Quick start: Validation FAQ

The Windows Vista validation process is designed to be quick and simple. Microsoft does not use any information collected during validation to identify or contact you. The validation process includes the following steps:

1. On your first visit to the Microsoft Download Center, or if you request a download that is available exclusively for genuine Windows users, you will receive a message requesting that you validate your copy of Windows. You can also validate your software at the Microsoft Genuine Software website.

2. 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.

3. The validation process electronically checks for known counterfeiting methods.

After successful validation, you may continue the download process.

Validation is an anti-piracy technology that confirms during ongoing use that your activation status is valid and your product key has not been compromised since it was activated. These technologies are designed to help Microsoft make software piracy harder and to help protect consumers and businesses from the risks of counterfeit software.

The built-in anti-piracy technologies in Windows Vista enable Microsoft to differentiate the genuine Windows Vista user experience and reserve certain downloads and 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."

In Windows Vista with either Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2), once the grace period expires for activation, you will receive periodic reminders to activate your copy of Windows at logon. If you log on without activating, there will be a 15-second delay prior to log on and you will be reminded to activate the next time you log on to your computer.

Once you log on, you will notice that your desktop wallpaper has changed to a black background. You will also receive other periodic notifications reminding you to activate your copy of Windows. If you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, you will receive periodic notifications that read, "This copy of Windows is not genuine”. Clicking on that notification will provide you with information and options on how to resolve the issue.

If you have Windows Vista without SP1 or SP2, you may experience reduced functionality mode (RFM). In this mode, there is no Start menu, no desktop icons, and the desktop background is black. The web browser will function and Internet connectivity will not be blocked. After one hour the system will log you out without warning. The system will not be shut down; you can log back on right away. Even with reduced functionality, you will have full access to personal data stored on your computer.

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.

To exit reduced functionality mode in Windows Vista, you must activate your copy of Windows 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).

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 includes all Windows Vista updates Microsoft has issued since SP1, plus support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards. Learn more about how to update your Windows Vista-based PC.

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.

If your copy of Windows fails genuine validation, you will be provided with a customized webpage that explains the problem and presents any available special offers for becoming genuine. 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 any special offers from Microsoft for getting genuine Windows.

Customers are often unaware that their copy of Windows is not genuine. Validation failure can occur for a number of reasons. For example, a customer can purchase a new computer from a dishonest business that charges for genuine software but installs a counterfeit copy of Windows. When the customer attempts to validate their copy of Windows, validation fails because the software is counterfeit. Or, a customer could buy a copy of Windows from an auction site but actually receives counterfeit software. If you discover you are using non-genuine software, Microsoft has flexible options to convert to a genuine version. Microsoft also provides relief and support to victims of counterfeit software.

Yes. Important updates, which include both critical security and reliability updates will be made available to all systems through Windows Update, regardless of validation status.

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.