In the case of an installation without entering a product key, a 30-day test phase is available and only after this period has elapsed Windows Vista prompts you to enter the product key.
But if you haven't tested enough, you can extend this test phase up to 120 days.

 

 

 

How do I extend the 30 day period?

The maximum extension period is a total of 120 days.
However, this cannot be extended to this value all at once, but can be extended three times for 30 days.

Go to Start> All Programs> Accessories

Here click with the right mouse button command prompt and choose "Execute as administrator".

 

In the command prompt window that is now open, enter the command slmgr-rearm and hit enter.

 

 

After a restart, the period is extended by thirty days.

 

Information:

This command or the possibility of an extension is not a really secret trick, as it is often described on the net.
On the contrary, even Microsoft TechNet points out this possibility:

 

Quote:

What is Initial Grace?

Initial Grace (or OOB Grace) starts the first time you start your computer after you install the operating system. It provides 30 days for the computer to be activated. The Initial Grace period can only be restarted by running sysprep / generalize, or by using slmgr.vbs ?? rearm. These processes reset the Initial Grace timer to 30 days. This will only work three times.

 

Microsoft has built in the function for business customers who want to use Vista in large networks, for example. Since this function, except in the not freely available Windows Vista Enterprise Editions is available, the function can also be carried out by any home user.

 

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This tip comes from www.win-tipps-tweaks.de
© Copyright Michael Hille

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