How to Tell Site Update News

Microsoft Consumer Action Day

Wed, 2 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Learn how Microsoft is trying to raise awareness of the risks software piracy can have on consumers through local anti-piracy actions around the world.

Windows 7 product information is now available!

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:00:00 PST

Use the “Browse Popular Products” section on the home page to view product information, anti-piracy features, and purchase options for your version of Windows 7.

We've moved - update your bookmarks and re-subscribe to the HTT RSS Feed now

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 PST

Microsoft’s How to Tell site has changed locations. Please update your bookmarks to reflect the change – the new URL is http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell. If you previously subscribed to the old RSS feed, please subscribe to the new feed now to make sure you don’t miss the latest news and content.

Installed Microsoft Software Beta now live on How to Tell

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:00:00 PST

We've just launched the Installed Microsoft Software Beta, a new tool that allows you to view a list of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products currently installed on your computer. From the list, you can click to view detailed information about the piracy prevention features of your software to help you determine whether it is genuine, such as the hologram, Certificate of Authenticity (COA), and proof of license label. Check it out now.

New Counterfeit Gallery Updates

Fri, 3 Apr 2009 12:00:00 PST

The Counterfeit Gallery has been updated to include new samples of high-grade counterfeit software, including some new examples of counterfeit Certificates of Authenticity (COA) for Microsoft Office Professional 2007. View the new high-grade counterfeit images now and learn how to identify the relevant piracy prevention features of your software. (Microsoft Silverlight is required.)

Microsoft Store Now Available Through How to Tell

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:00:00 PST

Some of our product pages have been updated with direct purchasing links to the Microsoft Store – this combines the latest e-commerce technology with the best way to purchase genuine software directly from Microsoft. Currently, the Microsoft Store is available in France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Spain, United States, and United Kingdom, and more locations will be added as they become available. Visit the Microsoft Store to view available products in your area. (Non-US visitors, use the location menu at the top of the Microsoft Store page to view local purchase options.)

New Counterfeit Gallery Design and Features

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 PST

On 9/30, we launched a new design for the Counterfeit Gallery, which includes a new navigation and features Microsoft Silverlight. New features include options to submit your own examples of counterfeit software and to complete a counterfeit report directly from the Counterfeit Gallery. View now.

Search How to Tell Made Easier

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 PST

After receiving feedback and as part of our constant efforts to update and improve How to Tell, we've recently improved our search function for the site. The new search box on the home page allows you to search for keywords such as products or glossary terms, with improved targeted results. View the updated home page here.

Purchasing Genuine Microsoft Software

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

Shopping for a new computer? Don't leave home without the new Purchasing Genuine Microsoft Software checklist. This list helps you answer five simple questions to determine whether the software you're purchasing is genuine. Download or print the checklist now.

New Information for Refurbished PCs with Windows XP

Mon, 5 May 2008 12:00:00 PST

The How to Tell Web site now includes information about the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Certificate of Authenticity (COA). MARs that pre-install Windows XP Home Edition for Refurbished PCs or Windows XP Professional for Refurbished PCs attach a COA to the body of the computer. Learn more about how this works and how you can identify genuine Microsoft software.

Before You Buy - Understand the Dangers of Counterfeit or Unlicensed Software

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:00:00 PST

The new Buying Guide will help you purchase genuine Microsoft software and avoid the dangers that accompany software that's counterfeit or unlicensed. It shows you ways to visually identify genuine and how to question the seller. If the deal looks too good to be true, check out the guide before you buy.

How to Tell Breadcrumbs

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 PST

Because How to Tell covers so much information we've now added breadcrumb navigation. With just a glance at the top of the page, you can see where you are. No confusion. No hassle. It's just another way to make How To Tell even more accessible and valuable to you. Check it out now.

Friendly and Flashy Site Redesign

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 5:30:00 PST

Big changes to the How to Tell Web site are now live! The site has been completely redesigned so that it's now easier to update and much easier for you to use. The new interface has an improved layout that includes brand new navigation, an updated color scheme, a site glossary, and a revolving pane that showcases different articles. An added right column includes more information than before. This new column introduces the Windows Comparison and the Office Comparison Guides that let you compare your features with those found on genuine Microsoft software. In this right column, you can also examine popular products, as well as read up on popular categories like Home and Games. If you're interested in learning results from detective work out in the field, you can read the new “Counterfeits Recently Seized” section to see where pirated copies are surfacing in the world. The How to Tell site is an appealing, informative place where you can arm yourself with information that will help to protect you from counterfeit software. You can learn how to ask the right questions, find out what you should look for, and check to see if your software is genuine. Go online today to see these great changes and take advantage of the opportunities on the site.

How to Tell RSS Feed Launch

Thu, 31 May 2007 23:31:00 GMT

The How to Tell Web site is an interactive site, designed to help consumers better distinguish between genuine and counterfeit Microsoft products. The site is available in 42 languages and details over 400 products. Site features make it easy to browse the products by either a catalog interface or by product family groupings. Among the detailed products, users will find Windows, Office, and even hardware. Users can also learn about the features of current and past piracy prevention features.

This RSS feed will provide updates on notable changes to the site, including updates to piracy prevention features of Microsoft products. Updates will also be provided when new content is published and new site features are released.