These exploits try to bypass regular Windows activation and are sometimes included within counterfeit copies of Windows.

 

does not detect all patching methods.

 

right now I am more concerned what I should write to the ebay seller. looking for feedback on the message I posted on page 3 of the thread.

 

Of course write him... all legal copys of windows 7 require a coa...and since you do not have one its kind of fishy

 

I'd definitely write the ebay guy, but we're not here to have your conversations for you =p just to advise on the techy stuff. If you choose to return it or get pissed at the guy that's all up to you.

 

I'd request a non-used copy of Win7 Upgrade/OEM, same variant that was promised in the original ad. If he fails to deliver that, then refund.

Also do online price check for Win7 Upgrade price (should be more than OEM) and use that as base for your demand.

That way you give him the easy way of getting out by sending you the disc. Since it was a shop that sold it (was it?) they might have some oem boxes in the store ready and just send one.

That was mis-information. All the other parts of offline activation remain the same (certificate-file and SLIC information in bios), it is the key that changes.

 

I have emailed him and asked for a refund. Asking a new cd/license is a good idea but too late. I doubt he would have it, it's just a pawn shop, if it was a real shop I doubt he would have pulled such thing.

 

Have you tried looking up the service tag on Dell's website to see what it shipped with and if it was upgraded through Dell?

 

I've already done that, have you read the entire thread



anyways. he has replied
"OK....we are a pawn shop, we are not the owner of this laptop...if you dont want it just send it back, we have no problem issuing you a refund...we will resell the item...thanks"

I think he's just dumb. It looks like I have to file a dispute.

 

Also, I'd fill out the "report piracy" form on MS website ( www.microsoft.com/howtotell).

Michael

 

so he asked me what's a fair price. what should I say?

 

Where would you buy the license in general? Choose the most convenient webshop and give him the link: "this is what I need and should have been included in purchase".

I'm pretty sure the computer was installed with Win7 Upgrade (free from Dell) but an OEM version would be technically same product.

 

Sorry, Wrong thread.

 

I sent him the link to the Dell windows 7 upgrade and he refused to pay and told me to send back the laptop.

what should I do?

 

You have two choices, return the laptop for a refund (minus shipping or any other charges, and possible loss) or keep it, as is.

 

in reality the seller should be paying the shipping since he screwed up and sent you a illegally obtained OS.... you should ask him atleast to pay the shipping charges and any other fees to send it back..... if not and it was me doing this ordeal i would open a dispute with ebay to get him to pay for it