Hi splunger,
The explanation below is taken from pp 48-49 of 'Windows Vista Inside Out'
"Dealing with Product Validation
After you successfully activate your copy of Windows Vista, you’re still
subject to periodic anti-piracy checks from Microsoft. This process, called
validation, verifi es that your copy of Windows Vista has not been tampered
with to bypass activation. It also allows Microsoft to undo the activation
process for a computer when it determines after the fact that the product key
was stolen or used in violation of a volume licensing agreement.
Validation takes two forms: an internal tool that constantly checks
licensing and activation files to determine that they haven’t been tampered
with; and an online tool that restricts access to some downloads and updates.
If your system fails validation, some key features no longer work, including
the Windows Vista Aero interface, ReadyBoost, and Windows Defender. Updates
to Windows are also unavailable, with the exception of critical security
updates delivered via Automatic Updates.
In Microsoft’s parlance, a system that has failed a validation check is no
longer “genuine,†and messages to that effect appear on the desktop and when
you attempt to access
features that have been restricted. After the initial validation failure,
you have 30 days to reactivate and revalidate. When that grace period
expires, Windows shifts into a “reduced functionality mode,†in which your
ability to use Windows is severely limited.
There is no Start menu, desktop icons are hidden, and the desktop background
is solid black. You can use Internet Explorer for one hour, at which time the
system logs you out
with no warning.
If this sounds like an unpleasant experience, you’re right. Dialog boxes
that appear when you shift into reduced functionality mode allow you to
activate Windows or purchase
a product key online; if you feel that the validation or activation failure
is in error, you should contact Microsoft as soon as possible after seeing
the initial warning message
rather than waiting for the 30-day grace period to expire."
Dwarf