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Activation Tutorial

Posted: November 07, 2002

Introduction

Activation is the name for the process that ties together information from your Microsoft Passport account and your PC or other devices. Activation uses this information to create a permission code that's stored on your device. This permission code enables you to access premium eBook content that has been packaged to help ensure secure distribution.

If you do not yet have a Microsoft Passport account, you will need to create one before starting the activation process. Creating a Passport account and activating your device is very simple, and takes just a couple minutes.

Activation upgrades your copy of Microsoft Reader to let you read premium eBook titles that are copy-protected by publishers at the "Owner Exclusive" level. When you activate Microsoft Reader, you identify yourself as the person who will be using your device. If you don't activate, you won't be able to buy and read a lot of great content. To help protect copyrights, most commercial eBooks use innovative technologies to help ensure that they're available only to the purchaser.

To activate your device

  1. When you first open Microsoft Reader, you are prompted to activate your device. Click on the Activation link to complete the activation process. You can also choose to activate your device at any time from the Microsoft Reader Activation page at: http://www.microsoft.com/reader/info/activation.mspx
  2. If you do not have a Microsoft Passport account, you will need to create one in order to sign in and start the activation process. Click the "Get one" link to create a Passport account, and continue with Reader activation.
    If you already have a Microsoft Passport account, click "Sign in to start the Activation process".
  3. Enter your Microsoft Passport sign-in name and password.
  4. You will be directed to the activation page, where you can activate your device. Pocket PC devices must be tethered to activate. Click the "Continue" link to initiate the Activation process. The length of time needed to complete activation will depend on the speed of your internet connection.
    Note: If you have a Pocket PC attached to your PC or Tablet PC, the Activation page includes two options - one for Pocket PCs and one for all other devices. Click the "Activate my computer" link (for desktop, laptop, or Tablet PCs), or the "Activate my Pocket PC" link (for a Pocket PC) and then wait a few moments while the activation process is completed.