Activate Windows 7 by Phone

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  1. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
       #50

    Thanks Brink, I think I understand. So if multiple discs have the OS on them, but only one disc is ever powered up at a time, is this still a breach?

    Thx!
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  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #51

    Yep, that's not allowed either. Only one installation can be activated with the key. All other installations will either need a different key, or remain unactivated.
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  3. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
       #52

    So then if I installed Win7 on a disk, and that disk died, and I buy a new disk, I have to buy a new Win7 installation?
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  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #53

    No. You would be able to install and activate it again on another hard drive since the other drive is dead, and the installation is technically no more.

    Basically, if you want to activate the product key for a Windows 7 installation, the product key cannot currently be activated on any other installation, active or not. Any other activated installation with that same key would need to be formatted.
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  5. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
       #54

    Ok, but how does microsoft know that the first disk is truly dead? Like I said, I'm never going on the www with any of my disks? Sorry, I'm not trying to be awkward, I'm just curious as to how they actually can police this..
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  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #55

    When you activate them, they will be kept track of on the Microsoft activation servers. If more than one installation shows activated with the same key often, then it's going to be pretty obvious something is wrong. They may then get red flagged and all be deactivated.

    They'll know the other one is dead, when it no longer shows up after the key is activated on anther installation.
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  7. Posts : 5
    Windows 7 64bit
       #56

    Ok, thanks again. One other question: what exactly happens if you don't activate after the 30 days? I read that you just don't get windows updates anymore? Is that true?
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  8. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #57

    I don't remember the full details, but you would have some features no longer work, and be constantly nagged to activate.
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  9. Posts : 4,566
    Windows 10 Pro
       #58

    Source: What happens to Windows 7 after the 30 day activation has expired? - Microsoft Community


    What happens if you don’t Activate Windows?
    If you choose not to activate Windows, the operating system will go into what is called Reduced Functional mode.

    Meaning, certain functionality will be disabled. Certain software included with windows will not work.

    Benefits you gain from activating:

    - Access to all Windows Updates with confidence that your Windows software has the latest security and reliability enhancements from Microsoft.

    *If you do not activate, you do not get security updates. This alone is why you should activate*

    - Support for your software, including downloads reserved exclusively for genuine Windows software.
    Image

    A Windows 7 installation in Reduced functional mode (notice the watermark at the right hand corner).
    If you don’t activate your Windows software
    - You will be prompted every time you log in to Activate.
    - You will receive periodic prompts to activate your software.
    - Certain visual experiences will be disabled such as the Windows Aero Glass theme.
    - Won't be able to update software such as Microsoft Security Essentials.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #59

    Thank you Andrew. I've updated the tutorial for more information about this in the red warning box at the top. :)
      My Computer


 
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