How to Validate Your Copy of Windows Vista
Software piracy is a worldwide problem that affects Microsoft, consumers, partners, and the broad industry. Unlike a pirated or counterfeit copy, genuine Windows Vista is supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner and comes with the complete set of Windows Vista features. Genuine Windows Vista provides ongoing access to updates and enhancements and helps to protect against the risks of counterfeit software. Genuine Windows Vista allows you to take advantage of the following benefits:
All of the updates provided by Microsoft, so that you have confidence that your PC is up-to-date.
All of the capabilities that help you enjoy a rich and complete PC experience.
Access to special offers, applications, and promotions as they are released by Microsoft.
To help you verify that you are using genuine Windows Vista, Microsoft offers a quick and easy online validation process.
Other benefits of genuine Windows Vista include:
Windows AeroA—Aero gives you a rich and powerful visual interface that makes managing your information easier.
Windows Update—Windows Update keeps your computer up-to-date and more secure by automatically providing the latest enhancements to Windows Vista.
Windows ReadyBoost—Windows Vista introduces a new concept in adding memory to your system. Genuine Windows Vista users can speed up their PCs with Windows ReadyBoost™ technology and easy-to-find USB 2.0 memory devices.
When you visit the Microsoft Download Center and request a download reserved for genuine Windows Vista users, this screen will appear to inform you that the download is only available to customers who are using genuine Windows Vista. The prominently displayed "Continue" button will allow you to validate your copy of Windows Vista before you start the download.
Once you've clicked the "Continue" button, validation will begin. Validation requires an ActiveX control. If your Web browser isn't configured to run ActiveX, this page will display other ways to validate.
Microsoft does not use information collected during the validation process to identify you or contact you. To learn more about the information collected during validation, read the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Privacy Statement.
That's it. Once your PC has been validated, you will be able to download valuable new programs and updates for your Windows Vista software. This is the end of the validation process for most systems.
There are a number of reasons why validation can fail. This page provides you with a list of options that may help you fix the problem.
If your copy of Windows Vista fails validation, you will have a 30-day grace period in which to resolve the issue.
If you do not activate Windows Vista within the 30-day grace period, your system will switch to a reduced functionality mode. In this mode, only the default Internet browser will be available to use and you will automatically be logged-out every hour. While operating in a reduced functionality mode, you will be able to access personal files, but many functions will be restricted.
To continue using Windows Vista, follow the onscreen prompts.
Find more information on genuine Windows Vista.
Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.
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