Issue with change of status from H4 to H1

[Himab]

Hi,
I got my h1b approved for the 2009 quota.Currently I'm on h4 visa but I've not started working yet.Infact I've not applied for my SSN or change of status.Since the job market has slowed down past 6 months, I never tried finding a job.I wanna start working towards the end of year 2009.Now my question is how long can I be on my h4 status?Should I change my status even if I don't wanna work now?If that's the case, should I ask my employer to generate paystubs after I apply for change of status?Can I apply/change the status later this year if things get ok?How long the approved h1b is valid?Is it the same mentioned in my h1 approval notice?

[txh1b]

Was your H1b a COS? If so, take time and read thousands of post that say that not working on H1b is illegal. You are NOT on H4 status anymore from Oct 1, 2008.