What happens if I don activate Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2)?
In Windows Vista SP1 or SP2, once the grace period expires, you will begin receiving notifications reminding you to activate your copy of Windows. Should you choose to log on without activating, there will be a 15-second delay before you can log in and you will be reminded again to activate every time you log on to your computer. Furthermore, once you are logged in, you will notice that your desktop wallpaper has been changed to a black background. You will also receive periodic notifications reminding you to activate your copy of Windows. If you’re running a non-genuine copy of Windows Vista, you will receive periodic notifications that read, “This copy of Windows is not genuine.” Clicking on that notification will provide you with information and options on how to resolve the issue.
