Pre-SP1 machines will enter a reduced functionality mode which more or less limits you to accessing Internet Explorer for one hour at a time and nothing else. Post-SP1 machines will nag you after the 30 days and won't let you download all updates, add-ons, etc.
The Vista Basic mode while gaming is normal, particularly if your graphics card is at the lower end of the spectrum (as most laptops are). On the other hand, being unable to burn backup DVDs is not directly related to Windows activation or he Vista Basic enablement. The exact error message, if any, would be helpful in diagnosing that particular problem.
John
i currently have an HP Pavilion Laptop with Windows Home Premium software. when i play games though, i get the message that the operating system have to go back to Windows Basic Vista and it does that automatically.
the other thing, too, is that the HP Total Care Advisor is saying that i need to make recovery discs or back up copies to another drive. i tried those two options but to no avail. does it have to do with the Windows Activation (change product key option) that i never changed yet?? i never activate the product key yet...
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