Frequently asked questions about how to activate Games for Windows, Streets and Trips, and MapPoint

This article lists the frequently asked questions about how to activate and how to troubleshoot activation issues for Games for Microsoft Windows and home product titles such as Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008, Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009, and Microsoft MapPoint 2009

Q1: What is Microsoft Product Activation?

A1: Microsoft Product Activation aims to reduce counterfeit software and to make sure that Microsoft customers receive the software quality that they expect. After you activate the software product, a specific product key is assigned to the computer hardware where you installed the product. After this product key is assigned, you cannot use the same product key to activate the product on other computers. Product Activation is mandatory. If you choose not to activate the product, you can only use the product in a reduced trial mode. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q2: What is the benefit of using Microsoft Product Activation?

A2: Microsoft Product Activation enables you to start and to use the product without using the disc. For example, with earlier versions of Games for Windows you had to have the disc in the drive to start or to play. With Games for Windows, you do not have to have the disc in the drive.

Q3: What information is collected, processed, or transmitted during the activation process?

A3: When you activate the software product, the product key information is sent to Microsoft together with a hardware hash. The hardware hash is a non-unique number that is generated by using the computer's hardware configuration. The hardware hash does not represent any personal information or information about the product. The hardware hash cannot be used to determine the make or the model of the computer. Additionally, the hardware hash cannot be backward-calculated to determine the raw computer information. In addition to standard computer information, some additional language settings are collected. This information is not used to identify you. The information is used only to confirm that you have a licensed copy of the product and to aggregate the information for statistical analysis.

Q4: How many times can I activate the product?

A4: There is no limit to the number of times that you can activate the software product on the same computer. For example, you can remove and reinstall or reactivate the product any number of times. An additional activation is provided so that you can remove and re-install the product on the same computer or on a different computer. See the Microsoft Software License Terms for more information. The Microsoft Software License Terms are located in the game folder.

Q5: How can I tell whether my software has already been activated?

A5: If the product has not been activated, the multiplayer capabilities in the game are not available. For example, in Flight Simulator X, the Multiplayer option will be unavailable (dimmed). For Halo 2 for Windows Vista, the LIVE and NETWORK game options will be unavailable (dimmed).

Note Some games that are solely multiplayer games will not let you start the game until you activate it. For Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 and for Microsoft Math 3.0, the product will run in trial mode only. When trial mode expires, you cannot use the product until you activate it.

Q6: Can I install the product on more than one computer?

A6:Please refer to the End-User Agreement (Microsoft Software License Terms) for more information about how many computers you can install the product on. The End-User Agreement is located in the product folder or on the product DVD.

Q7: How do I activate my Microsoft product for Windows?

A7: When you start the product for the first time, you are prompted to click Activate now or to click Activate later. If you click Activate now, you must enter the product key. If you do not to activate the product, the product will run in the reduced functionality mode. You can run the product without activating it as long as you want. Additionally, some features such as the multiplayer feature will be unavailable in the product. To continue to use all the features of the product, you must activate the product.

To activate the product, follow these steps:

1. Click Activate now, and then click Next.
2. Type the product key, and then click Next.
   
   Note Do not lose the product key. Keep the packaging, or write down the number. Keep the number information in a safe location.
3. The Activation Wizard automatically runs. The Activation Wizard gives you two options to continue:
   • Activate by using the Internet
     The Activation Wizard automatically contacts the Microsoft licensing servers through your Internet connection. When you activate the product by using the Internet, the product key is sent to Microsoft through an encrypted transfer. If you decide to activate the product through the Internet and you are not already connected, the wizard alerts you that there is no connection.
   • Activate by using the telephone
     You can telephone an Activation Center and activate the product with the help of a customer service representative. Telephone activation might take longer than activation through the Internet. You should be at the computer when you call. Additionally, you should have your software product key. When you select this option, the activation wizard will generate an Installation ID. You will need this Installation ID to activate the product by telephone.
     
     Important When you telephone the activation department, it will prompt you to read off the Installation ID numbers. If you have difficulties and cannot follow the guidelines over the telephone, do not hang up. Wait until you receive an option for transfer. Say “transfer me” and then you will be redirected to speak with the customer service representative.
     
     Note Activation Center numbers are not listed in this article based on several factors. Telephone contact numbers vary by license and vary by country or region. The Activation Wizard will give you the number to telephone the Microsoft Activation Center.

If the activation is successful, you receive the following message: