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Thread: Windows Server 2008 Activation

  1. #1
    Chris Martin Guest

    Windows Server 2008 Activation

    I'm experimenting with using (and MSDN copy of) Windows Server 2008 as a
    workstation OS. So far so good, but when I go to activate this copy of
    windows I get an error:

    "The Software Licensing Service reported that the computer could not be
    activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) is not enabled"

    I'm trying to read around the subject, but haven't found anything to
    explain my error.

    Do I need to download the KMS software (as I believe was required for
    Server 2003)? Should it already be installed, if so, which features must
    I eneable?

    Thanks in advance.

    Chris

  2. #2
    Dusko Savatovic Guest

    Re: Windows Server 2008 Activation

    Did you enter a valid key?

    "Chris Martin" <cjmnews04@removeme.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
    news:uuuYoUKUJHA.6060@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
    > I'm experimenting with using (and MSDN copy of) Windows Server 2008 as a
    > workstation OS. So far so good, but when I go to activate this copy of
    > windows I get an error:
    >
    > "The Software Licensing Service reported that the computer could not be
    > activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) is not enabled"
    >
    > I'm trying to read around the subject, but haven't found anything to
    > explain my error.
    >
    > Do I need to download the KMS software (as I believe was required for
    > Server 2003)? Should it already be installed, if so, which features must I
    > eneable?
    >
    > Thanks in advance.
    >
    > Chris



  3. #3
    Chris Martin Guest

    Re: Windows Server 2008 Activation

    Dusko Savatovic wrote:
    > Did you enter a valid key?
    >


    Technically, no... The licence is an MSDN copy, and thus is
    pre-programmed with an appropriate key.

    However, this is not a refused activation - when this happens there is a
    distinct message to this effect and you are pointed to an MS phone line.

    This is an error in the activation process such that either something is
    not configured properly in order to attempt activation or perhaps the
    system is looking for a local activation service that doesn't actually
    exist.

  4. #4
    Dusko Savatovic Guest

    Re: Windows Server 2008 Activation

    "Chris Martin" <cjmnews04@removeme.yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message
    news:%23bqO95KUJHA.5080@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
    > Dusko Savatovic wrote:
    >> Did you enter a valid key?
    >>

    >
    > Technically, no... The licence is an MSDN copy, and thus is pre-programmed
    > with an appropriate key.
    >
    > However, this is not a refused activation - when this happens there is a
    > distinct message to this effect and you are pointed to an MS phone line.
    >
    > This is an error in the activation process such that either something is
    > not configured properly in order to attempt activation or perhaps the
    > system is looking for a local activation service that doesn't actually
    > exist.


    Exactly. The local activation service is called KMS.
    However, you are eligible for KMS activation only:
    a) if you have a valid KMS key (this is not included in MSDN license).
    b) if you have KMS server set up and running
    c) if you have accumulated at least 5 servers on the network that need
    activation.

    If you are not eligible for KMS activation, you need to obtain individual
    license(s) and proceede with individual activation methods (Internet,
    phone).



  5. #5
    Chris Martin Guest

    Re: Windows Server 2008 Activation

    Dusko Savatovic wrote:

    >
    > Exactly. The local activation service is called KMS.
    > However, you are eligible for KMS activation only:
    > a) if you have a valid KMS key (this is not included in MSDN license).
    > b) if you have KMS server set up and running
    > c) if you have accumulated at least 5 servers on the network that need
    > activation.
    >
    > If you are not eligible for KMS activation, you need to obtain
    > individual license(s) and proceede with individual activation methods
    > (Internet, phone).
    >
    >


    Yes... after checking, the current key is of a different format to the
    expected (obviously because it is a KMS key), and when I check on MSDN,
    the actual key I need obeys the standard format (4x5 chrs).

    Thanks

    Chris

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    1

    Re: Windows Server 2008 Activation

    Just change your product key instead of activating windows. The Change Product Key is right below the Windows Activates in XXX Days. All Windows Server installs are setup with KMS during initial MSDN Installs.

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