You got 30 days to activate your windows operating system, once the time period is over you can’t log into Windows anymore and most users feel a little desperate. What can they do to access their important files, where can they find help about this problem ? Steve discovered a clever way to access the internet and file folders from the login screen of an expired windows installation.
Once you try to login an error message should appear explaining that Windows can’t be started before it is activated. Click Yes on that screen which opens up a Lets activate window. Press Windows + U and click on the computer icon on the left corner of the new window. Select About Narrator in the drop down menu which opens some information about this function and a link that is called Microsoft Web Site.
Clicking that link opens the Internet Explorer and you can surf the web as usual to find information about the problem. Instead of opening a url you can also use the Internet Explorer to display folders on your operating system, et voila, you can access the internet and your files on a locked Windows system.
This is of course only a temporary solution, you will need to find a way to activate your windows system. A better way for situations like these would be to have a linux live cd handy which could be used to access the internet and your files.
You can alternatively try the rearm command to extend the activation period. Check out Extend the Vista activation period for instance to find out how to do that under Windows Vista. Similar options are available for users running Windows 7 or even newer operating systems than that.
The method basically resets the activation timer so that you start again at day 0 of registration. You cannot repeat the process indefinitely though.
Enjoyed the article?: Then sign-up for our free newsletter or RSS feed to kick off your day with the latest technology news and tips, or share the article with your friends and contacts on Facebook or Twitter.Related Articles:
Internet Explorer: Expired Cookie RemoverInternet Explorer Expired Cookies Cleaner
How To Save Searches In Windows To Access Files Faster
Quick Access Bar, Get Fast Access To Folders In Windows
Microsoft Windows Live Offline Installation
usually you can just press CTRL+ALT+DEL and goto file > new task and run explorer.exe
I used this for a few weeks when i hadn’t activated windows yet