As flipflop63 posted, I would recommend KMS Auto for Windows activation. It's a highly useful tool which is free and easy to use. I use this for all my Office/Windows activation needs. You can choose between Easy mode and professional mode (which incorporates VL conversion mode). To switch between modes, click on the "about" tab and the option is in the bottom right corner. This means that you can convert a retail version to a volume licence version, which may be necessary in order to activate. At least I know this to be true for MS Office in some cases. Please note that most anti-virus programs will detect this program as a threat. However, it is not a threat, at least not to the user, so you will need to create an exception for it within whatever program you use, and may need to disable real-time protection while you are performing an activation. So, to be on the safe side, disconnect from any networks/WIFI whilst doing this. Don't forget to turn back on your real time protection once you have activated, and before you reconnect to any networks! Hope that helps!