Installation ID Windows 7 generates this ID using the Hardware ID and Product ID. You learn about Key Management Services and deploying keys in an unattended installation later in this lesson. You can deploy keys through the unattended installation process. Unless Key Management Services is in use, this key must be input on the computer running the Windows 7 operating system. This is either a retail key or a Multiple Activation Key. This ID is unique and changes if the hardware configuration of the computer changes. Hardware ID This identifier is generated using information about computer hardware configuration. These identifiers have the following properties: WPA relies on two specific identifiers and a third identifier that Windows generates based on the previous two identifiers. After the grace period expires, the WPA process must successfully occur or Windows enters reduced functionality mode. You can use this command to extend the activation period only three times. Each use of this command extends the activation period for 30 days. You can extend this 30-day period to a total of 120 days by using the slmgr.vbs–rearm command. Windows 7 must undergo the WPA process within 30 days of the completed installation. Microsoft uses WPA to ensure that it is possible to use the Windows 7 operating system on a computer only when the computer has a license. Windows Product ActivationĮach computer that runs the Windows 7 operating system installed in your organization must undergo Windows Product Activation (WPA). To find out more about volume licensing, consult the following reference on the Microsoft Web site. You can use a mixture of retail, volume license, and OEM keys in an organizational environment.
You can use volume license keys only with computers running the Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise operating systems. Volume licenses include the Open, Select, and Enterprise agreement types. Volume License keys are made available to organizations that have a volume licensing agreement with Microsoft. Because a retail key is used only for a single computer, this type is not used with zero touch or lite touch automated volume deployments. You can use the Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7 with retail keys. Retail keys are provided when you buy a retail copy of Windows 7. Computers that have OEM licenses undergo activation prior to being deployed to customers. The product keys associated with an OEM license do not allow you to transfer the license to a computer made by a different vendor. This license type is used with computers that are sold with Windows 7 already installed by the vendor, such as those you might purchase from your local computer retailer. OEM licenses are tied to a specific hardware vendor. Windows 7 uses three types of license: the OEM license, the retail license, and the volume license. Understand different Windows 7 licensing options.ĭescribe licensing options for virtual clients.Įstimated lesson time: 40 minutes Windows 7 Editions and Licensing