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 What
is a Windows COA (certificate of authenticity) retail or OEM sticker?
By Mitz
Free computer Tips
What is a COA?
A Windows COA is a certificate of authenticity sticker
that proves that your copy of Windows is genuine. This, along with an
original Windows cd, confirm that your copy is genuine.
Where can I find my COA Sticker?
A COA (certificate of authenticity) sticker can be found
on either side of a tower or desktop computer case. It can also be found on
the top, however very rarely at the bottom or back of a computer case.
How do I know if my COA is a counterfeit?
If you have tried to Activate your copy of Windows and
have been rejected than there is usually something wrong. I have never had a
problem activating Windows. You must make sure you have the disc that
matches your COA. For example if it says Windows XP Home then the cd must
say this also. You can go to the
Microsoft website to see if your COA is genuine.
What's the difference between a retail and a OEM
Windows version?
-
Retail - A retail version Of Windows is more
expensive than the OEM and usually comes in the
big fancy box with the COA attached. You can install this Windows on any
computer, only one at any time, as long as it has the COA with it. If your
computer breaks down you can remove the sticker and the software to use on
your new pc.
-
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
- An OEM COA is meant the the pc it was originally made for. The OEM
sticker will have the version of Windows with the manufacturers name
underneath. You cannot remove the sticker and use it on another computer
as this copy of Windows is only to be used with the original pc it came
with. An OEM is cheaper than the retail version of Windows.
Notes:
-
An OEM and a retail version of Windows are
the same program, except for the limitations on the OEM.
-
If you have a computer with a COA sticker but
no cd, it is not genuine until you have an original cd that matches your
COA.
-
If you change your hardware in your computer
drastically, you may not be able to use your OEM copy of Windows as it
will think it is a different computer.
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About the Author
Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for
tips4pc.com
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