
This process is intended to reduce the retailer's risk of theft. Point of Sale activation is an activation method that occurs at the store when the software is purchased Similar to pre-paid services, gift cards and loyalty cards the software contains a barcode that must be "unlocked" at the register during the sale transaction. Most customers have used Product Activation to date with little or no difficulty. For those who obtain a copy of the software illegally, Product Activation will make their inappropriate use of the product more difficult.

Product Activation is designed to be simple and unobtrusive for customers who legitimately acquire the software license. Will Product Activation make it more difficult for customers to install and use the software? They may also find that the counterfeit software contains viruses or does not perform as well as the genuine product. Customers who purchase counterfeit products could find they are missing key elements, such as user manuals, product keys, certificates of authenticity and even software code.

Product Activation also helps prevent unsuspecting customers from purchasing counterfeit software. How does the customer benefit from this approach? Installations beyond those allowed in the license agreement will fail to activate. Product Activation will help reduce casual copying by ensuring that the copy of the software product being installed is legal and has been installed on a PC in compliance with the End User License Agreement (EULA). How will your Product Activation help stop piracy? This ensures better products and more innovation for the customer. Over time, reduced piracy means that the software industry can invest more in product development, quality and support. Product activation is a simple way to verify the software license and stop the spread of software piracy. Why are customers being asked to activate their software? No, the product cannot be remotely disabled through product activation. More information on volume licensing.Ĭan a product be remotely disabled through product activation? Product activation will not be required for licenses acquired by a customer through one of our volume licensing programs. The software on a new PC from an OEM may be activated in the factory. Which customers will be required to activate?Īll customers who purchase retail packaged products or a new PC from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will be required to activate the software. In most instances product activation will not be required for licenses acquired by a customer through one of our volume licensing programs. Product activation will be required in retail packaged products. Which products will include Product Activation?
