This article describes how to activate Windows Vista.

Activation is required in all versions of Windows Vista. After you install Windows Vista, you have 30 days to activate it online or by telephone. If the 30-day activation period expires before you complete the activation, Windows Vista does not work as expected. You cannot create new files, and you cannot save changes to existing files. You regain full use of Windows Vista when you activate it.

To activate Windows Vista online, you must have an Internet connection. To activate Windows Vista by telephone, you must use an automated telephone system.

To activate Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1.	Click Start, and then click Computer.
2.	On the toolbar, click System properties, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation area. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
3.	Select the Windows Vista activation method that you want, and then follow the instructions.

Note If you select the automatic activation method when you set up the computer, the automatic activation process tries to activate your copy of Windows Vista three days after you first log on.

To verify the Windows Vista activation status, follow these steps:

1.	Click Start, and then click Computer.
2.	Click System properties on the toolbar, and view the Windows Vista activation status in the Windows activation area.

To view frequently asked questions about Windows Vista activation, visit the following Microsoft Web site: