Buzz
Although Windows is usually configured to activate automatically during installation, you can manually set a time for activation. The purpose of activating Windows is to verify that your copy of Windows is only used by your computer's hardware, helping to prevent copyright infringement. If your computer has recently been upgraded, or you cannot access the internet after installing Windows, you may need to activate your copy manually.
Steps
Via Internet
Click the Start button. Right-click on Computer and select Properties to open the System Properties window.
- You can also press the key combination ⊞ Win+Pause.
Click the 'Activate Windows now' link at the bottom of the window. The software will attempt to find an active Internet connection. If successful, the 'Activate Windows now' option will be available for selection. If not, you should check your computer's Internet connection.
Enter the Windows 7 product key when prompted. You must input a valid 25-character code to activate your Windows copy. The Windows 7 key can be found under your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the Windows 7 installation disc, or in the Windows 7 manual.
- If you downloaded the software online, you can find the key in the confirmation email.
- If you cannot locate the product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
Click .Next (Next) to activate your Windows copy. The activation process may take a few minutes. Once completed, the activation window will display a confirmation message. To verify if your computer is activated, reopen System Properties (Right-click on Computer and select Properties). If activated, the bottom of the window will show the message 'Windows is activated'.
Via Phone
Click the Start button. Right-click on Computer and select Properties. This will open the System Properties window.
- You can also press the key combination ⊞ Win+Pause.
Click the 'Activate Windows now' link at the bottom of the window.
Select 'Show me other ways to activate' from the Activation menu.
Enter the Windows 7 product key in the required field. You must input a valid 25-character code to activate your Windows copy. The Windows 7 key can be found under your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the Windows 7 installation disc, or in the Windows 7 manual.
- If you downloaded the software online, you can find the key in the confirmation email.
- If you cannot locate your product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
Click .Next. Choose 'Use automated phone system' from the list of options. The system may prompt you to enter an administrator password. If so, enter the password and click the OK button.
Select the nearest location. You will be provided with a list of phone numbers to call, and the window will display the installation ID.
Make the call. You will be connected to an automated activation system. The system will prompt you to enter the installation ID displayed on your screen.
Use your phone's keypad to enter the installation ID.
Record the confirmation number. After entering the installation ID, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save it in Notepad.
Enter the confirmation number into the activation window and click .Next.
- If the activation process fails, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance.
Via Modem
Click the Start button. Right-click on Computer and select Properties. This will open the System Properties window.
- You can also press the key combination ⊞ Win+Pause.
Click the 'Activate Windows now' link at the bottom of the window.
Select 'Show me other ways to activate' from the Activation menu.
Enter the Windows 7 product key in the required field. You must input a valid 25-character code to activate your Windows copy. The Windows 7 key can be found under your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the Windows 7 installation disc, or in the Windows 7 manual.
- If you downloaded the software online, the key will be in the confirmation email.
- If you cannot locate the product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
Click .Next. Select 'Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service.' The system may prompt you to enter an administrator password. If so, enter the password and click OK.
Select the nearest location from the dropdown list. Click the Next button to connect and activate. Your modem will turn on and connect to the activation service. This process may take a few minutes. Once completed, the activation window will display a confirmation message.
- To verify if Windows is activated, reopen the System Properties window (Right-click on Computer and select Properties). If activated, the bottom of the window will show the message 'Windows is activated'.
Deactivate
Download the InfiniteRearm utility. You can find this utility on Windows-related websites. If the Windows copy you need to deactivate is not owned by you and is not a Microsoft product or approved by Microsoft, it is considered illegal.
- You may need to download InfiniteRearm as part of the 'Rearm Wizard' software package.
Extract the downloaded program. Double-click the downloaded file and drag the Rearm Wizard.cmd file to your desktop or another easily accessible location.
Run the .Rearm Wizard.cmd file. This will open Command Prompt and initiate the InfiniteRearm installation process.
Select 'A' from the main menu to download IR7 (InfiniteRearm 7).
Choose 'A' from the InfiniteRearm menu. This will install the InfiniteRearm service on your computer. Your system will need to restart.
Use Windows as usual. InfiniteRearm continuously resets the trial period timer, allowing access to all features indefinitely.
Reinstall the program when the trial expires. Naturally, the timer will run out, but you can extend it by reinstalling the program and restarting the count. You will be prompted to reinstall as you approach the 180-day limit.
Tips
- If you encounter issues activating Windows 7 via phone, keep the call connected to reach a customer service representative for assistance.
- The Windows 7 product key is typically included in the software package. If you downloaded the software online, the key will be in the confirmation email.
