5/10/24, 9:36 AM Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers | Dell US
Article Number: 000132520
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Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers
Summary: Locating the Microsoft OEM Server Operating System Certificate of Authenticity (COA) label on Dell EMC PowerEdge servers.
Article Content
Symptoms
Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The COA is a sticker or a label that helps identify genuine Microsoft Windows software often attached to the chassis of the server. All OEM
Windows Server operating system orders must contain a COA label providing a legal license to run Windows software. The COA label also
contains the operating system's product key. The product key may be needed in the event the operating system must be reinstalled and for
virtual machine instances.
Standalone COAs
Definition: Standalone COAs are COAs sold by themselves, without the accompanying software they authenticate. They are often branded
as "excess inventory" or "unused labels" and are often counterfeit COAs. Purchasing standalone COAs and passing them off to unsuspecting
customers is a form of piracy.
How to Avoid: COAs should never be sold, shipped, or purchased on their own, without being affixed to a system or sold with related
Microsoft software (either full packaged product or Microsoft OEM software acquired by system builders). Do not fall victim to standalone
COAs.
For additional details, see Microsoft PC Purchase, How to Tell.
Versions of COAs
Introduced in February 2021, Microsoft released an updated version of the COA label with revised anti-counterfeit features. For COAs
affixed to systems preinstalled with or licensed for Windows after February 1, 2021 the COA may feature the product name printed on
the label and also contain anti-counterfeit security features.
Introduced in February 2020, a polymer substrate replaced the paper based substrate. The artwork and anti-piracy feature were also
updated.
For COAs affixed to systems preinstalled with or licensed for versions of Windows, the COA may feature the product name printed on
the label and also contains anti-counterfeit security features such as:
Interwoven security thread – is built into the paper and random paper fibers are visible when the thread appears at the surface
Color shifting ink edge - changes from green to magenta when viewed from different angles
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5/10/24, 9:36 AM Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers | Dell US
Moiré Image – Within the red area on the left hand side of the label is a feature to assist in proving the label is genuine. Hold the
label horizontally at arm's length and at eye level. Look straight at the label and then move to a very shallow viewing angle, for
example by tilting the label away from you. A series of zig zag lines and squares will become visible where there previously
appeared to be none.
Product Key Concealment
In addition to the features mentioned above, effective July 19, 2016 this concealment solution has been expanded to all products which
utilize a 25-character product key. The concealment panel consists of a small clear label with removable silver scratch off material that has
been applied to conceal a portion of the 25-characters of the product key.
Similar to the removable material commonly found on lottery tickets or prize vouchers, this concealment panel is designed to protect the
consumer’s product key from being obtained and used by unauthorized individuals. When a Product Key is required for use by the rightful
owner, the silver scratch off material should be removed with a fingernail or coin to reveal the entire 25-characters required to enable
activation of the Product.
Location of COA
The COA label is affixed by Dell EMC to the servers at the factory for preinstalled Windows Server Operating Systems. A COA label may also
be applied to a server by a Dell EMC channel partner as part of a Reseller Option Kit (ROK).
To locate your Dell EMC OEM operating system COA, look in the following locations:
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5/10/24, 9:36 AM Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers | Dell US
Rack server: The COA is adhered to the top of the server chassis.
Tower server: The COA is adhered to the top or back of the server chassis.
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5/10/24, 9:36 AM Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers | Dell US
Blade or modular server: The COA is adhered to the top of the server blade.
C-series blades have the COA sticker on the bottom of the blade sled.
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5/10/24, 9:36 AM Microsoft OEM Windows Server Certificate of Authenticity on Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers | Dell US
15th Gen rack mount servers: The COA is located closer to the middle of the server which requires pulling the server out farther from the
rack to see it.
Cause
Dell EMC
Resolution
Dell Technologies 2023
Article Properties
Last Published Date
11 Jan 2024
Version
10
Article Type
Solution
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