The genuine validation process will collect information about your system, such as Windows product key, PC manufacturer, and operating system version, to determine if Windows is genuine. The complete list of information collected in the validation process is shown below:

OEM product key
PC Manufacturer
OS version
PID/SID
BIOS info (make, version, date)
BIOS MD5 Checksum


Q. What if my copy of Windows fails the validation process or I believe I have received pirated software?



A. In either case, Microsoft recommends the following steps: First, turn on Automatic Updates to make sure your system is being protected while you are resolving the problem. Second, use the resources on the Windows Genuine Advantage pages to learn how to recognize genuine Windows software. Third, see your reseller and ask for genuine Windows software, using a print-out of the validation session for support. Finally, if you can't get assistance from your reseller and you suspect you’ve been victimized, fill out a Report Piracy Now report so Microsoft can have a record of the transaction and determine if addition action is warranted.