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

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??

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

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

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

If this is a retail copy of Windows 7 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.

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

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

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

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

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


Ken