Genuine Windows Vista Quick Reference Guide
Published by: Microsoft
Date Published:
June 13, 2007
Download Microsoft PDF of Vista Quick Reference Guide with screenshots of genuine Windows Visa »
Things have changed with Windows Vista. The new Software Protection Platform, built into Windows Vista, makes the user experience noticeably different between a genuine version and non-genuine version of Windows Vista.
Top 5 reasons why you should get only genuine Windows Vista:
- Only genuine Windows Vista provides an enhanced user experience with an improved user interface and innovative visuals with Windows® Aero™*.
- Only genuine Windows Vista provides access to Windows ReadyBoost™, a way to speed up PC performance with readily available USB devices.
- Only genuine Windows Vista provides access to hundreds of updates and downloads of popular applications like Windows Media® Player to keep up-to-date over time.
- Only genuine Windows Vista provides the full features and protection from spyware and malware with Windows Defender.
- Only users of genuine Windows Vista have access to support from Microsoft.
Top 5 reasons why you should NEVER get a non-genuine version of Windows Vista:
- Constant desktop reminders will notify your customers they have installed non-genuine Windows Vista software.
- Great new features such as Windows Aero and Windows ReadyBoost are disabled.
- Non-security updates and downloads are denied, such as new releases of Windows Media Player and Windows Internet Explorer® 7.
- Information stored on the PC may be exposed to on-going risks from spyware, malware, and viruses.
- If Windows Vista is not activated with a genuine product key, the system will be put into reduced functionality which means:
- No desktop
- No start menu or task bar
- Windows Vista functionality is limited to the default web browser for 1 hour periods
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. My customer is requesting a PC without an operating system – what do I tell them?
A. The only way to acquire genuine Windows software on a new PC is via the OEM channel (preinstalled on a new PC) or via full packaged retail product. Volume Licensing only provides genuine Windows upgrades. If they are planning on using Windows on this PC, you should tell them:
- There are limited options for getting it later.
- It is more cost-effective to get it preinstalled.
- They are more likely to acquire a counterfeit version which puts their PCs at greater risk for spyware, malware, and viruses.
Q. If a customer has non-genuine Windows Vista on their PC or they do not activate what will they experience?
A. Non-genuine copies of Windows Vista lose access to key features, deny access to non-security updates and downloads, and eventually will not work properly. First, customers will have a constant reminder on their screen that says they are not running genuine Windows software. Second, customers won’t have access to non-security updates and downloads. Third, customers won’t have access to the great new features available in Windows Vista, such as Windows Aero and Windows ReadyBoost. Eventually, Windows Vista will go into reduced functionality.
Q. What is reduced functionality?
A. In reduced functionality, users will experience no desktop, no start menu or task bar, and Windows Vista functionality will be limited to the default browser for 1 hour periods.
Q. How does Windows Vista activation differ from Windows XP?
A. Volume license activation has changed and volume license keys cannot be used to circumvent the activation process. The new Software Protection Platform built into Windows Vista, identifies non-genuine versions or versions that have been tampered. During original installation, or as updates and enhancements are installed, Windows Vista can identify stolen, leaked, false or abused keys. If a system is determined to be non-genuine, key features will be disabled and the operating system will go into reduced functionality.
Q. How does Windows Vista activation work?
A. The product activation process has changed with Windows Vista. After initial installation, product activation with a genuine product key is required.
- If activation fails, there is a 30-day grace period.
- If activation does not occur, Windows Vista will go into a “non-genuine” state with reduced functionality.
Q. What is validation?
A. Validation is required for many valuable and popular downloads and updates. Validation is a quick, easy, and confidential online process that enables customers to verify whether their Windows Vista software is genuine. Once validated as genuine, customers can gain access to valuable downloads, updates, and more.
Q. What is Microsoft doing to help fight piracy?
A. In addition to broad-based education on piracy and new engineering of products and tools that make piracy harder, Microsoft is continuing to increase its enforcement activity against counterfeiters to help protect our honest channel.
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