Activation
Notifications
Validation
Did you come across an unfamiliar term while validating your software or while searching for other information? Use the Glossary to find definitions of common terms used on the Genuine Microsoft Software Web site.
The hardware ID is assigned by Microsoft® when Windows® or Office® is first installed. This unique identifier is used during activation and validation to identify the computer this product key will work with and to confirm that Windows and/or Office are genuine and not in use on more computers than allowed by the license terms. Microsoft values your privacy and does not use information collected during activation or validation to identify you or contact you. Read the Genuine Microsoft Privacy Statement.
The Microsoft®How to Tell Web site contains information about how to identify genuine Microsoft software. Use the site to learn more about what to look for before you buy, how to tell whether the software you’ve already purchased is genuine, and to report piracy if you’ve been a victim of counterfeit software.
