Here's why certifieddownloadcenter.com looks legit. Prove me wrong please


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MidwestGeek

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I’m looking to buy a legit Microsoft software license. I’d never use Groupon as a source but did find offers from CertifiedDownloadCenter.com . Fishy name, I know, but here’s why it seems legit
  • Their website offers an "MS Partner Verification" link. It takes you to Microsoft Marketplace showing their info. If you go directly to MS Marketplace yourself, you find it's in domain marketplace.microsoft.com. Same as if you got there via CertifiedDownload's Partner Verification link.
  • More important, I looked at the security certificate for both cases. The MS Marketplace certificate looks identical no matter which way I used to get there
Only thing concerning is when I go directly to MS Marketplace site and search for the certifieddownloadcenter or Office products partners, the company doesn’t come up. But those site certificates matched. Wouldn’t that be sufficient proof?

Would appreciate other opinions – even if just an exercise in trying to spot real vs fake. TIA
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 265
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 12YUCTO1WW
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Arrow Lake-S/HX - Integrated Graphics
    Sound Card
    Intel Arrow Lake-S PCH - ACE (Audio Context Engine)
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVme Micron MTFDKBA512TGD-2BK15ABLT
    1TB NVme Micron MTFDKBA1T0TGD-2BK15ABLT
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-6700
    Motherboard
    DELL 0HD5W2 Chipset Intel Q170 (Skylake PCH-H)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 530 (Skylake-S GT2)
I have one of those cheap mini computers that came with a volume license. Although the company eventually gave me a license key, I didn't trust it so I used one of this sites sponsors Stack Social recently to purchase Pro and it converted my Window Pro VL key to a retail license. Of course, anytime you purchase these cheap licenses you take the chance of it not activating or becoming un-activated in the future. For $10 bucks you are not gambling much.
www.stacksocial.com

Windows 11 Pro: BitLocker, Hyper-V & Azure AD—Lifetime License, One-Time Purchase

<p>Microsoft-Verified Partner! Upgrade Your Windows OS and Enjoy Enhanced UI, Better Multitasking, and Improved Security</p>
www.stacksocial.com www.stacksocial.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2x1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+2tb Kingston m2.nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26200.8457
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26200.8457
MidwestGeek said:
Would appreciate other opinions – even if just an exercise in trying to spot real vs fake. TIA
Click to expand...
Whatever you are buying, never ever enter your card details, use PayPal, it is protected and refundable.
I always buy licenses using a price comparison webpage allkeyshop, it lists "trustworthy" webpages only.
And of course, if you are buying a licence, you want the key, not a random download, which can be infected.

MidwestGeek said:
Only thing concerning is when I go directly to MS Marketplace site and search for the certifieddownloadcenter or Office products partners, the company doesn’t come up. But those site certificates matched. Wouldn’t that be sufficient proof?
Click to expand...
MS sells cheap licenses in certain countries, obviously they do not want people buying those, like steam, but they are not legally allowed to block the activation per country, especially since EU allowed to reuse licences from old PCs, so it is technically challenging.

But I for sure would not buy anything there, because for starters, they are lying!!!!
Payments are processed using military grade encryption and are never seen or stored by us.
Click to expand...
You enter card details on their webpage, so they can see it, it is not like they are using a payment gateway like googlepay.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Home26H2Can
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (07/24)
    Motherboard
    ASROCK B650M-HDV/M.2 (07/24) BIOS 4.21 AGESA ComboAM5 1.3.0.1 (04/26)
    Memory
    2x32GB Kingston FURY DDR5 5600 MHz CL36 @5200 CL36 (07/24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASROCK Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G @48FPS (08/24)
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus (05/24)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Philips 24M1N3200ZS/00 (05/24)
    Screen Resolution
    1920×1080@165Hz via DP1.4
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 NVMe 2TB (05/24)
    ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro 512GB (07/19)
    PSU
    Seasonic Core GM 550 Gold (04/24)
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7 Mini with 3x Noctua NF-P14s/12@555rpm (04/24)
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12S with Noctua NF-P12 (04/24)
    Keyboard
    HP Pavilion Wired Keyboard 300 (07/24) + Rabalux 76017 Parker (01/24)
    Mouse
    Logitech M330 Silent Plus (01/26)
    Internet Speed
    500/100 Mbps via RouterOS (05/21) & TCP Optimizer
    Browser
    Edge, Brave for YouTube, LibreWolf for FB
    Antivirus
    NextDNS blocking 1/3 Traffic
    Other Info
    Phone: Motorola Moto G86 (02/26)
    Backup: Hasleo Backup Suite (PreOS)
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170 (09/10)
    Chair: Huzaro Force 4.4 Grey Mesh (05/24)
    Notifier: Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Milanese (10/24)
    FlexCore USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (M) to LAN (F) (08/25)
MidwestGeek said:
I’m looking to buy a legit Microsoft software license. I’d never use Groupon as a source but did find offers from CertifiedDownloadCenter.com . Fishy name, I know, but here’s why it seems legit
  • Their website offers an "MS Partner Verification" link. It takes you to Microsoft Marketplace showing their info. If you go directly to MS Marketplace yourself, you find it's in domain marketplace.microsoft.com. Same as if you got there via CertifiedDownload's Partner Verification link.
  • More important, I looked at the security certificate for both cases. The MS Marketplace certificate looks identical no matter which way I used to get there
Only thing concerning is when I go directly to MS Marketplace site and search for the certifieddownloadcenter or Office products partners, the company doesn’t come up. But those site certificates matched. Wouldn’t that be sufficient proof?

Would appreciate other opinions – even if just an exercise in trying to spot real vs fake. TIA
Click to expand...
If you're not 100% sure it's not a scam/malware site then it's a scam/malware site

The fact you're asking on here to validate your own concerns tells me you shouldn't get anything from there...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2 (RP channel)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-core
    Motherboard
    MEG X870E Godlike
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Titanium 6000/CL30
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Suprim 5080 SOC
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster AE-9
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 9100 Pro 4TB (gen 5 x4, system drive/games)
    Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
    Samsung 870 Evo 2TB
    Samsung T9 4TB
    PSU
    Seasonic PX-2200
    Case
    Bequiet! Dark Base Pro 901
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15S Chromax black
    Keyboard
    Logitech G915 X (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
    Internet Speed
    900Mb/sec
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Mine 1.5
    CPU
    7800X3D
    Motherboard
    ASUS B650 Tuf with wifi.
    Memory
    32gb G.Skill
    Graphics Card(s)
    4070 Ti Super
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x Nixeus NX_EDG27, 2x Dell S2440L (16:9)
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    C:\NVME (500GB), D:\Seagate (2TB), E:\ & F:\ SSD 990EVO (1TB)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Primo w/10 140mm SP Fans
    Cooling
    Artic TF2 420
    Keyboard
    Corsair 1000
    Mouse
    Steel Series Prime Wireless
    Internet Speed
    20 MB/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
    Antivirus
    not telling!
    Other Info
    https://i.imgur.com/aoz3vWY.jpg?2
MidwestGeek said:
Would appreciate other opinions
Click to expand...


Like @glasskuter mentioned... $9.97 (Pro or Home), and the keys are valid. ^^

www.stacksocial.com

Windows 11 Pro: BitLocker, Hyper-V & Azure AD—Lifetime License, One-Time Purchase

<p>Microsoft-Verified Partner! Upgrade Your Windows OS and Enjoy Enhanced UI, Better Multitasking, and Improved Security</p>
www.stacksocial.com www.stacksocial.com


I just got one a month and a half ago, and didn't use it till 3 weeks ago. Still worked. ^^
Many folk on here are running on Stack Social keys, and have been for years.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26200.8457 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦25H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
I think the most "trustworthy" site I've found is Stack Social, they've been around for some time and I've never heard of any issues using their keys.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear, Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD archive files
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 eD NAND PCIe SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
Other tech sites that post minor ads on the front page mostly use StackSocial.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Mine 1.5
    CPU
    7800X3D
    Motherboard
    ASUS B650 Tuf with wifi.
    Memory
    32gb G.Skill
    Graphics Card(s)
    4070 Ti Super
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1x Nixeus NX_EDG27, 2x Dell S2440L (16:9)
    Screen Resolution
    1440p
    Hard Drives
    C:\NVME (500GB), D:\Seagate (2TB), E:\ & F:\ SSD 990EVO (1TB)
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i
    Case
    Phanteks Enthoo Primo w/10 140mm SP Fans
    Cooling
    Artic TF2 420
    Keyboard
    Corsair 1000
    Mouse
    Steel Series Prime Wireless
    Internet Speed
    20 MB/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
    Antivirus
    not telling!
    Other Info
    https://i.imgur.com/aoz3vWY.jpg?2
MidwestGeek said:
I’m looking to buy a legit Microsoft software license. I’d never use Groupon as a source but did find offers from CertifiedDownloadCenter.com . Fishy name, I know, but here’s why it seems legit
  • Their website offers an "MS Partner Verification" link. It takes you to Microsoft Marketplace showing their info. If you go directly to MS Marketplace yourself, you find it's in domain marketplace.microsoft.com. Same as if you got there via CertifiedDownload's Partner Verification link.
  • More important, I looked at the security certificate for both cases. The MS Marketplace certificate looks identical no matter which way I used to get there
Only thing concerning is when I go directly to MS Marketplace site and search for the certifieddownloadcenter or Office products partners, the company doesn’t come up. But those site certificates matched. Wouldn’t that be sufficient proof?

Would appreciate other opinions – even if just an exercise in trying to spot real vs fake. TIA
Click to expand...
It sounds like you're trying to convince yourself that it's real. :lmao: If I have to work that hard to verify a site, I normally move on.

One test I almost always do is to see how old the domain is. If it was just registered, then I'm about 98% sure it's bogus. In this case, it was registered in 2019, so that's one positive point in their favor.

www.whois.com

Whois certifieddownloadcenter.com

Whois Lookup for certifieddownloadcenter.com
www.whois.com www.whois.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear, Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440, 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD archive files
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.8524
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 eD NAND PCIe SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
Somebody said:

certifieddownloadcenter.com​

Click to expand...
I see stuff like that cheaper at my local store! 🤷‍♂️
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Thanks to all who replied! Will look at Stack Social as it's recommended by many here
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 265
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 12YUCTO1WW
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Arrow Lake-S/HX - Integrated Graphics
    Sound Card
    Intel Arrow Lake-S PCH - ACE (Audio Context Engine)
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVme Micron MTFDKBA512TGD-2BK15ABLT
    1TB NVme Micron MTFDKBA1T0TGD-2BK15ABLT
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-6700
    Motherboard
    DELL 0HD5W2 Chipset Intel Q170 (Skylake PCH-H)
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 530 (Skylake-S GT2)
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