Validate to ensure that you're running genuine Windows Vista
Research shows that obtaining and using counterfeit software exposes you to security risks, including viruses and spyware. Whereas activation is a required process by which Microsoft determines whether or not your product key is being properly used based upon the software license associated with it, validation is the process of confirming that your copy of Windows Vista has been properly activated. These technologies are designed to help Microsoft make software piracy harder and to help protect consumers and businesses from the risks of counterfeit software.
After your copy of Windows Vista passes validation, you can access optional downloads in the Microsoft Download Center available exclusively to those users running genuine Windows.
Read more about genuine Windows Vista and how Microsoft protects your privacy.
To help you verify that you are using genuine Windows Vista, Microsoft offers a quick and easy online validation process.
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1. Validate at http://www.microsoft.com/genuine
You can visit the Genuine Microsoft Software website to validate your copy of Windows. Click on the Validate Windows button and follow the steps to complete validation.
In addition to validation options for Windows and Office, the Genuine Microsoft Software website contains helpful information about the benefits of using genuine Microsoft software, information about software piracy, and links to resources for support, security, and downloads.
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2. Validate when requesting optional downloads
When you visit the Microsoft Download Center and request a download reserved for genuine Windows Vista users, this screen will appear to inform you that the download is only available to customers running genuine Windows Vista. The prominently displayed "Continue" button will allow you to validate your copy of Windows Vista before resuming the download.
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3. The validation process
Once you've clicked the "Continue" button, validation will begin. Validation requires an ActiveX control. If your Web browser isn't configured to run ActiveX, this page will display other ways to validate. You will only need to install this control once.
Microsoft does not use information collected during the validation process to identify you or contact you. To learn more about the information collected during validation, read the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Privacy Statement.
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4. Successful validation
That's it. Once your copy of Windows Vista has been validated, you will be able to continue downloading valuable new programs and updates for your Windows Vista software. This is the end of the validation process for most systems.
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5. Validation failure
There are a number of reasons why validation can fail. If your copy of Windows fails validation, you will be presented with a list of tools and information. You can use this list to learn more about why your copy of Windows failed validation and to see possible solutions, including instructions on how to use the Validation Advisor, request a complimentary Windows Genuine Advantage kit, and purchase genuine Windows.
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If your copy of Windows Vista fails validation, you will have a 30-day grace period in which to resolve the issue.
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In Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1), if Windows is not validated successfully within the grace period, you will receive a reminder at logon that your copy of Windows must be validated. Once you are logged in, you will notice that your desktop wallpaper has been changed to a black background, and you will receive other periodic notifications reminding you to activate your copy of Windows. If you're running a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, you will receive periodic notifications that read, "This copy of Windows is not genuine." Clicking on that notification will provide you with information and options on how to resolve the issue.
Find more information on genuine Windows Vista.
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6. For customers with Windows Vista without SP1
If you are running Windows Vista without SP1 and validation does not successfully complete within the 30-day grace period, your system will switch to a reduced functionality mode. In this mode, only the default Internet browser will be available to use and you will automatically be logged-out every hour. While operating in a reduced functionality mode, you will be able to access personal files, but many functions will be restricted. To continue using Windows Vista, follow the onscreen prompts.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is the complete set of Windows Vista updates Microsoft has issued over the past year plus additional enhancements to improve your PC experience. Learn more about how to update your Windows Vista-based PC.
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