So you can’t activate your spanking brand new Microsoft Surface and the device is pretty much useless?

There’s a simple fix for this. I’ve had to do this several times on new Microsoft Surface devices.  Basically, the Windows activation server is confused by the fact that your device’s bad date and time.  (Silly, I know).  To fix the problem:

Swipe from the right to get the charms menu.
Select Change PC settings.
Select Time and Language.
Turn off the ‘Set time automatically’ option.
Click the button under Change Date and time.
Set the correct date and time.

Boom.

Your device will automatically activate. And you are whole once again.