WARNING: Please read before continuing ▼
Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~1 Minute
Last Updated: 5th November 2009
Applies to: Windows
Since Windows XP, Microsoft has required that all CD keys are validated with them at install time, to combat piracy. Whilst this generally has little impact, if you have misplaced your CD key, or are waiting for one to arrive, you can end up locked out of your own computer.
Luckily, there is a way to extend this evaluation period for another 2 months, up to a maximum of 3.
To do this, open an elevated command prompt, and enter the following command:
1 | slmgr -rearm |
A confirmation box will pop up, click it and restart your machine. After logging back in, there will be a short message regarding Genuine Windows, with an option to solve the problem now, or ask later. Clicking “ask me later” extends the evaluation period a further month.
After doing this, you may find that you need to re-enable aero (the transparent and pretty Windows user interface), and set your desktop background again. To re-enable aero, right click on the desktop and select “display”. Click the “Windows 7″ theme, and aero will be re-enabled.