Hardware ID

I was just reading about WPA (windows product activation) and the process is this please correct me if I am wrong.

1. After entering a 25 digit id code on the authentic copy of windows

-Generates a PID a product ID
-PID combines with hardware ID (where is this located? or how can I view it?)
-Generates a installation ID
-Then sent to Microsoft clearing systems to verify
-If installation ID matches on microsoft systems
-Product is activated or remains inactive (If not match)

Is this correct?

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Comments

tcp/udp

Sounds about right. If you go to Properties of My Computer, in the Computer Name section, you'll be able to find the ID; however, nothing much you can do with it, as far as I know.

KGhaleon

Microsoft doesn't really want people to know how the hardware ID is generated, to prevent crackers from taking advantage of that information. I assume it's a random number based on your hardware, and you probably don't need to worry about it.

KG