Symptoms
When you start Windows Vista, you receive the following error message:
Activate Windows Now
Your activation period has expired and Windows is no longer working.
To use Windows you must activate this copy of Windows.
Additionally, the taskbar does not appear, and you have limited access to Windows Vista programs and features.
Note When these symptoms occur, Windows Vista is running in Reduced Functionality Mode.
Cause
This problem may occur for one or more of the following reasons:
-
You did not activate Windows Vista within the 30-day activation period.
-
Windows Vista detects that the hardware on your computer has changed significantly and that you did not reactivate Windows Vista within the 3-day grace period for re-activation.
-
You are running a version of Windows Vista that was detected as non-genuine. For more information, see the "Resolution" section.
Resolution
Method 1: Enter your product key
-
In the Activate Windows Now message window, click Retype your product key.
-
Accept the User acceptance prompt.
-
Type the product key, and then click Next.
You can locate the product key on the Windows CD sleeve or on the Windows CD case.
Note If Windows was preinstalled by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the product key appears on a sticker on the case of the computer.
Method 2: Activate Windows Vista by using the automated telephone system
To activate Windows Vista by telephone, you must use an automated telephone system. To activate Windows Vista by using the automated telephone system, follow these steps:
-
Click Start, and then click Computer.
-
On the toolbar, click System properties, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation section.
If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue. -
Click Show me other ways to Activate.
-
Click Use the automated phone system, and then follow the instructions.
Note The automated phone system is available to activate Windows Vista, but assisted support for activation of Windows Vista is no longer available.
