Glossary

 

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.

Validation is an online process that allows you to verify that your copy of Windows^® or Office^® is genuine. Microsoft^® will ask you to validate when requesting a genuine Windows or Office download from the Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update. Learn more about validation.

The Validation Advisor is available from the validation results page to users of Windows^® XP whose PCs failed validation. The Validation Advisor can help determine whether the Windows product key installed on a PC matches the original Windows product key that was purchased, to learn the most likely reasons that the PC failed validation, and provide customized recommendations for resolution. Learn more about validation.

Software acquired through Microsoft Volume Licensing is a software license only. A software license provides the right to run a Microsoft software product. Depending on the Volume Licensing program, you may receive media, and you have the option to acquire media (or supplemental media), documentation, and product support separately via download or physical media as needed. Retail purchases usually come in a box and contain media (such as CDs or a DVD), a product key, documentation, and Microsoft Software License Terms, which dictate how the software may and may not be used. Acquiring software licenses through Microsoft^® Volume Licensing is different than acquiring retail boxed software licenses. Learn more about Microsoft Volume Licensing.