Glossary

 

Did you come across an unfamiliar term while validating your software or while searching for other information? Use the Glossary to find definitions of common terms used on the Genuine Microsoft Software Web site.

When Windows^® running on a PC is not activated or is non-genuine, a persistent desktop notification will be shown on top of a black desktop background. The persistent desktop notification appears in the lower portion of the desktop and cannot be hidden with other items from the desktop. The plain black desktop can be changed to any wallpaper or to another solid background color, but it will be reset to black every 60 minutes by Windows. This helps make the persistent desktop notification clearly visible to remind the user that action is needed to resolve the issue. Throughout this experience, users have full and complete access to their PC, all programs, and all data; the functionality of the PC is not limited in any way. To fix this, validate Windows and as necessary, follow the instructions for resolution that appear on the validation results page.