Q: What is genuine Microsoft® software?
A: Genuine Microsoft software is published by Microsoft, properly licensed, and fully supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner. Using genuine Microsoft software offers you greater capabilities and easy integration with the widest variety of hardware, software, and services. It also provides confidence that you will receive the latest product features, updates, and ongoing improvements to keep your PC performing at its best.

Q: Why is genuine Microsoft software better than non-genuine software?
A: By using genuine Microsoft software, you can be confident that you will have access to the latest features, security, and support, which will help to improve your productivity and expand the capabilities of your PC. You will also have access to new innovations and offerings available only to customers with genuine, licensed Microsoft software.

Q: How do I know if my Windows software is genuine?
A: Microsoft offers an online validation process that allows you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. You will be prompted to validate your copy of Windows if you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center. Alternatively, you can validate your copy of Windows by visiting the How to Tell site. The validation process is easy to use, only takes a few moments to run, and once completed, allows you to access genuine Windows downloads more quickly in the future

Q: Do Volume License Agreements cover the full Windows operating system?
A: No. Volume License Agreements do not cover the full Windows operating system; they only provide for Windows upgrades. If you use a Volume License key to install the full Windows OS, you will be in violation of your agreement.

Q: Can one copy of Windows be used on multiple PCs?
A: No. Windows is licensed for use on a single PC and cannot be shared among multiple PCs. If you receive a copy of Windows pre-loaded on your PC, you cannot transfer the license to another PC.

Q: What is a COA label?
A: A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is a label that helps you identify genuine Microsoft software. It includes advanced anti-counterfeiting features to help you verify the authenticity of the software you acquired. COAs may also contain a barcode that is used for product tracking purposes. Please retain the COA label. A COA label should always accompany the product that it is associated with. COA labels cannot be purchased separately.

Q: What do I do if I need to get genuine licensed Windows software on an existing PC?
A: If you used a Volume License to install the full operating systems on your computers or have discovered counterfeit software on your company's network, you may be eligible to use the Get Genuine Kit to legalize your PCs. This solution, available from your Microsoft reseller, walks you through the necessary steps to bring your Windows software into compliance. Contact your reseller for more information on the Get Genuine Kit.

Q: What do I have to do to qualify for a Get Genuine Kit?
A: The Get Genuine Kit is only available for use on fully assembled PCs with a previously installed counterfeit, pirated, or otherwise illegal or unlicensed copy of Windows XP Professional software.

Q: Can I use the Get Genuine Kit to install Windows on a PC without an operating system?
A: No. The best way to buy the operating system is preinstalled on a PC by the manufacturer. The Get Genuine Kit is not intended for use in the initial installation of the operating system.

Q: Do I have to file a piracy report to Microsoft to qualify for the Get Genuine Kit?
A: No. Microsoft does not require customers or its reseller partners to submit a piracy report to obtain a Get Genuine Kit.

Q: Do I have to affix the COA provided in the Get Genuine Kit? Isn't it enough that I purchased the Get Genuine Kit?
A: You must affix the COA from the Get Genuine Kit to the PC for it to be legally licensed.

Q: How does the Get Genuine Kit work?
A: Follow these steps:
1. Acquire the Get Genuine Kit from your reseller.
2. Affix the enclosed certificate of authenticity (COA) label to the PC.
3. Microsoft recommends, but does not require, that on the PC, you or your reseller either:

• Run the Windows Product Key Update Tool
• Perform a re-install of Windows XP
• Perform a clean install of Windows XP

You must do one of these things in order to receive updates, upgrades, and support services.