: If you must stay on Windows 7 for legacy software, look for legitimate refurbished hardware that includes an original COA (Certificate of Authenticity) sticker.
The primary danger of these "activators" is the high probability of malware. Since these tools require you to disable your antivirus and grant administrative privileges, they are common vectors for: : If you must stay on Windows 7
: Microsoft's "Windows Genuine Advantage" (WGA) updates can detect many of these loaders, resulting in your desktop background turning black and persistent "Your copy of Windows is not genuine" notifications. Legal and Ethical Considerations : If you must stay on Windows 7