Activation Period has Expired on Windows Vista

Asked By kyleigh fisher 30 points N/A Posted on - 06/24/2011

Hi,

I have an Acer Aspire laptop that runs a Windows Vista Home Premium Edition. It is preloaded when I bought the laptop. And everything on my laptop is also preloaded including the drivers for software’s and other applications. But I was surprised to see an alert box to Activate Windows Now. For all I know, I am using a genuine version of my operating system for a long time. On the alert box, there are choices to troubleshoot the problem. It is to :

• Activate Online Windows Now.
• Access your computer with reduced functionality.
• Retype your product key.
• Show me other ways to activate.

First of all, I believe I have a genuine version of Windows Vista because, I was in front when they installed it. Secondly, when I enter to activate windows online now, it will lead me to a website, but will just tell me that I am using a non genuine OS.

I already retyped my product key, but it doesn't work either. And also if this is not a genuine windows, how did I use it for over a year when if you don't have a genuine version you will only have 30 days to try it. I am seeking for help.

I don't know a person to call, and my computer does not have a warranty anymore.

Please help.

Thank you.

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• Question Views: 1584
• Answer Count: 2
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• Question Category: Windows Vista

Best Answer by JamesH

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Answered By JamesH 0 points N/A #125606

Activation Period has Expired on Windows Vista

Hi there,

I am so sorry to read your post but it seems you have been cheated! The person/shop from whom you purchased the laptop may not have put original windows on your laptop but a pirated version of it. The easiest step to check if your laptop has genuine windows is to look the COA is a sticker or a label that is usually attached to the body of your laptop for products such as Windows or Office. Assuming that you purchased original windows, you should have also got the COA sticker placed on the back of your laptop or on a CD Cover accompanying your laptop.

If you did not get the COA sticker, you were simply cheated. So I am afraid there is not much you can do other than buying a copy of genuine Windows or getting hold of the shop/person who sold you the counterfeit windows. You can take help from the authorities if required!

Next time don’t forget about your COA Sticker!

You can look for more information at: Microsoft how to tell

Good luck!

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• Posted on - 06/24/2011
• Question Category: Windows Vista

Answered By kyleigh fisher 30 points N/A #125608

Activation Period has Expired on Windows Vista

Thanks for the info. I guess I have no choice but to buy a legit version and install it on my PC. Thank you for the help, you are very kind.

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• Posted on - 09/04/2011
• Question Category: Windows Vista