This topic is not about some specific problem I have, this topic exists because of recent discussions with Sasquatch, PerryG etc, in which it became clear that it would be a good idea to have a dedicated discussion thread in which facts about Windows activation can be separated from fiction. Note that all Windows versions from XP onwards have an activation feature (Win2K was the last version that didn't).
Here are some basic questions (off the top of my head) which I expect this discusson to answer.
What VirtualBox VM settings can (if changed) trigger a reactivation message? The answer may be different for different Windows versions.
Is true that once Windows decides that reactivation is required you must reactivate? Or will Windows be happy again if you just correct the settings problem?
Are there VirtualBox VM settings which the user cannot control which may also trigger reactivation? (VM UUID triggers Win7 guest activation?).