 In Vista’s early stages, Microsoft announced the Software Protection Platform, which is designed to safeguard its users from various forms of piracy and counterfeit software. The goal in implementing validation programs was to withhold important features from illegitimate users of Vista and include enhanced features only for genuine and licensed copies of Vista. This enactment was designed to protect the rightful owner of a legal copy of Vista, but even legal owners could accidentally trigger Vista’s Reduced Functionality mode, which prevents them from taking full advantage of the OS (operating system).
Because Reduced Functionality is a built-in security measure, do not be alarmed if you see the following notification appear:
Activate Windows Now. Your activation period has expired and Windows is no longer working.To use Windows you must activate this copy of Windows.
This message indicates that you're running Vista in Reduced Functionality mode. You’ll notice that the Taskbar is not available and that you cannot access particular programs, system-boosting features, and interface enhancements in Vista. You should still be able to use your Internet browser.
 Why Me?
Although Vista is implementing a safety precaution by placing your PC in Reduced Functionality mode, these system limitations can be frustrating and confusing. You might not know why your PC has changed its operating state. Happily, Microsoft explains the reasons behind Vista acting up.
Failing to activate your product within the required 30-day period will trigger Reduced Functionality. Also, if Vista identifies that your PC components have been altered significantly (such as hardware replacement) and that you didn’t reactivate Vista during the three-day grace period, your PC will operate at a reduced capacity. Using a nongenuine copy of Vista is another cause for Reduced Functionality mode. If you believe you might be accidentally running a pirated copy of Vista, see our “Counterfeit Or Genuine?” sidebar. | 
After authorizing your copy of Vista, the Validation Complete window will appear to confirm that you've completed the Microsoft validation process.
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These actions will result in two slightly different states of Reduced Functionality mode: out-of-grace and nongenuine. Your OS is running in out-of-grace mode if you missed one of the activation grace periods for your retail copy of Vista. Failing to reactivate Windows after changing either the original manufacturer motherboard or non-OEM motherboard will restrict you to out-of-grace mode, as well.
The other mode, nongenuine Reduced Functionality, occurs when the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) program is aware of a counterfeit or blocked product key. WGA uses product activation and online validation to authenticate your licensed version of Vista. If WGA discovers faulty or modified activation files, Vista will enter nongenuine Reduced Functionality mode.
Some Restrictions Apply
There are particular actions you won’t be able to perform when Vista is in out-of-grace or nongenuine Reduced Functionality mode. Namely, you won’t be about to use the Vista Aero Glass interface feature or ReadyBoost (for memory expansion) in Reduced Functionality. Built-in games (Freecell, Minesweeper, Solitaire, etc.) will be restricted in out-of-grace mode, also, and you won’t be able to stay logged on to Vista for more than one hour. Additionally, BitLocker (full disk encryption) will be missing if you find yourself in out-of-grace mode.
Return To A Functional PC
Before you can takes steps toward returning to full functionality, you’ll need to confirm that you indeed have a WGA version of Vista.
To verify the authorization of Vista, go to www.microsoft.com/genuine and click Validate Windows, which will take you to a new Web page. Next, click the Continue button under Validate Now and follow the prompts to install WGA, if necessary. If you’re running a genuine version of Vista, Windows will display the Validation Complete window in the Genuine Microsoft Software box. If your copy of Windows fails the validation test, you’ll be redirected to a Web site informing you about the possible causes of this problem. Microsoft will also suggest options for remedying the issue. For instance, you might qualify for a free replacement copy of Windows, as determined by Microsoft. Or, you can visit the Genuine Advantage Support page which provides recommendations for troubleshooting.
It may be necessary to re-enter your product key as your first troubleshooting method. If the Activate Windows Now pop-up message appears while you’re in Reduced Functionality mode, click Retype Your Product Key. Next, you’ll need to respond to the Uses Acceptance prompt. Lastly, locate your Vista installation disc holder and find the product key sticker on the packaging. Type in the product key for Vista.
In addition to retyping your product key, you have the option to activate Vista through an automated telephone system. To begin this method, click the Start menu, Computer, and System Properties. Select Click Here To Activate Windows Now inside the Windows activation section. Windows may ask you for an administrator password to confirm your identity; type your password, if necessary, and click Continue. Next, select Show Me Other Ways To Activate. Now you’ll choose Use The Automated Phone System. Take note of the instructions that follow to continue the troubleshooting process.
Another course of action will require you to install Windows Vista SP1 (Service Pack 1), if the above-mentioned steps result in no change. Keep in mind, however, that this resolution applies only if your copy of Vista is operating after the activation period has expired.
After you boot up Vista in Reduced Functionality mode, click Access Your Computer With Reduced Functionality. Next, you will need to open your Internet browser and type one of two URLs for either the 32-bit (tinyurl.com/yv6xct) or 64-bit (tinyurl.com /7bhjga) versions of Vista. Choose the version you originally installed on your machine and then go to the site. Here, you will follow the instructions to download Vista SP1. Once installed, you will encounter a prompt to activate Vista again.
Feeling Normal Again
Don’t forget that you can always contact Microsoft for further assistance if you are not able to return your PC to full functionality with the suggested fixes in this article. Call toll-free using the Microsoft Activation Centers Worldwide Telephone Numbers, which you can find at tinyurl.com/24uep.
Try every option available to you and get some additional assistance when you find that it is necessary. Then, your system should begin running properly, providing access to all your familiar features, applications, and programs. 
by Joanna Safford
Counterfeit Or Genuine?
Vista might be in Reduced Functionality mode for another reason: You may have purchased a counterfeit copy of Windows without knowing it.
Reduced Functionality mode is Vista’s way of keeping you safe, and you can never be too cautious about rogue software. To protect yourself from these types of scams, be sure that you avoid non-Microsoft.com downloads, rebundled software, and discounted “Microsoft” products from unfamiliar sources . Auction Web sites, spam messages, and street vendors are all possible distributers of bogus software. Beware of imitation packaging that mimics authentic versions of Vista. |
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