Validate to Ensure That You're Running Genuine Windows Vista

Counterfeit software is more likely than genuine software to contain viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software. Activation provides initial protection for your Windows Vista experience and validation confirms the protection as you continue to enjoy Windows Vista. When your copy of Windows Vista passes validation, you can access optional downloads in the Microsoft Download Center and enjoy the full functionality of your version of Windows Vista. Validation is an ongoing and easy process that checks to make sure your system is activated and that your product key has not been compromised.

To help you verify that you are using genuine Windows Vista, Microsoft offers a quick and easy online validation process.

1. Learn more

Other benefits of genuine Windows Vista include:

Windows Aero ^A -Aero gives you a rich and powerful visual interface that makes managing your information easier.
Windows Update-Windows Update helps keep your computer up-to-date and secure by providing the latest enhancements to Windows Vista automatically.
Windows ReadyBoost-Windows Vista introduces a new concept in adding memory to your system. Genuine Windows Vista users can speed up their PC with Windows ReadyBoost- technology and easy to find USB 2.0 memory devices.

2. How it all begins

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 running genuine Windows Vista. The prominently displayed " Continue " button will allow you to validate your copy of Windows Vista before resuming the download.

3. The validation process

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 .

4. If you pass validation...

That's it. Once your PC has been validated, you can continue to download valuable new programs and updates for your Windows Vista software. This is the end of the validation process for most systems.

5. If you fail validation...

There are a number of reasons why validation can fail. This page provides you with a list of options that might help you to fix the problem.

6. You've got 30 days

If your copy of Windows Vista fails validation, you will have a 30-day grace period in which to resolve the issue.

7. Windows Vista begins operating with reduced functionality

If you do not validate 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.