Windows 7: What happens if I don't activate Windows

I don't really understand what you're saying. Are you saying you downloaded it online? In an exe format? First of all, it should have been ISO I think. I think you'll have to find your XP install disc and reinstall.

Yup thats what I said... I found a free download of Windows7 Ultimate on line... I'm not tech'y and I've tried to find answers to just UNDO it, back it up, wave magic wand, and follow all the instructions and I find myself at steps that had no "next step" to them and got lots trying to fit it back. Like on: How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder Thats if you have a cd/disk. I don't... so I found the command prompt in: 1 Start, 2 All Programs, 3 Accessories, 4 Command Prompt... and went from there... tring anything... I know... I messed up.

Hi,

It sounds to me like you downloaded and installed a 'cracked' Windows 7. Pirated software often contains malware which will bork your system, and from what you describe that is exactly what is happening to your system.

Your best course of action is to format your HDD/s and then install a genuine version of Windows 7. This forum takes a very dim view of pirated software and we are banned from helping you troubleshoot that further.

Regards,
Golden

Step 1: Place head in hands
Step 2: Shake head back and forth
Step 3: Repeat steps 1 and 2.

Well, you broke the law. You can now spend 119.99 US Dollars to go buy Windows 7 Home Premium, and become legal, or install another LEGAL version of Windows.
Have a nice day- ubunturules

ubunturules dear... I didn't break any law, and know it...lol It said free... and I believed it.
I'm sure NOT buying Windows7! I don't want anything to do with it after trying it.
I'm pulling out my WindowsXP and getting that back on here. I thought I was trying something out.

parks1... Yup that's me right now.

Golden... I was praying someone had an out for me. I downloaded it 3 days ago and have been trying to UNDO it ever since.

I'm sad and upset with myself that I fell for that and now I'm stuck... I see others getting out of trouble with posts on here. Was HOPING there was good news for me to.

Thanks anyhow...

WHat you installed was a heavily hacked version of Windows which probably bears no relation to the real thing.
We have no idea what that installation is or does, unless you can give more details, so the only thing we can realistically advise is for you to reformat and reinstall the original operating system with which your computer shipped.

On the other hand, if you want to test a real Windows 7 installation, again we have no idea about your machine's hardware, and so cannot advise whether it would work properly in the first place (which is probably part of your problem with the current installation).

There is a certain amount of responsibility that you have to take here. It's hard to believe that anybody thinks there is a "free" version of Windows 7 out there.



You tried a pirated, perhaps spyware/malware infested copy of Windows 7, and have written it off based on that. That's like saying, I bought this cheap Rolex knock off and the band broke, there is no way in the world I would EVER buy a real Rolex as the bands are cheaply made.

Exactly. Case closed. It's not my favorite Windows OS, but it certainly is the best and most secure.

I am older and understood this to be 30 days and then activate and pay for it... Free to start it up. Not totally free. I have cleared it off of my pc... by totally clearing my pc. Now I have am stuck... and using a lil' Samsung netbook(now that's STUCK! lol). I does have Windows7 that a paid for. I also see since checking for a new DeLL pc that all I can get is Windows7. I also see they offer right now for $15.00 to add Windows8... Then I read to save my money on the one they offer. I was told by someone that WinXP is sooo hacked... and to give up Norton. Windows7 comes with a virus protection... I'm truly no tech... I don't know how you figure it out anymore..lol. I tried to reload my windowsXP after clearing my laptop and that didn't happen. Files missing. So I burn a gparted-live-0.12.1-5 image(iso) to a cd and reboot with that. Nothing worked. WindowsXP would not reload. I cant go buy another laptop right now... so I was trying to get things back working on my own by following leads from places like this. Since NOTHING seems to be working right I am afraid to venture out to buy a windows7 program. Right now I have no reason to believe when I load it... that it'll work either. I don't know...

If I left some explinations out... sorry. Just ask.