Microsoft Windows Product Activation

Microsoft Windows Product Activation

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In this document:
Windows Vista product activation
Windows XP product activation
Reasons why an HP or Compaq computer may need to be activated
Windows Activation terms
Related support
This document pertains to HP and Compaq desktop computers that came with Windows Vista or Windows XP.
To help prevent software piracy Microsoft Windows requires product activation before it can be used as full version software. There are different methods to make sure that the Windows Product Activation is fulfilled: Windows Product Activation (WPA) and System Locked Pre-installation (SLP).
Windows Product Activation method sends an installation ID number to Microsoft before Windows is verified and then activated. WPA involves two numbers. One is an Installation ID (generated by someone entering the COA or Product key) that the computer owner submits to Microsoft. The second is a Confirmation ID, assigned by Microsoft, and is used to activate the operating system’s software.
System Locked Pre-installation method takes place at the factory. No intervention is normally required to activate the operating system software before initial use. With SLP-activated systems, most of the computer's hardware can be replaced without needing to re-activate the software through Microsoft.
Most HP computers use System Locked Pre-installation (SLP) to reduce the amount of screens it takes to setup the computer.
Windows Vista product activation
You may be prompted to activate Windows Vista.

Figure 1: Windows Activation message
Normally, activation in Windows Vista is done automatically on HP and Compaq Desktop computers, but some conditions (turning off the computer during Windows setup, for example) can cause a Windows Activation message to appear. When this happens, Windows Vista requires activation or a system recovery.
If you can still use the Windows Vista desktop, you can click Start , right-click Computer, and select Properties to view the status of Windows Activation. Scroll down on the System Properties window to view the status information.

Figure 2: Not activated

Figure 3: Activated
If you can still open Windows Vista, you may be able to download a software update that can resolve this issue. Use Windows Update and HP Update to install all critical updates from Microsoft and HP and then restart the computer. If computer Windows Activation screens still continue or you were not able to update your computer, the rest of this information can help you activate or recover your computer.
There are three ways to activate Windows Vista: by broadband connection, by dial-up modem or by automated phone system (voice). The first two methods require an Internet connection and the last method requires a voice telephone to dial a toll-free number. The Automated Phone System may take several minutes due to the number of digits that need to be entered. Use the following steps to activate a computer when the Windows Product Activation message opens.

NOTE: A system recovery can be used as an alternative to resolve the activation issue. To start a system recovery, turn on the computer and press the F11 key repeatedly after the first screens appear. For computers sold in the United States that are being used for the first time, the system recovery process may take a little more than fifteen minutes. For computers sold in other countries/regions and for computers that experience the message after a recovery, system recovery may take longer than 45 minutes. For more information about system recovery, please refer to the HP support document, Performing a System Recovery in Windows Vista .

Before starting, if you have a broadband internet connection, make sure the network cable is connected to the computer. If you have a dial-up modem Internet connection make sure a phone line is connected to the modem connection on the computer.
From the Windows Activation window, click Type a different product key.

Figure 4: Windows Activation: Type a different product key
Enter the product key number into the product key field and then click Next. This number can be found on a Certificate of Authenticity label adhered to the lower right side of the computer's case.

Figure 5: Product key on Certificate of Authenticity label

Figure 6: Windows Activation: Change your product key for activation
If product activation was successful, a success screen is shown and Windows Vista setup continues. You are done.
If online product activation failed, an "Activate Windows Now" window opens.
Click Show me other ways to activate and then click Next.
A "How do you want to activate Windows?" window opens.

Figure 7: Windows Activation: How do you want to activate?
If a modem is not connected, skip this step.
If a modem is connected, use the following sub-steps to activate over the modem:
Make sure the phone line is not in use, click Use my modem to connect directly to the activation service, and then click Next.
Select the most appropriate country/region from the dropdown labeled "Click the nearest location", and then click Next.

NOTE: Do NOT click Activate Windows Online now.
Connecting to the activation service is displayed and the modem dials a number to activate automatically.
If product activation was successful, a success screen is shown and Windows Vista setup continues. You are done.
If product activation is not successful, you are returned to a previous screen. Repeat these steps using the automated phone system or perform a system recovery.
To use the automated phone system, click Use the automated phone system from the "How do you want to Activate?" window and then click Next.
To find available phone numbers for activation, select a location near you from the dropdown and click Next.
If a phone is not near the computer, get paper and a pencil to write down the installation IDs and Confirmation IDs.
Use a phone to dial the number provided in the "Activate Windows Now" window.

Figure 8: Windows Activation: Activate Windows now
Follow the instruction from the phone system to enter the installation ID numbers and write down the confirmation ID numbers.
Enter the confirmation ID numbers into the fields A through H, in the same sequence as the phone system provided them. When done, click Next.
If product activation still fails, perform a system recovery. For more information about system recovery, please refer to the HP support document, Performing a System Recovery in Windows Vista .
If product activation was successful, a success screen is shown and Windows Vista setup continues. You are done.

Figure 9: Windows Activation: Activation was successful
For more information about Windows Vista activation, please refer to the Microsoft support article " You may be prompted to activate Windows Vista on a computer on which Windows Vista activation was not previously required " (in English).

Windows XP product activation
If you need to activate an HP or Compaq computer that came with Windows XP, do the following:

When you try to activate your computer online, using the product key, you are prompted to call the Microsoft Activation call center. The appropriate regional phone number displays.
A Microsoft representative asks you for the Installation Identification Number (a number generated based on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) key entered during setup or installation of XP) and the PC brand.
If the Installation Identification Number matches one assigned to an HP product, the Microsoft representative should provide a Confirmation Identification Number that allows you to complete the activation process.

Reasons why an HP or Compaq computer may need to be activated
The following conditions may cause an SLP-activated computer to require activation through Microsoft:

After recovering from HP Recovery Discs, a system recovery using "F11" is done.
Installing certain device drivers and software.
Opening certain software.
Installing certain software.
Uninstalling certain software or files.
Updating the BIOS or installing a new BIOS flash from another company beside HP.
Replacing the motherboard with one that does not contain the OEM-specific version of the BIOS.
Breaking the End-User License Agreement (EULA) by attempting to load SLP-enabled media onto a different PC.

Windows Activation terms

Windows Product Activation (WPA) - Requires a person to unlock the computer before Windows can be used.
System Locked Pre-installation (SLP) - No personal intervention is normally required to activate Windows.
End-User License Agreement (EULA). The agreement that the user of Windows must accept in order to use the Windows product.
Certificate of Authenticity (COA) - A proof of ownership identification method to help prove that a product is not counterfiet or copied. Could be in the form of a label that contains a bar code and product identification number,
Installation Identification Number (Generated based on the Certificate of Authenticity key entered during Windows setup.
Confirmation Identification Number (number that allows you to complete the activation process).