Microsoft KB Archive/925616

= Error message when you start Windows Vista: &quot;Your activation period has expired&quot; =

Article ID: 925616

Article Last Modified on 11/29/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you start Windows Vista, you may receive the following error message:

Activate Windows Now

Your activation period has expired and Windows is no longer working.

To use Windows you must activate this copy of Windows.

Additionally, the taskbar does not appear. You have limited access to Windows Vista programs and features.

Note When these symptoms occur, Windows Vista is running in Reduced Functionality Mode.



CAUSE
This problem may occur for one or more of the following reasons:
 * You did not activate Windows Vista within the 30-day activation period.
 * Windows Vista detects that the hardware on your computer has changed significantly and that you did not reactivate Windows Vista within the 3-day grace period for re-activation.
 * You are running a version of Windows Vista that was detected as non-genuine. For more information, see the &quot;Resolution&quot; section.



RESOLUTION
If you believe that you have a Windows Genuine Advantage copy of Windows Vista, use these methods to troubleshoot the problem.

Note The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) program and the Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) program are part a Microsoft effort to protect its customers and partners from counterfeit software and increase customer awareness of the value of genuine Microsoft software. For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/

Method 1: Enter your product key

 * 1) Click Retype your product key in the Activate Windows Now pop-up message.
 * 2) Accept the User acceptance prompt.
 * 3) Type the product key, and then click Next.

Method 2: Contact Microsoft
If Windows detects that the hardware on your computer has changed significantly, and the previous method does not solve your problem, you may have to contact Microsoft for help. To view the Microsoft Activation Centers Worldwide Telephone Numbers list, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=71142

