Active Virus Shield needs a license key to operate. You are given the key based on an activation code and it gives you the right to use the program from the day you purchase it and install the key.

When the license key expires, the program will continue working, except that you will not be able to update threat signatures. As before, you will be able to scan your computer for viruses and use the protection components, but only using the threat signatures that you had when the license expired. We cannot guarantee that you will be protected from viruses that surface after your program license expires.

To avoid infecting your computer with new viruses, we recommend extending your Active Virus Shield license. The program will notify you two weeks prior to the expiration of your license. For two weeks the program will display this message every time you open it.