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A previous tip pointed out the SLMGR.vbs script that you can use for license related tasks in Vista. The D’ Technology Weblog points out one of the things you can SLMGR for; extend use of Vista without activation for up to 120 days.
By default, Vista will run fully for 30 days without activation, after that, it will go into ‘Reduced Functionality Mode’, which basically gives you enough resources to be able to activate the OS. SLMGR has a function called Rearm that allows you to extend your ‘evaluation period’ by 30 days. The rearm function is said to work three times, which would extend your non-activated use to 120 days total.
So how do you use it? It’s simple, just click on your Start menu, and in the search box type cmd and press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER (to run the command prompt with elevated privileges).
In the command prompt window, type slmgr -rearm and hit Enter.
Wait for about 10 seconds, and you’ll get a confirmaton window that the command completed successfully, and that a reboot is required to complete the task.
Note that you should be able to just type slmgr.vbs -rearm in the search box, followed by CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER, but both of the machines I tried that on told me that it failed because it needed elevated privileges, even though the CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER provided this.
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Comments
Live on Vista for 120 Days without Activation at Lorgor
Jan 24, 2007 at 9:53 pm
[...] Basically, Windows Vista allow you to run with full function for 30 days without activation. If you failed to activate within that 30 days, it will run as Reduced Function which allowing you for 1 hour with Internet access to purchase a licence. If you want to evaluate Windows Vista for 120 days, ITVISTA has a tip for you. What you need to do is run Command Prompt (cmd) with Administer Privileges, type slmgr -rearm and hit Enter. Wait for 10 seconds then you will get conformation, reboot your computer and it done. This method will give you another 30 days. You can only do this for three times. There is a script that can do this job, but I won’t mention where to get it. reddit_url = ‘http://www.lorgor.net/2007/01/25/live-on-vista-for-120-days-without-activation/’; [...]
TheHaole
Aug 26, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Does such a function exist that will work with other Windows programs (ie Adobe, MS Office etc)?
Augusto Alvarez : Installing and Configuring WDS (Windows Deployment Services): Full Images Deployment (Part I)
Jan 26, 2008 at 9:13 am
[...] (delta) files between those two. 3 – Rearm activations: If you use the command line “slmgr –rearm” on the Vista installations to reset back your grace period back to 30 days, you should know [...]
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