Readers to Microsoft: Copy Controls? No Way!

A Walk Through Product Activation

Product activation may sound as unpleasant as dental extraction, but the reality is slightly less fearsome, thanks to a soothing blue interface and reasonable-sounding on-screen explanations.

You'll bump into Product Activation toward the end of the installation or upgrade process but before the Windows XP (or Office) interface appears. A screen asks, "Are you ready to activate Windows?" You must then select one of two options: 'Yes, activate Windows over the Internet now,' or 'No, remind me every few days.'

If you choose no, Microsoft says, the reminders will continue for 30 days, at which point you'll be unable to log on to Windows XP until the product is activated. (You can launch Office XP components a total of 50 times before activation is required.) If you're in the mood to activate but have already booted up, you can use the Activate Windows wizard that lurks on Windows' Start menu to do the job.

If you click the Yes option, Windows next asks if you'd like to register, a separate and optional process. The program then forwards the activation and registration data to Microsoft via the Internet. Microsoft's servers either accept the data or send a message saying you need to contact Microsoft.

A third option--calling a Microsoft operator on a toll-free number--will also be available at XP's launch, Microsoft says. This involves reading a 50-digit installation ID number on your screen to the operator, who will read back a 42-digit number for you to type on the screen. You may want to get that Internet connection working instead.