OEM number vs. Product Key

[Patrick]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the OEM
number found on the General tab of the system properties
of Windows (format xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx) and the
Product Key that is used to install the OS (25 alpha-
numeric characters)?

Is the OEM number generated from the Product Key?

Are there any identification characteristics that can be
found from the OEM number? (Company which provided the
OEM software, etc)

Are these numbers the same for other OS's? (98, NT, XP)

When is the OEM number needed? I assume the product key
is only needed to install the software.

Any additional insite on these two numbers would be much
appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JeffO]

Product Key is only for the opportunity to install. That's
what I've been told. It has nothing to do with
registrations or licensing.
I would think that the OEM number would somehow defintiely
tell something about it's source of manufacture, but I
don't think it will tell you what company it's for, unless
it's a custom package for Dell, Compaq, etc.