Hi Scott,
a large number of Microsoft apps that run in the background, especially some
of the charms app require that you have a Microsoft account and are signed
in. This is not tied into your serial or installation key.
It's similar to an Apple I.D., and so to access some of these services, you
must be signed in.
If you press Windows key+C to access the charms bar, arrow to settings, or
PC Settings, I forget which term it is, and I think you can configure it
there.
I should also note that if you've got a MSN or Windows Messenger I.D., you
can use that particular credential.
Hope this helps.
Scorpio
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