Windows Vista Validation FAQ

The WGA validation process is designed to be quick and simple. It does not collect any information that Microsoft will use to identify or contact you. The validation process includes the following steps:

• On your first visit to the Microsoft Download Center, Windows Update, or Microsoft Update, you will receive a message requesting Windows validation.

• You will be prompted to download an ActiveX control that checks the authenticity of the Windows software and, if successful in validating Windows, stores a special license file on the computer for future verification.

• The validation process electronically checks for several known counterfeiting methods. Users do not have to manually enter information in most cases.

After successful validation, you may continue the download process.

WGA for Windows Vista is a set of anti-piracy technologies built into Windows Vista, as well as an overall approach to protecting the product from piracy. These technologies are designed to help Microsoft make software piracy harder and to help protect consumers and businesses from the risks of counterfeit software.

WGA for Windows Vista enables Microsoft to differentiate the genuine Windows Vista user experience by reserving key product features, including Windows Aero, some features of Windows Defender, Windows ReadyBoost, and Windows Update as optional updates for customers running a genuine, properly licensed copy of Windows Vista. If you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, the lower right portion of the screen will display a message that reads, "This copy of Windows is not genuine."

Note: Windows Aero is not available in Windows Vista Starter edition or Windows Vista Home Basic edition.

Reduced functionality occurs when a Windows Vista system fails to activate as required within 30 days after installation. A Software Licensing dialog box will appear after logon, but there will be no Start menu, no desktop icons, and no personalized wallpaper or desktop background. Users who need to obtain a valid product key or need more information on how to activate Windows can click the "Learn more online" link in the Software Licensing dialog box to go online and get the latest options and information available from Microsoft. In reduced functionality, the default Web browser will function so that users can go online for troubleshooting, but Windows will log off after one hour without prompting. Unsaved work must be saved prior to the one-hour automatic logoff or it will be lost. To access documents, applications and other data stored locally, users can also start the computer in safe mode.

You can activate with a valid product key. You may need to obtain a new product key, or you may simply need to re-enter the original product key. Volume licensing customers can return to normal Windows operating mode by connecting to a Key Management Service (KMS) to automatically renew the activation or obtain a Multiple Activation Key (MAK).

Protecting our customers' privacy is very important to Microsoft. WGA was built with privacy in mind, and is implemented in accordance with a clear privacy policy. WGA does not collect names, addresses, e-mail addresses, or other contact information. To determine the authenticity of Microsoft software once it's activated, however, WGA must collect specific configuration information from customers' computers. If necessary, WGA collects information about:

• Hardware (such as the computer make and model and an anonymized version of the hard drive volume serial number)

• Software (such as version information)

• The globally unique identifier (GUID), a unique number assigned to the computer by the tools

• The product key (anonymized) and product ID

• The basic input/output system (BIOS) name, revision number, and revision date

• Status, such as the success or failure of an installation or the results of a validation check

• Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. These are temporarily logged when your computer connects to a WGA website or server at Microsoft. These logs are routinely deleted and IP addresses are not retained thereafter

Microsoft does not use any information collected through WGA to identify or contact customers. Learn more about what information is collected, how it is used, and how Microsoft protects customers' privacy.

Yes, there is a special Windows Vista legalization offer similar to Windows XP. When a system fails genuine validation, you are provided with a customized webpage that explains the problem and the available offers. If you have a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, you can return to the point of purchase and ask for a refund or a genuine copy, file a piracy report with Microsoft, or take advantage of the legalization offer.

A customer often has no idea that a copy of Windows is counterfeit. WGA validation failure usually occurs when a customer purchases a new computer from a dishonest business that charges for genuine software but installs a pirated copy of Windows. The customer has paid for a copy of Windows, but is actually running pirated software. Microsoft provides assistance, including, in some cases, a complimentary replacement copy for those who experience validation issues.

Yes. Microsoft understands the importance of protecting the greatest number of computers in the computer ecosystem, so critical security updates will be made available to non-genuine systems through the Windows Update service.

When a copy of Windows Vista fails validation, you're directed to a customized webpage with details about what caused the failure and recommendations for how to fix the problem. Depending on the specific cause of the problem, these recommendations may include:

• Retyping the product key to activate.

• Going back to the original reseller and asking for a genuine copy.

• Checking to see if you qualify for a complimentary replacement copy from Microsoft.

• Purchasing a genuine copy of Windows Vista from Microsoft online or from a local reseller.

Visit the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Support page for more information.