Activating Windows 7

As you noticed, I started a new topic.

A "first time" installation is not a problem and you can activate winXPpro via internet, the easy way.
However the number of activation via internet are limited, you can't do this forever with an OEM-version, I don't know how many times, maybe 3-5 times.
After that you have to activate WinXPpro by phone and this has nothing to do with hardware changes.
I didn't change any hardware on my computer and I still had to activate winXPpro by phone.

After the last phone-activation of winXPpro I got smarter and took a backup of an installed winXPpro.
I didn't know this, because win2000pro, my previous OS, didn't require any activation.

So my questions regarding win7 are still the same :
Is the internet-activation of the OEM-version of Win7 also limited to a number of times ?
Is the internet-activation of the retail-version of Win7 forever or also limited ?

 

I'm Not really sure, as I don't activate a single copy of windows that many times, personally I like to do a clean install, update windows then use something like Acronis to take a disk image and save it in a hidden partition on the C drive, then I will install all my software I use most and take another Image and store it on my D drive which will be updated monthly.

 

I do the same. I already said this in my previous post, but that's not an answer to my questions.

 

There is a distinct difference between what you can do (as in get away with) and what you are supposed to do. Once installed and activated an OEM copy is linked to a single computer with a specific configuration. So if, for example, you change your motherboard you should need to convince Microsoft that there is a valid reason and not just an update. That is how it should work according to the EULA. The fact that you may get away with it in XP is more related to MS not caring all that much any more.

I assume that with Windows 7 there will be a greater need for strict compliance.

 

Erik,

Welcome to C.H.F.

Below is an excerpt from Microsoft Tech net. To read the full text copy and paste the following URL " http://technet.micro...y/dd979803.aspx " in your address bar.

As for system security. Better to be proactive than reactive. I recommend using Microsoft Security Essentials to safeguard your system. You can find it here.


Online Validation
Validation helps confirm that a copy of a Windows operating system is activated and properly licensed. Users may be asked to validate their copy of Windows when they go to the Microsoft Download Center to download content that is reserved for users of genuine Windows software. Validation can also occur as part of an update from Windows Update. In some instances, a computer that has previously passed validation may fail a later validation process. This may happen because Microsoft constantly discovers new forms of piracy, and they then update the antipiracy components of the validation process to help disable the emerging threats.


Enforcement
Microsoft actively supports government officials, organizations, and law enforcement agencies in taking action against software counterfeiters. Microsoft receives thousands of reports each year from customers who are victims of counterfeit software. These reports are generated primarily through the Windows Activation Technologies and the Microsoft Protect Yourself from Piracy websites, as well as by e-mail at piracy@microsoft.com. For those customers who are able to provide sufficient information indicating that they have been victimized by piracy, Microsoft provides a free replacement product. Such customer-provided information helps Microsoft improve piracy protection in its products and enables Microsoft and law enforcement agencies to successfully litigate against the offending software pirates.

Top of Page

Benefits of Genuine Microsoft Software
In direct contrast to the risks of using counterfeit software, the benefits of using genuine Microsoft software provide real value to both individual customers and organizations. Genuine Microsoft software is published by Microsoft, comes from a trusted source, and is supported by Microsoft or a trusted partner.

With genuine Microsoft software, customers are better protected, receive support when needed, and have exclusive access to updates and downloads that provide additional value and help them get the most from their software investment. With genuine software, customers receive the complete Microsoft software experience: the product works the way it should, and it includes full documentation to help customers get the most from their computers.

In addition, genuine Microsoft software is equipped with piracy prevention features that help customers visually identify that the media and packaging are genuine.

For organizations that exercise Volume Licensing or use Volume License media, genuine Microsoft software provides them with the assurance that the software is reliable and is more easily managed with Volume Activation tools that assist in deployment and help with license compliance.


Windows 7 Activation and Licensing
Customers can obtain licenses for Windows 7 through one of three channels: retail, original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or Volume Licensing (VL). One software license is always required for each computer that uses Windows, and the only ways to legally license a copy of Windows on a new computer are to buy the computer with a licensed (and pre-activated) copy of Windows or to buy a full, packaged Windows product. Volume Licensing is available only for upgrading Windows on computers with an existing Windows license.

Each channel has its own unique activation methods. Because organizations can obtain Windows 7 software through multiple channels, they can use a combination of activation methods. Some editions of Windows, such as Windows 7 Enterprise Edition, are available only through the VL channel.


Retail
Windows 7 products that are acquired online or in a store from reputable resellers and retailers (or from Microsoft directly) are individually licensed. Each purchased copy comes with one unique product key, found on the COA on the product packaging. Users can complete the activation by entering the product key during the setup and installation process or by using the “Activate windows” option from the Control Panel within 30 days of installation.


Original Equipment Manufacturers
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) activation is a perpetual, one-time activation that associates Windows 7 with the firmware (BIOS) of a computer. This occurs before the computer ships to the customer, so the end user or organization is not required to take any additional actions. The copy of Windows 7 that the OEM installs on a computer is valid only on that particular computer, and it can be reinstalled and reactivated only from the OEM-provided recovery media.

Sometimes organizations want to create a customized Windows 7 image for their systems, rather than use the image that is provided by an OEM. This is possible , but organizations should understand the available customization options, how to ensure effective deployments, and how to maintain compliance with Microsoft licensing policies. For more information see the Customizing Windows 7white paper.

OEM activation is applicable only to systems that are purchased through OEM channels with Windows installed.


Volume Activation
Volume Activation (VA) is a set of technologies and tools that are designed to automate the activation process for systems that are deployed using volume media. Volume media are normally obtained through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). This is an online resource that is designed to help organizations that have a Microsoft Volume Licensing agreement. They can download licensed products, manage Microsoft Volume Licensing agreements, and access product keys.


Volume Activation in Large Organizations
Microsoft policy requires the activation of all editions of Windows 7, including those obtained through a VL program. This requirement applies to Windows 7 running on physical computers or on virtual machines. Volume Activation (VA) includes the set of tools that automates the activation process on computers that are being upgraded to volume editions of Windows 7. VA automates the activation process through the volume media and Volume Activation keys. Organizations can use two methods to activate Windows 7 with Volume Activation keys: the Key Management Service (KMS) or Multiple Activation Keys (MAK).


Key Management Service
Organizations can use Key Management Service (KMS) to host and manage the VA process locally. Through KMS, organizations set up a local KMS host (or hosts) that connect once to Microsoft to activate the KMS host(s). Then the individual systems throughout the organization connect to the KMS host(s) and activate transparently.

With KMS, client computers connect to the local KMS host to activate the first time, then they reconnect periodically to keep the activation current. KMS is capable of activating an unlimited number of computers, so it can be used for a VL agreement of any size.


Multiple Activation Keys
Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) activation is primarily used for one-time activation with activation services that are hosted by Microsoft. It has a predetermined number of allowed activations, which is dependent on the number of licenses that are included in the organization’s licensing agreement with Microsoft. Customers can use MAK to activate their target computers individually through the activation services (online or by phone). Or they can activate the computers collectively by using the Volume Activation Management Tool (a proxy application for managing activation), which is integrated into the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK). Additionally, MAK activation is simplified by using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), which enables organizations to manage MAK-activated systems hroughout their deployments.

 

@Kojak,
Thanks for the info, too much information. I hope you didn't spend too much time on your post.
I thought it was much easier to answer my questions.
I suppose a simple answer to my question doesn't seem to exist, not even by M$.
I have a legal and paid WinXPpro Installation CD and a legal installed WinXPpro on partition-C, which has been verified by M$ so many times already, I can't even remember the number.
Last verification was when I downloaded MSE, just to see what it was, because I wasn't planning to keep it.

The verification of M$ also fails sometimes.
Once I downloaded Microsoft Steady State, which also verified my winXPpro, everything OK.
When I installed it, I suddenly got a warning, that I had to activate WinXPpro within 30 days. Pffft.
I replaced my partition-C with a clean image of WinXPpro, because I couldn't trust my partition-C anymore, after such a warning.

I'm not going to read all that stuff, it's not that important.
I better install win7 one time and take an image, like I did with winXPpro.
And the answer to my question will remain a secret until I die, not a problem.

 

T.M.I. ? Sorry. I try to help. If I were you I'd keep M.S.E. and use it regularly.

Like yourself, in my early days I resorted to fresh installs to solve problems. I got tired of that.

There wasn't an inordinate amount of time spent on the post. The excerpt was a copy/paste.

I encourage you to stay with us.

 

I KNOW you tried to help me, so you don't have to say sorry.
MSE doesn't fit in my security-setup. A full scan with MSE took 73 minuts, that's too long for me.
I'm not a big fan of scanners, I just use them to verify my experimental security-setup.
I remove malware in 2 minuts with my security-setup, including undiscovered malware and discovered malware that is not on the blacklist of MSE and without false positives.

I don't remove malware by recognition like a scanner, I remove malware because it's not whitelisted

 

Once you've done the full scan, all that's required are quick scans ( depending on your settings ) which are accomplished in under 1 minute. I check marked every feature except auto scans.

But if you're happy with your method I guess that's what counts.

 

In return to your work on your first post, I will explain my experimental security setup in a new topic.
Just an explanation, nothing more than that, without any purpose.

 

Okay.

 

In which forum can I explain my experimental security setup ?
I can't find any approperiate forum. "General Chat" maybe ?

 

Not having read it I would have to guess. Note that under General Malware there is a sub forum "Windows Security."
The only prohibition would be "Malware Removal". That forum is not for discussions.

 

Thank you BeeCeeBee, I will put it there one day.