What happens if I don't activate Windows

drewpul

drewpul

New member
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??:huh:
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
hp Pavilion dv7-6187cl
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core i7 TurboBoost to 2.9Ghz
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 6770M
Sound Card
BeatsAudio with subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" 1080p Matte (upgraded)
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
2x 640GB
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless mouse 6000
Internet Speed
~~~FAST~~~~~~~~`
Other Info
1GB readyboost in my SD slot, fingerprint reader
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 Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dm3 (netbook) *** 27" iMac (Dual-Boot)
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) *** Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), OSX 10.6
CPU
AMD Athlon Neo X2 1.6GHz *** Intel Core i7 Quad Core 2.8GHz
Memory
4.00 GB *** 4.00 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 3200, 384MB *** ATI Radeon HD 4850, 1GB
Sound Card
ATI High Definition Audio *** ATI High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Flatron W2053TX
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900 (monitor), 1266 x 768 (laptop) *** 2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
300 GB SATA (internal), 500 GB HP SimpleSave (external) *** 1 TB SATA (internal), 160 GB LaCie (external)
Mouse
Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks
Internet Speed
Broadband
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
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dm3 (netbook) *** 27" iMac (Dual-Boot)
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) *** Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), OSX 10.6
CPU
AMD Athlon Neo X2 1.6GHz *** Intel Core i7 Quad Core 2.8GHz
Memory
4.00 GB *** 4.00 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 3200, 384MB *** ATI Radeon HD 4850, 1GB
Sound Card
ATI High Definition Audio *** ATI High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
LG Flatron W2053TX
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900 (monitor), 1266 x 768 (laptop) *** 2560 x 1440
Hard Drives
300 GB SATA (internal), 500 GB HP SimpleSave (external) *** 1 TB SATA (internal), 160 GB LaCie (external)
Mouse
Logitech Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks
Internet Speed
Broadband
You could always just reinstall it every 120 days as well.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ChillBlast - Custom to my design
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime X570-Pro
    Memory
    64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    On-board SPDIF to 5.1 System + HDMI [5.1 system]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB M2 SSD OS, 500GB Fast Access SSD, 2 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 4TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    NZXT C750 80 PLUS Gold 750W Modular PSU
    Case
    Workstation Case [Matt Black]
    Cooling
    NZXT Kraken X63 280mm CPU Cooler +2x Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless MX Keys & K400 + others
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    920 MB Down 50 MB Up
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security Pro
    Browser
    Chrome (always run latest Non-Beta)
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview TAB 8 4G Android Tablet c/w Keyboard
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell XPS 17 10750H
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RP
    CPU
    Intel I7 10750H 5.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell XPS
    Memory
    32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Stock [Realtek] 4 Speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" IPS UHD+ Infinity Edge Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe, 4TB External + various 500GB & 1TB External NVMe (also have access to spinner HDD from
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock XPS Aluminium & Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock - Active Fan Control
    Keyboard
    Backlit + Various Logitech
    Mouse
    Stock Track Pad + Logitech MX Trackball
    Internet Speed
    72 MB Down 18MB Up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    10.2" tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
    10TB NAS
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
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 945 @3.0ghz
Motherboard
Asrock
Memory
4gb kingston hyperX
Graphics Card(s)
1gb Radeon HD 5670
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
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP/p6207c
OS
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
CPU
Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5300 @260GHz
Sound Card
RealTek High Def Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP 2159m
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080 x 60
Mouse
HP M/N: M-U0009-HP1
Internet Speed
Broadband
Thanks guys, I decieded to activate it, however I CANT FIND THE CODE!!:cry:

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
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
hp Pavilion dv7-6187cl
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core i7 TurboBoost to 2.9Ghz
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 6770M
Sound Card
BeatsAudio with subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" 1080p Matte (upgraded)
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
2x 640GB
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless mouse 6000
Internet Speed
~~~FAST~~~~~~~~`
Other Info
1GB readyboost in my SD slot, fingerprint reader
You should have been given the serial key code via your student email account.
Re-check there for it.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
drewpul said:
Thanks guys, I decieded to activate it, however I CANT FIND THE CODE!!:cry:

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
Click to expand...

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


Ken
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavillion dv-7 1005 Tx
OS
Win 8 Release candidate 8400
CPU
[email protected]
Memory
4 gigs
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 9600M
Sound Card
HD built-in
Monitor(s) Displays
17" Wxga
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Cooling
none
Internet Speed
45Mb down 5Mb up
Thanks for the info. I tried looking in my email, but I think I might have deleted it awhile back. I'm stupid:zip:

I tried the jellybean finder however, Windows didn't like the code it gave me:



Error.png
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
hp Pavilion dv7-6187cl
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core i7 TurboBoost to 2.9Ghz
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 6770M
Sound Card
BeatsAudio with subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" 1080p Matte (upgraded)
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
2x 640GB
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless mouse 6000
Internet Speed
~~~FAST~~~~~~~~`
Other Info
1GB readyboost in my SD slot, fingerprint reader
Did you put it the product key when you first installed the student version or leave it blank & use the rearm for 30 more days? Do you have any kind of email proof of purchase with an invoice number ?
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
I left the code blank when installing. I found a support section on the website and will try to see if they can resend the code
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
hp Pavilion dv7-6187cl
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core i7 TurboBoost to 2.9Ghz
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 6770M
Sound Card
BeatsAudio with subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" 1080p Matte (upgraded)
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
2x 640GB
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless mouse 6000
Internet Speed
~~~FAST~~~~~~~~`
Other Info
1GB readyboost in my SD slot, fingerprint reader
drewpul said:
I left the code blank when installing. I found a support section on the website and will try to see if they can resend the code
Click to expand...


I had my students print out two copies of their code to keep in two different safe places ;)
​
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
I went to the Ultimate Steal website, and tried to log in. I then realized I had to go through the Microsoft Digital River website, even though it is the same company.

I typed in my email and password and got the code.I typed it in and Wow-Wee, it worked!!!

Thanks guys so much for your help. I just printed off like ten copies of the code, so I won't loose it again!
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
hp Pavilion dv7-6187cl
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Signature Edition
CPU
Intel Core i7 TurboBoost to 2.9Ghz
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon HD 6770M
Sound Card
BeatsAudio with subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3" 1080p Matte (upgraded)
Screen Resolution
1080p
Hard Drives
2x 640GB
Keyboard
Microsoft wireless keyboard 3000
Mouse
Microsoft wireless mouse 6000
Internet Speed
~~~FAST~~~~~~~~`
Other Info
1GB readyboost in my SD slot, fingerprint reader
Congrats :D
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built them myself, Science Experiments !
OS
Win7 Enterprise, Win7 x86 (Ult 7600), Win7 x64 Ult 7600, TechNet RTM on AMD x64 (2.8Ghz)
CPU
AMD fx8350 4ghz, AMD-32 2400mhz, AMD-64 3200mhz, AMDx64 2.8G
Motherboard
SIS 755, ECS-K8M890M-M (Ult 7600), GigaByte & others
Memory
2gb, 4gb on the Ult 7600, 4gb on Technet RTM, 32gb on FX8350
Graphics Card(s)
Draw my own Graphics, several nVidia cards
Sound Card
on motherboard
Monitor(s) Displays
19" flat scr, 28" I-Inc widescr,22" Emprex Widescr, 23" Acer
Screen Resolution
1280 x 1024, 1440 x 900, 1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
6 pata Ide HD's & 2 Sata HD's
added 80gb external on Ult 7600 computer,
numerous extra 1tb, 2TB, 3Tb SATA HD's
A collection of ext HD Docks w/ HDs
PSU
430w, 550w, 600w, 700, 800, etc
Case
All Generic Full Towers
Cooling
Open Air & a few fans, some w/ colored LEDs
Keyboard
Compaq & Dell recycled from GoodWill
Mouse
Made in China Optical Wired Mouse
Internet Speed
Fast Cable InterNet
Antivirus
AVG Free on 24 different Desktops, NO Problems!
Browser
IE 8 is preferred, but use FireFox sometimes
Other Info
Linksys Routers, switches, & Hubs
Too Many USB Flash Drives to count, Biggest is 64GB !
Eight computers in my home network.
Sixteen computers at my business network.
Linked via TeamViewer !
Lots of old used spare computer parts everywhere!
drewpul said:
I went to the Ultimate Steal website, and tried to log in. I then realized I had to go through the Microsoft Digital River website, even though it is the same company.

I typed in my email and password and got the code.I typed it in and Wow-Wee, it worked!!!

Thanks guys so much for your help. I just printed off like ten copies of the code, so I won't loose it again!
Click to expand...

Lol! good thinking, keep them in separate places ;)
 

My Computer

OS
Windows XP - Now Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit).
A simple call?

I had to call tech support today and got people from India that could not speak english. They did not even understand my problem, much less resolve it! There is nothing simple about calling tech support and my next laptop will be a mac.
 

My Computer

OS
64 bit Windows 7
I was hoping you'd tell him after 30 days it would go BACK to WindowsXP!! I don't know how to undo mine. I downloaded a freeware "Windows7 Ultimate" from "on line" and don't remember from where and can't find it on my hd. So I think I just did a "Run"... and didn't save it. I can't find it. It did have me do a back up before I installed it to my external hd, plus I did a back up with wondershare data recovery a few days before that. Have that on a external hd also. I just want Windows7 gone... and have everything the way I had it before. : ( Can't find needed files since I downloaded it. Even the things on my external hd seem to be hiding... Please don't say gone...
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
DeLL - Inspiron E1705 or 9400
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x 32bit
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