Access Your Computer With Reduced Functionality

i forgot to backup my files on a vista computer i am using that came with my laptop, i installed it on my virtual machine but now it has expired and there are some files i would like to back up, so incase anyone else finds themeselves in the same situation, you can extend the 30 days limit to like 120 days

when i first log on to my computer it gives me some options

Windows Activation

Activate Windows Now

Your activation period has expired and window is no longer working.
To use Windows you must activate this copy of windows.

* Activate Windows online now

* Access your computer with reduced functionality
this will also allow you to buy a product key online

* Retype your product key

*Show me other ways to activate


so i choose Access your computer with reduced functionality

once you are on internet explorer, hit the alt key, the hit the o key (for open)

a windows popsup, enter: c:\windows\explorer.exe and click OK

on the windows that come next, be sure to hit run and ok,

you will now have access to the start button,

so go to start and enter on the search field: Command - then click ok

you will see the command utility shows up, right click on it and select 'Run as Administrator'

once you are in the command prompt enter: slmgr.vbs -rearm

after you have sent this command wait like 10 seconds, you will see a confirmation message, now reboot your computer with this commmand:

shutdown -r -t 1

this will reboot your computer and you will have access to your files again


access your computer with reduced functionality