Validate Windows XP
Published: September 7, 2006
After you've activated your copy of Windows XP, you can also validate Windows to gain access to hundreds of free downloads from the Microsoft Download Center. The Microsoft Download Center offers free tools to help keep your computer safe, upgrades that improve your favorite applications, trial versions of games, fun desktop themes, and creative programs such as Microsoft Photo Story.
To validate your genuine copy of Windows and gain access to the Microsoft Download Center
1. | Open Microsoft Internet Explorer and go to the Windows Genuine Advantage Web page. |
2. | Scroll down the page, and click Validate Now. 
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3. | If the Internet Explorer dialog box appears, click Yes. 
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4. | If the Information Bar dialog box appears, click OK. 
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5. | Notice the Information Bar at the top of the Web page that says, "This site might require the following ActiveX control: 'Windows Genuine Advantage' from 'Microsoft Corporation.'" Click Information Bar, and then click Install ActiveX Control. 
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6. | In the Internet Explorer Security Warning dialog box, click Install. 
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7. | Internet Explorer displays the Validation Complete Web page. 
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Now that you have validated your copy of Windows, you can download and run free software from the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft Update. Both sites offer many great downloads that make Windows XP more fun, reliable, and secure.
To learn more about validating Windows XP, read about the Windows Genuine Advantage program.
