Windows Embedded Compact 7 PID Number / COA and ALT

Below you can find all relevant information about Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Compact 7 PID Number / COA and ALP.

Windows Embedded Compact 7 COA

The Microsoft Certificate of Authenticity (“COA”) is the primary anti-piracy device, OEM product-tracking device, and proof of license for Microsoft OEM products.

  • OEM Customer receive COAs from Silica on purchasing Runtime Licenses.
  • The COA is a non-removable, sequentially numbered sticker with anti-piracy features designated by MS, permanently affixed to an accessible location on or within each Embedded System.
  • COAs are designed to provide a more secure document and allow improved authentication of genuine product.
  • Each COA identifies the Licensed Product installed on an Embedded System.
  • Embedded Systems distributed with Microsoft Embedded Licensed Products must have a COA.
  • It is the OEM customer’s responsibility to accurately reconcile total number of COAs received with the number of systems shipped with MS software. OEM customers and MS Distributors should maintain appropriate records regarding the disposition of all COA labels, including serial number tracking of any COAs damaged as part of the manufacturing process.
  • Note that the OEM don't need to stick the 2D Barcode on the device. Only the yellow COA Sticker. The 2D barcode is only an incremental number from the manufacturing lot.
  • Microsoft changed in 2016 the layout of the COA. It now shows a product group instead of a dedicated product name.

PID for Windows Embedded Compact 7

On the real Embedded runtime licenses (Embedded Thumb COAs), there is no PID printed on the label. The needed PID must be requested from Microsoft and the Embedded OEM can use this single PID number to enter it into Windows CE Platform Builder to unlock the image. (180 day timebomb).

So every system has the same PID and is not shown on the license sticker. This easy deployment is an advantage of the embedded OEM channel.

Additional Licensing Terms (ALT) for Windows Embedded Compact 7

Additional Licensing Provisions (ALPs) define distribution rights and restrictions specific to each individual Microsoft Embedded Licensed Product. The ALPs are available on the secured Microsoft portal called Device Partner Center (DPC).

Breaking the seal (BTS - Break The Seal Agreement) on the Runtime License Envelope signifies an acceptance by the Embedded OEM Customer to the terms and conditions of the ALPs. As such, ALPs should be read carefully, before opening the Runtime License Envelope.

If the Embedded OEM Customer does not agree with any of the rights or restrictions of the ALPs, the Embedded OEM Customer should promptly return the product to Silica, prior to opening the envelope. Opened envelops can't be returned.

These are pictures from the deliverables. You can see on top the BTS (Break The Seal Agreement) and below the identification label from the AR (Authorized Replicator).

On the right you find the actual Microsoft Embedded Compact 7 ALTs for download.