Activation code required when signing in with a Windows Live ID on your Windows Phone

The first time that you sign in with your Windows Live ID on Windows Phone you may see the following message prompting you to enter an activation code:

Every Windows Phone is created with an activation code as part of the manufacturing process. In rare cases, a new activation code is required to complete Windows Live ID sign in. This is why you're asked to enter a new activation code when signing in with your Windows Live ID for the first time.

Note The appearance of the Activate Windows Live screen does not reflect a problem with the Windows Live ID that you're trying to sign in with.

1. Get a new activation code

To receive a Windows Phone activation code, please contact the Microsoft Customer Service teams who will assist you free of charge. To reach Microsoft Customer Service, customers in the U.S. can call 1-800-MICROSOFT (1-800-642-7676). Information for other locations can be found by visiting www.microsoft.com/worldwide.

Important You should keep your new activation code someplace safe. If you ever have to reset this phone back to factory settings, you’ll see the Activate Windows Live screen again and can reuse this new activation code. Don't share your code with anyone else. Doing this may prevent your new code from working.

Note You can tap Skip on the Activate Windows Live screen, which lets you continue to use your phone until you get a new activation code.

2. Return to the Activate Windows Live screen and enter your new activation code

You'll be able to enter your new activation code the next time that you use a Windows Phone feature that requires a Windows Live ID sign in (such as playing a game on Xbox LIVE, downloading an app from Marketplace, or adding a Windows Live email account). In any of these instances, you'll receive a Windows Live sign in screen, and then you'll be asked to enter your new activation code.

For example, you can access a Windows Live ID sign in screen by adding a Windows Live account to your phone. Here's how:

1. Press the Start button, flick left to the App list, tap Settings
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   , and then tap Email+accounts.
2. Tap Add an account, and then tap Windows Live.
3. If you haven't signed in with a Windows Live ID yet, the Before you sign in screen appears. On this screen, tap Next.
4. Tap the Windows Live ID box, and then enter your Windows Live ID.
5. Tap the Password box, and then enter your Windows Live password.
6. Tap Sign in. You'll see the Activate Windows Live screen. Enter your new activation code and tap Activate.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Windows Phone activation codes:

• Should I try signing in with a different Windows Live ID?
  
  No, you’ll still be asked to enter an activation code even if you have a different Windows Live ID. The prompt to enter a new activation code does not reflect a problem with the Windows Live ID that you're trying to sign in with.
  
  
• What happens if I tap "skip" on the Activate Windows Live screen -- can I still use my phone?
  
  Tapping Skip closes the screen and cancels your Windows Live ID sign-in attempt. However, you can still use your phone to make calls, run most built-in applications, send text messages, and surf the Internet. After you receive your new activation code, see step 2 in the "What to Try" section, and learn how to return to the Activate Windows Live screen and enter your new activation code.
  
  
• What should I do with my new activation code after I’ve entered it?
  
  Keep this code somewhere safe in case you have to access it again. For example, you'll need your code if you ever have to reset your phone back to factory settings.

For more information about the services that Windows Live ID unlocks on your Windows Phone, see the following article on the Windows Phone Help and how-to website:

Light up my phone with Windows Live