To avoid piracy,
Microsoft requires that each copy of Windows 7 be activated. Otherwise,
your copy of Windows 7 will refuse to run after the activation period
has expired. Activating Windows 7 means that Microsoft uses an Internet
connection to confirm that your copy of Windows 7 is genuine and has not
also been installed on another computer.
This
section assumes that Windows 7 has not yet prompted you to start the
activation. If you see an icon in the notification area with the message
"Activate Windows now," click that message and then skip to Step 5.
Activate Your Copy of Windows 7
1 Click Start.
The Start menu appears.
2 Right-click Computer.
3 Click Properties.
The System window appears.
NOTE
If
the System window shows the Ask for Genuine Microsoft Software logo in
the Windows Activation area, then you do not need to perform the rest of
the steps in this section. Click the Close button (
) to close the System window.
4 Click the Activate Windows now link.
The Windows Activation dialog box appears.
5 Click Activate Windows online now.
Windows 7 confirms that it has been activated.
6 Click Close.
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Can I activate Windows 7 on more than one computer?
No, not usually. The
activation process creates a special value unique to your computer's
hardware configuration. When you activate Windows 7, your copy of the
program is associated with this unique hardware value, which means your
copy works only with that one computer. However, if that computer breaks
down, you can telephone Microsoft to let them know, and they should
allow you toactivate Windows 7 on another computer.
How can I activate my copy of Windows 7 if I do not have Internet access?
If you do not have Internet access, perform Steps 1 to 5 anyway. After a few moments, Windows Activation displays a list of options. Click Show me other ways to activate. If your computer has a modem attached, click Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service. If you do not have a modem, click Use the automated phone system, instead. |
