REGISTERED REFURBISHER: How to find COA for Win8/8.1/10 machines

[JohnDize]

Actually it's the "product key" which is important here.

On pre-Win8 machines, the product key was printed on a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA), which is simply a piece of paper that had the product key printed on it. With desktops/towers, the COA paper was affixed to the side of the case; with laptops, it was affixed either on the underside of the case or within the battery enclosure.

Starting with Win8 PCs, the product key was imbedded in the BIOS and often read by PC Techs using RWEverthing (http://rweverything.com/) or lately with ProduKey from NirSoft (http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html). Since the product key is in the BIOS, there's no need to print a paper COA.

Bottom line, it's not the COA paper that matters, it's the product key itself.

The product Key is NOT important, you need to look into REFURB guidelines. Using an OEM product key without the OEM re installation software is illegal.

 

[JohnDize]

The computer with the sticker attached to it, over the Windows 7 HE sticker. I had to iron out some Lenovo quirks, but it runs very well.

That PC violates the refurb rules as you can not cover the pre-existing sticker, you much place the refurb sticker next to it not over it. That sticker shows that they are a MAR not a MRR. MARs get product keys and name on stickers, MRR's do not.

 

[JohnDize]

Wow. They're not even listed in my refurbisher portal. Maybe not available over here yet?

EDIT: How long have you guys had access to them?

I havent seen the windows 10 stickers in distribution only 7 home 32, 7 pro 64 and all variants of 8.1 which are way overpriced

 

[JohnDize]

You could not be more wrong. If the OEM media or hard disk partition is present a refurbisher licence IS NOT REQUIRED to re-install the original OS.

https://www.microsoft.com/refurbishedpcs/RRPFAQ.aspx Windows 8\10 is not yet available on the refurbisher program.

I find reading Microsoft's published information helpful in these situations.

I found that the FAQ states you can use the oem reinstall discs but the july 2016 program guide says you cant. I will go with the FAQ until it is updated as well.

 

[Moltuae]

Wow. They're not even listed in my refurbisher portal. Maybe not available over here yet?

EDIT: How long have you guys had access to them?

As I understand it, the refurbisher COAs that include a product key (ie not just a serial#) are from Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers (ie, the larger refurb organisations, not mere 'registered' refurbishers like us).

The computer with the sticker attached to it, over the Windows 7 HE sticker.

I thought the correct procedure was to leave the pre-existing COA visible and stick the refurb COA next to it. Perhaps I misunderstood that or maybe the rule is different for Authorized refurbishers ...

 

[JohnDize]

As I understand it, the refurbisher COAs that include a product key (ie not just a serial#) are from Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers (ie, the larger refurb organisations, not mere 'registered' refurbishers like us).

That is correct, they get product key and company name on theirs and ours just come from disty.

 

[MichaelEC]

Beats me. I didn't refurb it, I bought it like this. I really don't care either way. That might be something the refurbisher has to contend with with MS.

 

[JohnDize]

Beats me. I didn't refurb it, I bought it like this. I really don't care either way. That might be something the refurbisher has to contend with with MS.

Actually you as a reseller of the unit become liable for the refurbishing process the refurbisher used. The good thing is Microsoft would get mad, but most likely take an apology on the issue. However I would be careful because more serious refurb violations could harm you in fines if caught.

yes we are generally small enough no one cares, but one day someone will.

 

[MichaelEC]

I'm not selling this unit. I bought it for the shop.