You must activate Windows within 3 days to continue using all Windows features?

[Sleetz]

I have had this HDD for a little over 2 years now and never had this issue.

 

[Joe Porter]

Have you recently reinstalled windows?

 

[Lee-m]

If it was genuine the activate online button should would work.

You don't say anything about your windows version or system spec. Is it an OEM ? did you install windows your self ? could a recent update have found your version to be a pirate with out your knowledge of it being so ?

 

[Sleetz]

I have not recently installed Windows. I have Windows 7 Premium. It is an OEM from iBuyPower (they built my old PC which died within a year) but I have been using the HDD ever since with no issues on my new build.

I was playing CS:GO and my internet went out while I was using a wired connection so I plugged in my wireless adapter so I could check to see if I got a competitive ban by using my mobile hot spot for only a few minutes. I had to install the drivers through the disc that came with the adapter and after rebooting I got the activation message. I update my drivers/BIOS whenever there is one so this is strange that it would happen so randomly.

 

[Wolfshadw]

That version of Windows is tied to your old IBuyPower system. Per the license agreement, you cannot just take that old hard drive and put it into a new system (I'm surprised that worked without a reinstall). The fact that you have been using it for some time now without issue is a moot point. Microsoft has determined that your license is not valid and needs to be re-activated. Click on the Activate Windows Online Now option and see what happens.

More than likely, online activation will fail and you will be asked in you would like to attempt activation over the phone. If so, choose that option and attempt activation that way. If that fails, you may be prompted to contact Microsoft directly and a technician may re-activate the OS for you. However, if none of the above work, then it's on you to purchase a new Windows license.

-Wolf sends

 

[Sleetz]

That makes sense Wolf. I went to sleep, powered off the computer, and am now returning from school and the message has not appeared again. I am so confused.