To reduce piracy, Windows XP introduced product activation. Windows Activation requires Windows to activate with Microsoft (either online or over the phone) within a certain amount of time in order to continue using the operating system. The feature is still part of Windows operating system including Windows Servers too. here is few simple commands, that shows Windows Activation status.

For Windows XP/Windows Server 2003

In Run dialog box, type and execute the following command.

oobe/msoobe /a

The absolute path of executable is: X:\Windows\System32\oobe\msoobe.exe

Where X: is your Windows drive and /a is command-line argument to the executable.

For Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008 or later

In StartSearch or Run dialog box, type and execute the following command.

slui

The absolute path of executable is: X:\Windows\System32\slui.exe

Where X: is your Windows drive. It also works on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Applies To:

• Windows XP family
• Windows Server 2003 family
• Windows Server 2003 R2 family
• Windows Vista family
• Windows Server 2008 family
• Windows 7 family
• Windows Server 2008 R2 family