Win CD COA Online

[jereece1]

On Priceline.com and other places, I have seen systems advertised where they list as part of the configuration "Win CD COA Online" or "Win XP, 98, or ME COA" or "CD & Manual COA".

I assume COA means Certificate Of Authenticity. I am not sure what they mean by "online". Can someone explain what these terms really mean? Does it mean that they preinstall windows? Does it mean you get a CD and you can install yourself? Recently I asked for a price quote on a priceline.com advertised system, however I wanted to upgrade the hard drive. In the reply, I got the quote which was about what I expected, but the conspicuously omitted anything about Windows. So I am wondering what is going on with these terms.

Thanks for educating me.

[PresterJohn]

i have never heard of "Win CD COA Online". i would email or call them to find out what that means.

"Win XP, 98, or ME COA" simply means the system includes a coa sticker (usually attached to the case). no microsoft cd is included, although it does not preclude the possibility of them bundling a recovery image cd with the system.

"CD & Manual COA" means you get a cd and the coa, and a manual.

[Richard Cranium]

COA also can mean you're getting the "Book" with the Certificate of Authenticity.