Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Online
• Method 2 of 4: By phone
• Method 3 of 4: Via a modem
• Method 4 of 4: Disable Activation
• Tips

Although Windows is usually automatically activated when you install it, there are times when you need to manually activate the system. Activation allows Microsoft to ensure that the system is only used by you (this helps to fight piracy). If you updated your computer or were unable to connect to the internet after installing Windows, you probably need to manually activate your system.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Online

1. 1 Right click on "Computer" and select "Properties". A window with basic information about your computer will open.
   • Or press ⊞ Win+Pause.
2. 2 Click on the Activate Windows link (at the bottom of the window). The software will try to detect an active internet connection. If there is a connection, the "Activate Windows" option will be available. If there is no network connection, try to fix the problem.
3. 3 Enter the Windows 7 key at the prompt. You must enter a valid 25 character key to activate your copy of Windows. You can find the key on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the box containing your Windows installation disc, or in your Windows documentation.
   • If you downloaded the system online, the key can be found in the email.
   • If you cannot find your product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
4. 4 Click.Next, to activate your copy of Windows. The activation process may take some time. When the process is complete, a confirmation window will open. To make sure the system is activated, right-click on Computer and select Properties. The message "Windows is activated" should be displayed at the bottom of the window.

Method 2 of 4: By phone

1. 1 Right click on "Computer" and select "Properties". A window with basic information about your computer will open.
   • Or press ⊞ Win+Pause.
2. 2 Click on the Activate Windows link (at the bottom of the window).
3. 3 Click Show other activation methods.
4. 4 Enter the Windows 7 key at the prompt. You must enter a valid 25 character key to activate your copy of Windows. You can find the key on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the box containing your Windows installation disc, or in your Windows documentation.
   • If you downloaded the system online, the key can be found in the email.
   • If you cannot find your product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
5. 5 Click.Further. Select Use an automated telephone system. You may be prompted for an administrator password. In this case, enter the password and click OK.
6. 6 A list of phone numbers will be displayed, by calling which you will receive the code (will appear on the display).
7. 7 Call the number of your choice and you will be connected to an automated system that will guide you through the activation process. You will be prompted to enter the code shown on the display.
8. 8 Use the phone keypad to enter the code.
9. 9 After entering the code, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down.
10. 10 Enter the confirmation number in the activation window and click.Further.
    • If activation is unsuccessful, do not hang up, but speak with a Microsoft customer support worker.

Method 3 of 4: Via a modem

1. 1 Right click on "Computer" and select "Properties". A window with basic information about your computer will open.
   • Or press ⊞ Win+Pause.
2. 2 Click on the Activate Windows link (at the bottom of the window).
3. 3 Click Show Other Activation Methods.
4. 4 Enter the Windows 7 key at the prompt. You must enter a valid 25 character key to activate your copy of Windows. You can find the key on the bottom of your laptop, on the back of your computer case, on the box containing your Windows installation disc, or in your Windows documentation.
   • If you downloaded the system online, the key can be found in the email.
   • If you cannot find your product key, you may need to purchase a new one.
5. 5 Click.Further. Select "Use a modem to activate".You may be prompted for an administrator password. In this case, enter the password and click OK.
6. 6 Select the server closest to you. Click Next to connect to the server and activate the system. The activation process may take some time. When the process is complete, a confirmation window will open.
   • To make sure the system is activated, right-click on Computer and select Properties. The message "Windows is activated" should be displayed at the bottom of the window.

Method 4 of 4: Disable Activation

1. 1 Download the InfiniteRearm utility. It can be found on various sites. It is illegal to use this utility if you do not own a licensed copy of Windows.
   • You may need to download InfiniteRearm as part of the Rearm Wizard software.
2. 2 Double click on the downloaded file and drag the file Rearm Wizard.cmd to your desktop or other place.
3. 3 Run the file.Rearm Wizard.cmd... A command prompt will open and guide you through the process of installing InfiniteRearm.
4. 4 Select "A" from the main menu. This will download IR7 (InfiniteRearm 7).
5. 5 Select "A" from the InifinteRearm menu. This will install the InfiniteRearm service. The computer will restart.
6. 6 Now you can safely work with the system, as InfiniteRearm will constantly reset the timer in your trial version of the system.
7. 7 If the timer expires, reinstall the program and restart the process (the program must be reinstalled after 180 days).

Tips

• If you are unable to activate Windows 7 over the phone, then stay on the line. You will be connected to a customer service representative to help you.
• The Windows 7 product key can be found in the software box. If you downloaded the program on the Internet, you will receive the key in a confirmation email.