How do you know when Windows XP Pro OEM is copied?

[imported_hendrang]

Hi,

I am a little confused when I look around different website that sells windows xp oem software. The oem cd has different color of hologram on some websites. Most of the website I visit has kind of "orange" hologram color and some have other different color. Why is it different? Is the "orange" one supposed to be a legal one or copied one? How do you know when it is copied by looking at it?

 

[Canterwood]

Don't holograms change colour anyway depending on the angle you look at them?

However, I'd say if its from a reputable online dealer, then the CD would be legit.

If it turns out to be fake, then report them to MS and get a free legal copy.

 

[imported_hendrang]

I understand about looking at different angle. Look at this two links for example:

Visio Software

Newegg.com

They have different (quite obvious) color.

About reporting to MS... well... yes you are right... but I will waste a lot of my time for sure. That's why I hope someone can help me on this. Prevention is better of course !

 

[Varun]

My XP CD looks like the newegg one

 

[imported_hendrang]

How does the xp logo on the cd looks like?

 

[Cobalt]

I got mine from Newegg, it was orange and legit.

 

[Tostada]

Damn. You worry way too much.

What are you even talking about? Are you looking at the little CDs superimposed over the XP box in the thumbnail on Visio's site? I doubt that's an actual picture of what the XP CD looks like.

 

[BigPete]

Why not just buy it from Newegg to be sure? The price difference is not even 5 dollars.

 

[mikeg]

LOL ok guys you do know that its not the CD that matters its the CD key that makes a difference. You can install XP using a burned copy downloaded from the net using a legit key and it would be fine. I would worry more about the CD Key. Even if you get a authentic Microsoft WinXP CD if the key they give you is bogus then the OS is bogus

 

[yukichigai]

As has been mentioned, it all comes down to the CD key you have. There are many instances when Windows CDs are burned but still legit. Besides the obvious backup situation, universities and such may copy and distribute academic versions of XP legally, provided they either have enough licenses on their Volume License, or that they give out a different CD key with each copy.

Also, if you buy your software and it turns out to be pirated you can, as has been mentioned, simply report the seller to Microsoft, who will send you a new and legitimate copy of XP with a legit CD key for free.