PlanITROI is a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR)!
Table of Contents:
What is a MAR?
What is a MAR?
PlanITROI is certified by Microsoft and permitted to preinstall a genuine Microsoft Windows XP operating system on a refurbished PC. Only large established refurbishers that have met strict qualifications can be considered for the MAR status. To be certified as a MAR, a PC refurbisher is required to have processed a minimum volume of 5,000 units of laptops and desktops each month for a 12-month period. It also needed to confirm that it has adequate systems for data wiping and reporting, including conformance to Department of Defense or similar standards, and is compliant with all environmental regulations. In addition, a MAR must prove that it has the technical expertise to install large volumes of Microsoft Windows XP, and has the security protocols in place to handle the similar quantities of software licenses.
 As a MAR, PlanITROI is permitted to affix a genuine Microsoft Windows XP Certificate of Authenticity ( COA) label on each of the laptops and desktops it remarkets, which adds greater value to each unit.
Beware of Imitators
An authorized
COA looks like this:
If the PC was processed by PlanITROI, it should have two COAs, one for the originally installed Microsoft Windows XP operating system, and the new COA shown above that is designated for PCs refurbished by a MAR.
Refurbished PC Buyers Guide
Useful Tips to Buying a Refurbished PC
Are you looking for your first PC or another PC for your home or business? In these economic times, a pre-owned PC that has been refurbished can be a great cost effective alternative to a new PC. You can use it to communicate with your friends and family, search the internet, use for school and work, or play music and videos. There are many people selling PCs, so make sure you are an informed shopper. There are more differences between refurbished PCs than just the type of PC or other options that may come with it – you should also know what was done to get the PC ready for you.
An easy way to sort through who you should buy a refurbished PC from is to ask them if they are a Microsoft® Authorized Refurbisher (MAR). A refurbished PC sold by a MAR has been cleaned of the prior data, updated as needed with minor repairs or replacement of components, tested, and has genuine Microsoft® XP operating system software installed on it so it is ready for a new owner. So, if you are considering buying a refurbished PC, take time to review these handy tips to help you make the right choice.
Tip#1 Ask the seller how the PC was refurbished.
Not all PCs are refurbished using the same processes and standards. Refurbishers in the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program must operate using approved standards and practices. Whether the work is done by the refurbisher or contracted out, there should be adequate systems for data wiping and reporting, including conformance to Department of Defense or similar standards on all hard disks being reused. There
should also be conformance with applicable local health, safety, and environmental regulations.
If the refurbisher is not a MAR member, you should make sure you ask these questions to help you assess if the PC has been refurbished properly:
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Who does the refurbishing and what are their standards and policies?
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What process is used to make sure the hard drive data has been wiped and the hard drive is virus free?
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Where did the pre-owned PC come from and has it been upgraded with any new or used parts?
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What is their equipment disposal policy and are they environmentally responsible?
Refurbished PC Buyers Guide
Tip#2 Ask if genuine operating system software is installed.
It is most cost effective to have a genuine operating system preinstalled on the PC. Buying a PC from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) gives you genuine Microsoft Windows® XP operating system software loaded on your refurbished PC.
If you buy from a MAR, a properly licensed refurbished PC will have both the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
that came affixed to the PC when it was newly purchased AND a specially designed Windows COA for refurbished PCs.
A refurbished PC COA has the authorized refurbisher’s name, a unique product key, the product name, and statement “For Use on Refurbished PC Only—No Commercial Value—For Authentication Purposes Only”.
You can get more information on genuine Microsoft software by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/genuine
Tip#3 Find out if you get any support, warranty, or other services.
Once you have quizzed the seller on their refurbishment practices, ask them questions about what else may come with the PC you are purchasing. If you purchase a refurbished PC from a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR), you can access free web-based operating system support from Microsoft. Additional support can be purchased from Microsoft on a fee-per-incident basis. Here are some other useful questions to ask the refurbisher so your PC selection best meets your needs.
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Does the PC have a warranty, and if so, what does the warranty cover?
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What is the return policy?
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What is the return or failure rate of the PCs they sell?
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Do they offer technical support and is it free or fee-based?
Learn More
If you want to find out more about the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher Program or genuine Microsoft software, please visit these resources:
MAR Program Information:
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/mar
Genuine Microsoft Software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell
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Overview
MAR is a licensing program tailored to the needs of large refurbishers who want to deliver preinstalled genuine Windows XP software licenses on refurbished PCs to be sold in the commercial market. |
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MAR Program Benefits
The MAR program offers a reduced royalty for refurbished PCs with a previous Windows operating system Certificate of Authenticity (COA) affixed to the PC. Refurbishers also have access to proprietary tools to simplify Windows XP deployment on refurbished PCs.
The MAR program can benefit refurbishers by:
• Providing eligible participants recognition and status as a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher
• Creating the opportunity to build an enhanced relationship with Microsoft
• Providing genuine Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional operating system license for refurbished PCs
• Providing access to proprietary tools to simplify the deployment process
• Providing the opportunity to create market differentiation through the sale of a PC with an installed Windows operating system |
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Refurbisher Requirements
• Install licensed software only on eligble PCs with valid COAs.
• Erase the contents of the hard drive prior to installing Windows XP.
• Supply the refurbished PC with a new refurbisher COA
• Comply with requirments for the use of the OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK), the Refurbisher Preinstallation Kit (RPK), and related tools, and comply with other requirements for inventory management and reporting.
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Eligibility Requirements
Eligible participants are either major OEM refurbishers headquartered worldwide or other refurbishers headquartered in the United States and Canada that meet the eligibility requirements.
• A track record of supplying an average of 5,000 refurbished PCs per month over the last 12 months
• The technical competence required to preinstall Windows operating systems
• Appropriate security measures in place to ensure the safe storage and handling of COAs
• Adequate systems for data wiping and reporting, including conformance to Department of Defense or similar standards on all hard disks being reused through the program
• Conformance with applicable local health, safety, and environmental regulations |
Order & Installation Process
1. Windows XP COAs and Recovery Media packs will be ordered through established distribution processes. The Recovery Media pack includes recovery media and an End User License Agreement (EULA) packed in a slim-line DVD case with a printed wrap.
2. The refurbisher installs the software using the OPK and the RPK onto the refurbished PC.
3. The refurbisher attaches a refurbisher COA.
4. The refurbisher supplies the refurbished PC to end customers or to a reseller or broker and distributes the PC with the Recovery Media pack. |
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What is the MAR program?
MAR is a new OEM program that enables Microsoft to work with large refurbishers to license genuine software on refurbished PCs for thecommercial market.
What operating systems are included in MAR?
Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition are available initially in English, French, and Spanish. Additional languages are planned for 2008.
Who is eligible for the MAR program?
Major OEM refurbishers headquartered worldwide or other refurbishers headquartered in the US and Canada can participate by meeting the eligibility requirements including: supplying large volumes of refurbished PCs, demonstrating technical competence, security and environmental compliance, receiving Microsoft credit approval, and having quality operations systems and security measures.
What are the benefits of the MAR program for refurbishers?
The MAR program provides refurbishers several benefits including: recognition and status as a MAR, an enhanced relationship with Microsoft, an opportunity to build additional revenue and margin via market differentiation, access to proprietary tools to simplify Windows XP deployment on refurbished PCs, and cost effective operating system licenses for refurbished PCs.
Why is Windows Vista® not part of MAR and what is the upgrade path?
Refurbished PCs are typically three or four years old and therefore are generally not capable of running the latest versions of software such as Windows Vista. If a refurbished PC has the necessary technical specifications to run Windows Vista, the owner can upgrade from Windows XP for Refurbished PCs by acquiring Windows Vista via retail options.
Is this the first licensing program for refurbished PCs?
No. A Community MAR program for charities, schools, and other eligible community users is available around the world. This program allows refurbishers (Community MARs) to install Windows 2000 and Windows XP for Eligible Recipients. There are various restrictions on distribution of licenses within the Community MAR program. Also, there is the Fresh Start for Donated Computers program that provides licenses directly to schools that have received donated PCs. |
How is the operating system loaded on the PCs?
Refurbishers will be given the OPK to help with the operating system installation and a new proprietary tool, the RPK, to simplify Windows XP deployment on refurbished PCs.
Is there a COA? If so, what does the refurbisher do with it?
Yes, MARs obtain specially designed COAs through established
distribution processes. Each COA will be personalized with the
refurbishers name. The COA must be affixed to the refurbished PC in a visible area.
How is media supplied?
Refurbishers are required to supply a Recovery Media pack with each PC. Recovery Media packs include a recovery media CD, EULA, and outerwrap in a slim-line DVD case.
How does the program work?
Refurbishers sign an agreement with Microsoft and obtain the materials they need from established distribution processes. The refurbisher then pays a royalty on the license to Microsoft.
Is product activation required?
Yes. End-customers will need to activate the software using the Product Key found on the COA.
Who provides support?
Web-based support is available from Microsoft free-of-charge. Additional support is available from Microsoft on a fee-per-incident support basis only. Refurbishers are not obligated to provide support, but are permitted to provide or sell support services.
What does Microsoft define as a refurbished PC?
A refurbished PC is a used PC that has gone through processes such as data wiping, testing and minor repair that leave the PC ready for use by a new owner. Refurbishment is considered to either leave the original motherboard as is, or replace a defective motherboard with one of exactly the same make, model and specification. Otherwise, replacing a motherboard results in a “new” PC and not a “refurbished” PC.
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Thank You for Purchasing a Refurbished PC with Genuine Windows® XP Software Preinstalled
Instructions for Activating Windows XP for Refurbished PCs
This software has been preinstalled and there is a special license for PCs that have been refurbished.
Your PC has two Certificate of Authenticity (COA) labels; one from the original license the PC manufacturer installed and
one from the PC’s refurbisher. The refurbisher’s COA is like the one shown below and is used for product activation on a refurbished PC.
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Use this product key for product activation. |
Product Activation
This software uses product activation technology to reduce software piracy and ensure high product quality. To use the software, it must be activated using the product key that is on the COA as shown above. DO NOT use the product key from the original COA. Activating the product is easy by phone or via the internet, and is explained when the product launches. For more details on activation, visit the Microsoft Product Activation site at: www.microsoft.com/piracy/activation.mspx.
Customer Support
Product support for this software is available from Microsoft using a free web-based service or it can be purchased from Microsoft. The original PC manufacturer is not responsible for support on this software. Learn more about your product support options at: http://support.microsoft.com.
Genuine Windows Software
Enjoy the downloads, support, updates, and enhanced features provided by your genuine copy of Windows XP software. For more information, please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine.
For more information on Windows XP, including system requirements, please visit: www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro.
The product uses technological measures for copy protection — you will not be able to use the product if you do not fully comply with the product activation procedures. Product activation procedures and Microsoft’s privacy statements will be described during the launch of the product. Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA.
© 2008 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
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