quote:

---

During the validation and activation processes, Microsoft does not collect any information, such as your name or email address, that can be used to identify you or contact you. These processes simply enable Microsoft to create a match between your PC's hardware profile and your 25-character Product Key (located on the COA), which we then store and check against future activation and validation attempts. We do this to ensure that your Product Key cannot be used by another person in a malicious manner, such as activating a pirated or non-genuine copy of Windows.

---