I'm being picky here... but...

You either have activation or not... Period...

A large OEM might have BIOS locking which eliminates activation.

A small OEM is supposed to "reseal" the OS during/after a pre-install
to make sure you have the "full OutOfTheBox" experience, (and a full
30 days to activate) as required in their OEM licensing program...
Part of that is so the new user sees the activation, the agreement to
the license terms, etc...

If a small OEM takes back a system, re-firbs it,"reseals the activation",
and re-sells it, they are supposed to inform the new owner it has been
activated at least once... (Not to mention that it is kind of "used"...)

                                                          Rick Glazier

From: "Joe Lore" <[log in to unmask]>
> You don't have to register, you do have to activate with exceptions.
> Some OEM, Tier1, manufacturers do the activation for you prior to
> shipping systems to the channel.  That and Corporate licensing are
> exempt from activation.

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