Windows 7 Activation Code not the same as Product ID

[TraderJoe]

I recently upgrade to Windows 7 Pro. but I was not able to activate thru Windows Activation, I purchased an Activation Code and was able to activiated it thru Computer\properties - Change Product id, however I am curious as to why the Product ID is not the same as the Activation Code I entered, the Product id now has 'xxxxx-OEM-xxx..'. I do have the genuine logo stamp.

 

[derekimo]

The activation code, "Product Key" is unique to your specific installation. This is what you are actually paying for.

The Product ID is more like a SKU number.

 

[Brink]

Hello Joe,

Product Keys and Product IDs are two completely different things,
despite the similarity of the terms.

The 20 character Product ID is created during the installation
process and is prominently displayed towards the bottom (in the
Activation section) on the opening panel window resulting from
right-clicking the Computer icon and selecting "Properties" from the
context menu. It is used to obtain/qualify for technical support
(limited though that may be) from Microsoft. It is of no use during the
installation process.

The 25 character Product Key is used to "prove" ownership of a
legitimate license and is required to perform the installation, and is
either stored on the DVD packaging on a sticker that says "Do not lose
this number," or is on a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) label affixed
to an OEM computer.

The tutorial below can help show you how to see what the product key used to activate the current Windows 7 though.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/153626-product-key-number-windows-7-find-see.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn