[Retsof]

I formatted my laptop and used the Windows7 I had gotten when I upgraded from vista.  Predictably, the old code didn't work.  So, I don't really use it much except when I'm away from the house anyway, so is it worth buying a new key code, or should I just continue with the current black desktop and with it nagging me to authenticate?

[zookeeper]

Have you rearmed it? That'd buy you some more time, if you haven't. Although I don't know if it can be done if the trial period has already expired.

[Aardwolf]

Is it the same laptop you bought Windows 7 for? If so, you should call them up and tell them how ****ty their DRM is, and get them to give you a new one for free.

[redsniper]

I had an issue with a legit Win 7 key not working a few months ago. This fixed it IIRC. http://forums.techarena.in/operating-systems/1355229.htm

[S-99]

Oh god. DRM, when it works properly, you're in the clear. When it doesn't work properly, you're not in the clear. And now DRM that you need to maintain? Uuugh.

[Charismatic]

Calling microsoft is a bad idea, they charge you for support. I was going to take several problems to them but when it was about to charge me i was like fk this.

[S-99]

I'm not encouraging you to change your os. I'm saying that i think microsoft with it's even more integrated drm scheme with it getting to the point where the user needs to maintain the technicalities of it is bull****.

[Klaustrophobia]

Calling microsoft is a bad idea, they charge you for support. I was going to take several problems to them but when it was about to charge me i was like fk this.

calling for activation shouldn't be charged as support.

[Wobble73]

If it remains unauthenticated, it may do what it did to my unauthenticated Vista. That is, if you are online, it may stop working after approximately 30 days. That is it will not allow you to log in to Windows and the only way to get back into your system is to reinstall, (you may need to reformat your hard drive also.)

[Fury]

If you can't get that windows of yours authenticated, you better install linux such as Mint. http://www.linuxmint.com

[KyadCK]

Calling microsoft is a bad idea, they charge you for support. I was going to take several problems to them but when it was about to charge me i was like fk this.

calling for activation shouldn't be charged as support.

And it isn't. If you can't activate online, use their toll free number and get it activted by phone. Win 7 keys can be used twice a year. Use it.

Is it the same laptop you bought Windows 7 for? If so, you should call them up and tell them how ****ty their DRM is, and get them to give you a new one for free.

That they may actually charge for. Don't do that unless its a 1-800 number. Just activate it over the phone.

If you can't get that windows of yours authenticated, you better install linux such as Mint. http://www.linuxmint.com

Is that a threat, or an alternative? 

If it remains unauthenticated, it may do what it did to my unauthenticated Vista. That is, if you are online, it may stop working after approximately 30 days. That is it will not allow you to log in to Windows and the only way to get back into your system is to reinstall, (you may need to reformat your hard drive also.)

Last I checked, 7 won't just 'die' like XP/Vista, it just disables some features. Internet is not one of these features, so its up for grabs how effective this way is. 

[Klaustrophobia]

has anyone tested if a phone activation will work after 6 months for an activation on a second computer without uninstalling it from the first? 

[KyadCK]

has anyone tested if a phone activation will work after 6 months for an activation on a second computer without uninstalling it from the first? 

Just tell them Windows died and you have to re-install, assuming you even get a human. (99% of the time their toll free activation is just an automated thing with reasonable voice recognition)

[Klaustrophobia]

i was thinking more about will they know the first one is still active? 

[KyadCK]

i was thinking more about will they know the first one is still active?

More to the point is "Will they care" (the answer is no).

[Klaustrophobia]

well if windows constantly calls home when it's online (or periodically, whatever)/it 'authenticates' when downloading updates, they probably have a system to catch key sharing.

[TwentyPercentCooler]

well if windows constantly calls home when it's online (or periodically, whatever)/it 'authenticates' when downloading updates, they probably have a system to catch key sharing.

It's called the Windows Activation Tool, or WAT. Pertinent to the OP, it's possible to remove the WAT from any version of Windows; you get a fully functional copy that updates normally. Obviously it's probably bad to pirate Windows but I don't see a problem in removing the WAT from a copy you own just to avoid the hassle of dealing with Microsoft's customer service.

[Klaustrophobia]

it was just a thought.  this laptop is well past due for a reformat, and i kinda wanted to see if win7 would make it not so much of a pile of ****.  never buy lenovo.

[jr2]

Hi, Retsof, check your e-mail, you should have one from me.  j****ap_r******s@yah**.c*m

[S-99]

I've called to activate windows a couple of times. It's a free call where you're talking to a computer. You should be fine. I was activating xp without an internet connection.