What happens if I don't activate Windows

drewpul · 26 Apr 2010

What happens if you don't activate a copy of Windows. I used it for awhile and then entered the "hack" to allow 120 before activating Windows Ultimate. Today when I turned on my computer and it notified that my copy was "not genuine." My copy is obviously legit, but I am using this copy on my junk computer and want to save the code for when/if I get a newer computer in the future.

What will happen if I don't do anything? All I noticed is that my background turned black, and a few annoying popups. Other than that it is fully usable for what I use it for.

Any suggestions??

WalkerA WinTeam · 26 Apr 2010

Hi drewpul,

Here's an FAQ from Microsoft on activating Windows: Quick start: Activation FAQ

Let me know if you have any questions!

Cheers,

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

WalkerA WinTeam · 26 Apr 2010

My bad, that's the one for Windows Vista. Here's the FAQ for Windows 7: Activating Windows: frequently asked questions

Basically, after the grace period ends you'll be logged out (but not shut down) periodically.

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

pparks1 · 26 Apr 2010

You could always just reinstall it every 120 days as well.

Barman58 · 26 Apr 2010

If this is a retail copy of win7 then simply go ahead and use the key to activate, when the time comes to re-install on a new computer a quick toll free call to MS is all that should be needed to transfer the license.

Krispy1 · 28 Apr 2010

besides the black desktop it will say the build and version in the bottom desktop also after expiry the computer will shut down every 2 hours

CassieFWinTeam · 28 Apr 2010

Yep, what Barman said. If it is a full retail copy, go ahead and activate. When you want to move it to another computer in the future, you will be able to do so (with a call to MSFT). If it is an OEM copy, Windows 7 is tied to your system and you will not be able to move it anyway, so why not activate?

Here is more on genuine Windows, if you are interested - Genuine Microsoft Software

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

drewpul · 07 May 2010

Thanks guys, I decieded to activate it, however I CANT FIND THE CODE!!

I bought win 7 pro online from microsoft throught the $40 college deal. I have the DVD in a white sleeve. On it is the pink,blue and green label Cerrficate of Authencity.

Where is the code? On my other laptop when I installed Win Ultimate, it had a yellow stiker with the 25 diget code. My pro disk does not.

I thought that I could activate by phone, but it doesn't give me the option. It has been over 30 days so is this why??

Any help would be appreciated
-Drew

DocBrown · 07 May 2010

You should have been given the serial key code via your student email account.
Re-check there for it.

zigzag3143 · 07 May 2010

drewpul said:

Thanks guys, I decieded to activate it, however I CANT FIND THE CODE!!

I bought win 7 pro online from microsoft throught the $40 college deal. I have the DVD in a white sleeve. On it is the pink,blue and green label Cerrficate of Authencity.

Where is the code? On my other laptop when I installed Win Ultimate, it had a yellow stiker with the 25 diget code. My pro disk does not.

I thought that I could activate by phone, but it doesn't give me the option. It has been over 30 days so is this why??

Any help would be appreciated
-Drew

A third party app like jellybean keyfinder will find it for you on the disk

Ken