Friday, March 4, 2011

Understanding WAT

WAT is the acronym for Windows Activation Technologies.

This is the collective name for the processes that Microsoft use to determine whether you are running a "genuine" licensed copy of Windows.

When Windows is "Activated" the "Validation" Task (part of the WAT collective) checks the certificate installed on your computer with the one registered at Microsoft for the copy of Windows that you are using.

This certificate can be assigned to a single copy of Windows or it can be part of a "Mass Activation" that is assigned to a particular manufacturer.

There are levels of activation techniques employed by Microsoft including: Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK) - descriptions of these can be found on the Microsoft website.

Microsoft primarily use scare techniques to persuade users to install "genuine" software.
There is no reason why you cannot install a single "genuine" copy of Windows 7 on multiple computers with a mass activation certificate.
This then negates Microsoft's argument that you are running a risk by using counterfeit software.

If you are knowledgeable enough to contemplate the use of a method to bypass their efforts (Daz or other) you are more than capable of installing an OEM copy of Windows on all your computers.

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