Windows Activation - Windows could not be activated

leChameleon · **Joined:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:38 am **Posts:** 2

I apologize in advance if this topic has already been discussed.
I have looked through the forum posts already but was unable to find the same issue.
I'm quite new to Windows Server class OS's yet I'm very familiar with day to day PC, Mac, Linux and UNIX platforms.
This is also my first post to this forum.

I installed Windows Server 2008 Enterprise x86 (KRMSVOL_EN_DVD) three days ago and I've received, today, a pop-up message that states:

Quote:

Windows Activation
<!> Windows could not be activated
Key management services (KMS) host could not be located in domain name
system (DNS), please have your system administrator verify that a KMS is
published correctly in DNS. Learn more online
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929826/

Error:
0x8007232b
Description
DNS name does not exist.

When checking the system properties the Windows activation (located at the bottom of the window) notes: 57 day(s) to activate. Activate Windows now.

In reading the Microsoft Help & Support article it states:

Quote:

RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Set up a KMS server
Configure a computer on the network to host the KMS software. Then, publish the Domain Name System (DNS) settings. For infomation about how to set up a KMS server and for instructions about how to publish the DNS addresses, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

Method 2: Use a Multiple Activation Key
Change the product key to a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). To do this, open an elevated command prompt, and then type the following command:
slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
Notexxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx represents your MAK product key.

What I'm unable to determine is:

1. Is this just a notification which I can ignore and press the Close button and I still have 57 days until I perform my first rearm to extend the activation another 60 days?

2. Do I have to configure KMS or update a product key to continue to use Windows Server 2008 during the "trial" period?

Thank you in advance for any guidance on this matter.

aviv00 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:57 am **Posts:** 255

ur server ver is with volume activation not oem activation

leChameleon · **Joined:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:38 am **Posts:** 2

Yes volume activation. My intentions are to try it first for 240 days to see if it's stable enough for production. I figured any release would allow me this option, no?

I am wondering if I do nothing with the pop message does anyone know if I reboot will I have to reinstall the OS again or can I proceed to use this for the allocated time of (3) 60 day increments?

Arris · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:27 pm

Quote:

1. Is this just a notification which I can ignore and press the Close button and I still have 57 days until I perform my first rearm to extend the activation another 60 days?

It's just a notification. If the 60 days have been almost expired, you 'll need to execute the slmgr.vbs -rearm command to get your 60 days back. This rearm trick can be done 3 times.

Quote:

2. Do I have to configure KMS or update a product key to continue to use Windows Server 2008 during the "trial" period?

Nope, as long as you can use the trial period of 240 days you don't have to enter a productkey. As far as I know the only difference between a trial version and a full version is that in the full version you don't get the notifications about the number of days you have remain.

stumped · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:49 am **Posts:** 6

Arris wrote:

It's just a notification. If the 60 days have been almost expired, you 'll need to execute the slmgr.vbs -rearm command to get your 60 days back. This rearm trick can be done 3 times.

what do you have to do if ur 60 days has expired? (i haven't used this box for a while obviously...) as soon as i log in it comes up with the activate now thing, and if i don't enter a code or purchase a code it just logs me back out... help?

Arris · **Posted:** Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:42 pm

I don't have a (virtual) machine to test it, but maybe you can press ctrl+shift+esc while you see the "activate now thing", click New Task (Run...) in the File menu, enter slmgr.vbs -rearm, wait till you see the message that the command completed successfully and restart your pc.

An other solution might be to boot in Safe Mode (press repeatedly F8 before Windows starts) and do the trick in Safe Mode.

I can't think of an other solution right now, maybe I will think of one later, but first try these two methods!

Arris

stumped · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:49 am **Posts:** 6

Arris wrote:

I don't have a (virtual) machine to test it, but maybe you can press ctrl+shift+esc while you see the "activate now thing", click New Task (Run...) in the File menu, enter slmgr.vbs -rearm, wait till you see the message that the command completed successfully and restart your pc.

An other solution might be to boot in Safe Mode (press repeatedly F8 before Windows starts) and do the trick in Safe Mode.

I can't think of an other solution right now, maybe I will think of one later, but first try these two methods!

Arris

ctrl+shift+esc doesn't work from within the activate now screen, nor does ctrl+alt+del...

i can get into safemode but when i try and run the trick it throws a permission error even tho i'm logged in as admin...

script: c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs
line: 1634
char: 5
error: permission denied
code: 800A0046
source: microsoft VBScript runtime error

stumped · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:49 am **Posts:** 6

anyone got any ideas? i'd really like to keep using win2008wks

Arris · **Posted:** Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:57 pm

Maybe the following trick that works for Vista will also work for Windows Server 2008:
Softpedia: Hack Windows Vista in Reduced Functionality Mode

Hope this will solve your rearm problem.

stumped · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 3:49 am **Posts:** 6

Arris wrote:

Maybe the following trick that works for Vista will also work for Windows Server 2008:
Softpedia: Hack Windows Vista in Reduced Functionality Mode

Hope this will solve your rearm problem.

awesome, that worked, thanks heaps!!

Windows Activation - Windows could not be activated

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