virtualbox.org

I recently downloaded and installed Virtual Box in an effort to access Internet Explorer to use a program that only works with Windows. I don;t need permanent access and was thinking I would be able to gain access for free using a deferred activation or trial windows Trial period. However, when I try to run my virtual machine I am prompted to "Activate Windows", which then asks for a product key. Is there a workaround for this or do I have to buy a full license to Windows Vista to use it this one time?

It is probably pre-activated for the VirtualPC hardware recipe it is designed for. Best ask Microsoft if and how you would get around that: we can't help you circumvent copy protection mechanisms.