Find out what happens when Windows Vista with SP1 is not activated and becomes non-genuine.
Windows Vista can be installed and evaluated for 30 days without entering a product key during the installation. This guide shows you some of what happens once Windows Vista with SP1 has not been activated and is not genuine.
Delayed Log On
When you log on Windows Vista a message appears that gives you an option to activate Windows Vista now or activate it later. You have to wait 15 seconds before the activate later button is clickable.
Some Features Stop Working
Some feature like Dream Scene stop working. Services like optional Windows updates and software that require genuine validation won’t be installed.
Weird Desktop Background Behavior
The background shows a message in the lower right corner that says “Windows Vista ™ Build 6001 This copy of Windows is not genuine” and often changes to a blank black background.



