Hi, I wrote yesterday about a registry problem. I have had no luck with trying to fix it. But, I have come across a website that sells 2 different types of Windows 95 software. I was wondering if you could tell me the difference. Also, would that erase my current system and would I be able to put in a new Windows 95 system? 1- Microsoft Windows 95 w/USB Support (OEM cd w/key) 2- Microsoft Windows 95 (OEM cd w/COA) I am unsure what OEM w/ key means and OEM w/ COA? Please let me know if I buy this will it erase my current registry issue/hard drive? Will this fix my problem? Having a hard time giving up on the Acer :) Any help would be appreciated!!! Daisy

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

Hi Daisy:

"OEM" means "Original Equipment Manufacturer"
It's the kind of disk Microsoft sold to computer
manufacturers who would sell the computer with
Windows already installed.  This differs from the
packaging you (as an individual customer) would
buy by going to your local computer store.  It
should work fine on your computer.

"COA" means "Certificate of Authenticity"
(sometimes called a "key") and is a piece of paper
issued by Microsoft to accompany a legitimate
version of Windows.  It will include a NUMBER
which will need to be entered during the
installation of Windows from the CD.  The number
must match the CD, and there is no way to tell by
looking at the CD or its contents if any given
number is authentic.  (Although, sometimes one COA
number WILL work on another CD.  There have been
many discussions about Microsoft's secret
numbering system -- but nothing published
definitively that I know of.)

Jerry

[Reply or follow-up to this message]

• Search this forum
• Start a new thread on a different subject

• Report abuse of the forum