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Microsoft

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes February 26, 2007, 12:49 AM PST

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Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 1

Image 1

This gallery shows you what you can expect from Windows Vista when it enters reduced functionality mode.

This is an unactivated copy of Windows Vista running in Virtual PC 2007. Things are currently running normally – but this is about to change as I push the date forward to 1 day after the deadline for activation.

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 12

Image 12

Control Panel is looking sparse.

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 13

Image 13

Problem Reports and Solutions is no help either.

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 14

Image 14

If instead of entering reduced functionality mode (image 3) you choose to enter another product key, this is what you see.

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 15

Image 15

I’ve now pushed the date on another 30 days after expiry of the trial mode and things are looking more basic now. No desktop wallpaper, no Start Menu, no wallpaper. Here are the alternative activation methods (another option from the dialog box displayed in image 3).

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 16

Image 16

What, no Task Bar?

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 17

Image 17

You can still use Internet Explorer to access the file system …

Windows Vista running in reduced functionality mode

Image 18

Image 18

… and Command Prompt still works.

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