I think that I know the answer to this one, but I can not remember where I heard or read it since I listen to 2 computer radio shows each week and subscribe to 5 magazines.
I believe that the Product Key is combined with the date in an algorithm to form the unique Porduct ID in the MS database, and this is identified by the program as being a valid ID when entered into the install wizard and when it is read by the program (it runs the key and date as shown on the computer through its algorithm on the installed software.) I think this would explain the product ID needing to be changed when you have to reinstall the software on a new computer or to reinstall the OS on a new hard drive.
I installed Office XP for my wife at her office. It uses the same system as the OS. I had to do the activation by phone since they do not connect that computer to the internet (They do not want to expose the data on there to the internet - they use a separate unit for email .... reluctantly.)
If I am incorrect about this, I apologize in advance.
Tom Sheaffer
Fountain Inn, SC
--
--------- Original Message ---------
DATE: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 12:10:07
From: Ian <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
>A customer asked me to explain the XP 'Product Key' as opposed to the 'Product ID' and how the XP activation process actually works and this aroused my curiousity.
>
>When I started to look into it, I found a tremendous amount of gobbledygook on the subject, but nothing I could get my head around. Could somebody please check out the following and comment in clear terms that even a simple person like me can understand?
>
>Here's what I know so far:
>
>1. You install your copy of XP using the 25 (5 x 5) digit string of characters that comes with the CD. I assume this
>string is the 'Product Key'?
>
>2. After the installation is complete, you have 30 days to 'activate' your install of XP, otherwise your system may become unusable.
>
> 3. Once you decide to 'activate', you have 2 choices.
>(a) Activate by phone (in which case I understand you get to talk to a live operator) or....
>(b) Activate over the net, as I did, so I'll only refer to that mode from here on.
>
>4. In either case, once your system realises what you intend to do, it examines your hardware, and your 'Product Key', and it creates a unique 8-byte number, called a 'hardware hash', which it supplies to Microsoft.
>
>5. I understand that, all going well, the Microsoft server pats your computer on the head and blesses it.
>
>6. I also understand that this process is anonymous, and that once the blessing has taken place, the Microsoft robot discards the information (well, Microsoft would like us to think so, anyway)
>
>So far, so good. But here's where I start to lose the plot. If the 25 digit string is the 'Product Key', what is the 'Product ID'?
>
>And why would Microsoft provide the means to change the Product ID? See here:
>http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874#2
>
>Another profound mystery is this: I can see how the 25 digit string of characters supplied ON THE LABEL with your CD can be unique, but I can't see how the CD itself is unique, or contains a unique number. Surely these CD's are stamped in large numbers from glass masters?
>
>Succinct comments would be much appreciated rather than links to more gobbledygook.
>
>Ian Porter
>Computer Guys Inc.
>Arrowtown
>New Zealand
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
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