Microsoft Windows Home Server is a home server operating system that based on Windows Server 2003 SP2. Windows Home Server provides solution for homes with multiple connected PCs to offer file sharing, printer sharing, automated centralized backups, data redundancy, health monitoring, expandable storage space, media streaming with Windows Media Connect, and work as remote access gateway from Internet to workstation and as shadow copy service provider.

Microsoft is now giving away free Windows Home Server 120-Day Evaluation Kit, with free shipping without charge to deliver the package to your home. The Windows Home Server Evaluation Kit contains the following software products:

• Windows Home Server Installation DVD
• Windows Home Server Connector CD
• Home Computer Restore CD

To continue using Windows Home Server beyond the 120 days free evaluation trial period, you will require to purchase a license with pricing ranges from $150 to $200, or try the following trick to bypass the Windows Home Server activation requirement.

1. Click on Start button.
2. Click on Run.
3. Type regedit into the Run textbox and press Enter.
4. Navigate to the following registry key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WPAEvents
5. Note: From this step onward, the cracking process must be performed as quickly as possible, as it hacks activation stuff and Windows may change back the setting if there is a delay of more than few seconds.Locate a string value named OOBETimer.
6. Right-click on OOBETimer, and click on Modify.
7. Change the value to FF D5 71 D6 8B 6A 8D 6F D5 33 93 FD.
8. Click on OK.
9. Right-click on WPAEvents and select Permissions….
10. Click on Advanced button.
11. Uncheck the check box for Inherit from parent the permission entries that apply to child objects. Include these with entries explicitly defined here.
12. Click on Apply.
13. When prompted, click COPY.
14. From there, highlight the SYSTEM line, and click Edit.
15. Choose the Deny option to ban all users from accessing and editing the key.
16. Click on OK.
17. Reboot the computer.

Note: This article is provided for informational purpose only.