Last month I purchased a Windows 2003 Standard Server from a POWER SELLER, with over 150 (100%) positive feedback rating. What I received was the best counterfeit software package I had ever seen, which is why the seller (florida_gators96) had sold over 20 packages on the last few months, and NOT a single negative feedback or complained. These counterfeit packages are almost undetectable, and I wouldn’t have realized it, if it wasn’t for the fact that after I installed the server, it loaded as an Enterprise Server, instead of a Standard Server, that raised the red flag.




When comparing all of the content of the package (COA, CD’s and Box) with another server I had purchased from a reputable online retailer and started noticing the differences. I then confirmed it was counterfeit by calling Microsoft, and by the fact that the Ebay user refunded my money WITHOUT even asking for me to send the package back to him.
After looking for similar auctions on ebay, I had been able to detect (3) POWER SELLERS, who are selling these software packages undetected, and also was able to find that the seller (florida_gators96), after his account was closed by ebay, was selling the same items using a different seller id.

So please beware of this, this (POWER SELLERS) are selling a LOT of these packages, and even though I reported the auctions to ebay, after they are closed, they just repost them.
Here are the signs that what you purchase is a counterfeit Windows 2003 Server software license.

1-After installing the server, the server says WINDOWS 2003 ENTERPRISE EDITION, instead of STANDARD. That’s the first clue; never believe you just got an enterprise license cheaper that a standard license itself.
2- The package actually comes in a “GENUINE” Microsoft Brown Box, with all Microsoft Seals, Labels, etc. (I noticed that most of this packages have the same barcode numbers :)
Carton No: MMSH00000081
COA Barcodes: 00089181570854
Work Order No: 94554
Bar Code: 8222425758



2- The CD, s have a clear label that when removed exposes the printed hologram image. (If you compare the hologram image with a genuine disk, you will notice a lesser quality)



3- COA – This is the most interesting item, I am not sure the label (Paper) itself is counterfeit, since if you look very closely, you can see the micro printing letters all over the label, to create this effect it’s very hard, but I am guessing is possible.
On the COA itself you will notice that the barcodes are not as (clear) as on a genuine COA. I did notice that where it says (You are required to affix this Certificate……) the sentence does not end with a (dot), like on the other, but I am not sure if all the Genuine packages have the actual (dot).



The biggest difference in the COA is the security strip and the middle port hole. If you look at the back of the COA, you will notice that the security strip is simply attached to the back of the label, but if you look at a genuine COA you will noticed that the strip it’s actually between treads.



The middle port hole on the counterfeit certificate is simply a “cut” which exposes the security trip which is on the back of the COA, on a GENUINE COA, the middle port hole, it’s simply a tear (with the shape of the Microsoft Logo) which exposed the security strip between the treads, if exposed to the light you will see a kind of (translucent) effect, it’s not actually a hole. This is very hard to explain, but if you look at the pictures you can clearly see the difference.



Everything else on this package seems genuine, which makes me wonder who is actually putting these packages together, if the box and the labels are genuine, if all the documentation inside is genuine, and if the COA paper is actually genuine, then whoever is putting these packages together have (access) to all of this materials (an inside job maybe?). I reported this to Microsoft and I’ll guess they are investigating.

There have been at least 8 seller accounts that have been closed for selling these packages, still, there are at least 11 other sellers posting items which appear to be the same  packages, so beware. I have found that most of the sellers (that know they are selling counterfeit) will not send you a picture of the label  on the box displaying the COA barcode number. Also I have found that some sellers appear not to know that the products are counterfeit, and they usually are pretty helpful when you request the pictures or the barcode numbers, they also are quick to remove the auctions once they have been informed they are counterfeits.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this issue, do not hesitate in contacting me. jburgado@aybonet.com