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General discussion

What Is Windows Activation???

Aug 17, 2007 3:24PM PDT

for whatever reason i get messages suddenly popping up on the screen whether to start 'Windows Activation' with a date deadline (ex. 21 days left). giving me options, too, either to activate through automated phone line or by Internet. what is it used for? what is their purpose?

Discussion is locked

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vistauser2007
Aug 17, 2007 3:41PM PDT
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Simply. . .
Aug 17, 2007 11:23PM PDT

You activate it or it stops working. And I mean stops dead. I do not own Vista but 4 machines running XP. If XP is not activated within the time limit the PC will not boot. Dead in the water. And it will take a full format and reinstall to start over. Just do it.

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And it will automatically...
Aug 17, 2007 11:43PM PDT

As it approaches the end of its alert phase it will attempt to automatically activate, with or without your consent. As you said, it's for your own benefit.

John

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what is windows activation???
Aug 19, 2007 3:26PM PDT

Seems like you installed your OS, and if had internet at that time, you should have registered and activated it your software. You have 30 days, I believe. Failure to activate will prevent you from getting updates, patches and fixes. Just as is said, do it. Unless you have issues with your software source.