Windows Product ID

[PositiveD]

Does anyone know how the Installation ID (on the XP activation screen) is generated ?
Is it tied at all with the Product ID ?

 

[Snickle]

It is a hash of the CD Key and various ID features of the hardware on the computer such as motherboard, CPU, hard drive, etc. A file it creates is unique to the computer WinXP is first installed on and if a sufficient number of hardware changes are made, a new activation by phone will be necessary.

 

[linney]

Four Major Components of MPA.

Product Software: The product software runs on the user's computer and contains the product activation executable code. It generates the Installation Identifier, contacts the Microsoft License Clearinghouse upon user request, and processes the Confirmation Identifier/License that is returned by the clearinghouse.

Installation Identifier (ID): The Installation ID represents the user's software installation and is made up of two components: a Product ID (PID), and a Hardware Identifier (HWID). The PID is generated from the Product Key that is used during installation and it is normally located on the CD Jewel Case or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA). A unique PID is created with every genuine Microsoft product. MPA uses this PID as the basis for ensuring that the product installation being activated meets the terms of the EULA. The Hardware ID is generated from various general components of the computer. These components do not contain any personally identifiable information and the Hardware ID itself is used solely for the purpose of activation.

Confirmation Identifier: The Confirmation Identifier (ID) contains the signed license number that is used to activate the software. The Confirmation ID itself is based upon the Installation ID and works only for the computer that is requesting it.

Microsoft License Clearinghouse: The Microsoft License Clearinghouse (CH) is managed by Microsoft; the CH processes the activation requests and issues the Confirmation ID. The CH is built upon Microsoft's server products including Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Certificate Server.


Q302878 - Frequently Asked Questions about Microsoft Product Activation

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q302878&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Q321636 - How to Change the Product ID in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q321636&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...net/prodtechnol/winxppro/evaluate/xpactiv.asp

 

[PositiveD]

Thaks for the tip and links.
All I found though is concerning Retail versions.
What about OEMs?
Will the Activation of a new Licence work on WinXP OEM installation ?

 

[Snickle]

OEMs like Dell, HP, etc., have usually taken care of the activation for the end user. The license agreement with MS allows this, along with some customization of Windows. The OEMs have to support Windows, MS doesn't.