|
-
Q: What is activation?
A: Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and that it has not been used on more computers than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. In this way, activation helps prevent software counterfeiting. With an activated copy of Windows, you'll be able to use every Windows feature.
Back to Top
Q: Is activation the same as registration?
A: No. Activation is required, but registration is not. Activation is the process of ensuring that your copy of Windows is used according to the Microsoft Software License Terms, whereas registration is the process of entering information (such as your e mail address) to sign up for product support, tools and tips, and other product benefits.
Back to Top
Q: Does activation collect information that is used to contact me?
A: The information collected during activation will not be used to contact you.
Read the Windows privacy statement on the Microsoft website.
Back to Top
Q: Is activation required?
A: You have 30 days after installing Windows to activate it online or by telephone. If this 30-day period expires before you complete activation, some Windows features will stop working until you activate your copy of Windows.
Back to Top
Q: How do I activate Windows?
A: You can activate either online or by phone. To activate online you need an Internet connection. Activating by phone requires interacting with an automated phone system.
To activate Windows on this computer, do the following:
Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button  , clicking Computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking Click here to activate Windows now.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
You can then select the method you want to use to activate.
Note: If you chose to automatically activate Windows online when you set up your computer, automatic activation begins trying to activate your copy of Windows three days after you log on for the first time.
Back to Top
Q: How many times can I install Windows on my computer before I have to activate Windows again?
A: You can reinstall Windows on the same computer as many times as you want because activation pairs the Windows product key with information about your computer's hardware. If you make a significant hardware change, you might have to activate Windows again.
Back to Top
Q: Will I ever need to activate my current copy of Windows again?
A: Maybe. You might have to activate Windows again if:
- You uninstall Windows on one computer and install it on another. During installation, enter the product key that came with your copy of Windows. If automatic activation fails, follow the instructions that walk you through activating Windows by phone. You will have 30 days to activate your copy of Windows.
- You make a significant hardware change to your computer, such as upgrading the hard disk and memory at the same time. If a major hardware change requires activating Windows again, you will be notified and will have three days to activate your copy of Windows.
- You reformat your hard disk. Reformatting erases your activation status. In this case, you'll have 30 days to activate Windows again.
- A virus infects your computer and deletes your activation status.
If you have to activate Windows again, you don't need to buy a new product key.
To activate Windows on this computer, do the following:
Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button  , clicking Computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking Click here to activate Windows now.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Back to Top
Q: How do I check my Windows activation status on this computer?
A: To check your Windows activation status, do the following:
- Open System by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
- Under Windows activation, you can view your activation status. You can also change your product key by clicking Change product key.
Back to Top
Q: How do I get a new Windows product key?
A: If your Windows product key is not valid, if you don't have a Windows product key, or if you lost the product key that came with your copy of Windows, you'll need to buy a new one to activate Windows. For more information, go to the Microsoft website.
Back to Top
Q: What happens if I don’t activate Windows?
A: If you don't activate Windows within 30 days after installation, Windows will stop working. If this happens, you won't be able to create new files or save changes to existing ones. You can regain full use of your computer by activating your copy of Windows.
To activate Windows on this computer, do the following:
Open Windows Activation by clicking the Start button , clicking Computer, clicking Properties, and then clicking Click here to activate Windows now. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Back to Top
Q: Where do I find my Windows product key for activation?
A: You can find your product key on your computer or on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package.
The product key sticker looks like this:
Windows product key sticker
Back to Top
Q: Where do I find my computers serial #?
A: The serial # is a six digit number located on the back of the tower, on the bottom of the notebook, or on the User's Manual.
Back to Top
Q: What do I do with all these CDs I received with my Mirus Computer?
A: Please note: The majority of software programs have been pre-installed on your Mirus computer for your convenience. With minor exceptions such as your printer.
Some programs require you to insert a CD, but the program will give you a message when it needs you to do this.
Caution: Your system can become corrupt if you try to install programs that are already installed in your computer.
Back to Top
Q: What do I do with the extra cables and screws that came with my computer?
A: Just put these away. They may come in handy someday when you upgrade your computer.
Back to Top
Q: What is "Phoenix Recovery Pro"?
A: Phoenix Recovery Pro is a recovery tool built into the core of your computer. As part of the Phoenix Core Managed Environment (cME), this ideal recovery solution stores user data, applications, and the operating system in a secured area of your hard drive.
With Phoenix you can recovery your computer to Factory Settings, or recover your computer to the way it was yesterday.
Back to Top
Q: I did not receive a manual with my Notebook, where can I obtain one?
A: Laptop manuals are in electronic form, not paper. The location of the electronic manual can vary per model. Most manuals are located on the notebook drivers cd.
NOTE: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher to view these files
Back to Top
Q: How to clean my LCD flat panel monitor?
A: When cleaning the LCD screen it is important to remember to not spray any liquids onto the LCD directly, do not use a paper towel as it may cause the LCD to become scratched. We recommend that you use a soft cotton cloth, if a dry cloth does not completely clean the screen you can apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth and wipe the screen with the damp cloth.
Back to Top
Q: How do I reinstall drivers?
A: Drivers are the software that Microsoft Windows needs to use a specific hardware device, such as a sound card or printer. Each device is unique and may have an installation program. Or, the device may require you to use the Windows Installation Wizards. Please check any notes for the specific device, and feel free to contact our technical support team for further assistance.
Back to Top
Q: I am having a problem with my Mirus computer. What should I do?
A: The easiest thing to do is restart your computer and see if the problem persists.
Take note as to when a problem occurs, such as whether it happens every hour, on the hour, after the computer has been running for 20 minutes; whenever you go online; whenever you run a program, etc. Write down each error message, exactly how it appears on your screen.
If you need further assistance, you may fill out the tech request located on this site or call tech support 877-647-8763 for assistance.
Some helpful technical service hints:
- Be specific regarding each technical problem you are experiencing. Notes are helpful!
- Refer to how often and when the problem occurs as well as any changes (i.e. preferences) you have made to your computer apart from the initial settings. This can oftentimes expedite diagnosis of the problem.
Back to Top
Q: What can I do to help keep my Mirus computer running smoothly?
A: First, you should keep your computer in a clean, dust-free environment.
Next, make sure your computer has adequate ventilation, particularly in the back of the system. If the computer consistently runs too high without proper ventilation, the components could wear out sooner.
Also, make sure the power supply to the computer is properly grounded and consistent. Unprotected power surges and drops can damage an entire computer system. If the power to your computer is unstable, you may want to pick up a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to protect your investment.
Through time, your computer's files may become disorganized - or, in computer terms - 'fragmented'. To help resolve this, you should periodically 'defrag' your computer. For more information, go to the Start menu, click on Help and Support then type 'defrag' in the Search window.
Finally, you should back up anything you spend time creating on your computer - documents, photos, etc. To back up your information, you can copy files to a floppy disk or use your CD-RW drive to back up files.
Back to Top
|
