If you need to activate Windows it will tell you. Just follow the
directions - it will connect and activate you if it can else it will give
you a phone number to call. Registration is optional but I always do it.
Galen
--
"But there are always some lunatics about. It would be a dull world
without them."
Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Activate Windows
You will get a message if you have already activated.
Activation and registration are not related. You activate Windows. You
register yourself. (As an XP user if you want to), Registration has nothing
to do with activation other than that Microsoft offers to let you register
at the same time you activate.