Windows Server 2008 Partner Activation Guide

https://partner.microsoft.com/40052493#vol20

Volume Activation 2.0 for the Windows Server 2008 operating system supports your existing business processes with the Multiple Activation Key (MAK) and two activation methods. This page introduces basic configurations and describes best practices in an extended enterprise. For detailed information, including diagrams, download the Partner Activation Card.
Note: If you are also a Microsoft Volume Licensing customer, you may be using Key Management Service (KMS).This guide is not intended to describe KMS installation and management. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/technet/volumeactivation to learn more about KMS activation.



Installation vs. Activation
With Volume Activation 2.0, product activation is a separate step from installation. During Windows Server 2008 installation, an edition-specific setup key embedded in the installation media is used. Then activate the machine by using your assigned partner MAK within the initial 60-day grace period (you can re-arm the machine up to three times).

Windows Server 2008 Activation Tips
For Standard Enterprises
For Learning Solutions Partners
For Isolated Labs

For Consultant/System Integrators
For Independent Software Vendors
Volume Activation 2.0
Volume Edition Product Key Groupings


Resources
Volume Activation 2.0 Partner Online Training
Partner Activation Card PDF
Partner Activation FAQ
Volume License Keys
Partner Membership Center
Volume Activation 2.0 for Windows Vista and Windows Server
Windows Server 2008 for Partners


Activation Instructions and Scenarios
Windows Server 2008 Activation Tips
Note: The Windows Server 2008 setup will not prompt you for a key during installation. By default, volume-license editions of Windows Server 2008 install as KMS clients and attempt activation with a KMS host. Within 60 days of installation, a dialog box will request activation. You will then need to activate by using the correct assigned MAK instead of the KMS method. You can use either of two methods to change from KMS to MAK activation:
Using the CMD prompt: Start Button, Programs, Accessories, right-click on CMD Prompt (run as Administrator)
In the CMD prompt, Run
slmgr.vbs –ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
where xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx is your MAK product key located in the Partner Membership Center (PMC)
Right-click on My Computer, Properties, and choose the Change Product option
Select Change product key under “Windows activation”
In Product Key, enter the 25-digit key assigned to Partner in the PMC
Select Next
Note: Disregard the instructions on the screen stating “You can find your product key sticker on your computer or on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package.” Use the key assigned by the PMC.
After changing the product key to the assigned MAK, you will be able to activate Windows Server 2008.
If you attempt to activate without changing the product key to a MAK, the following error message will be displayed: Activation Error: Code 0x8007232b; DNS name does not exist. This error is returned if there is no KMS host found in the DNS.

Activation Instructions
For Standard Enterprises
Corporate networks include intranets, multiple locations, virtual private networks, numerous DNS entries, connected/disconnected/limited connectivity machines.
Instructions
Standard installation. See Windows Server 2008 Activation Tips on this page. Download the Partner Activation Card for a diagram of the Standard Enterprise scenario.
For Learning Solutions Partners
Instructor teams (at many locations) install, configure, and image many machines per week with multiple Windows Server 2008 editions. Activating machines using a MAK may not be practical when re-imaging takes place weekly. Classrooms may or may not be connected to an intranet. Download the Partner Activation Card for a diagram of the Learning Solutions partner scenario.
Instructions
Imaging Server activates once.
To create temporary classroom images:
Disable auto activation.
Disable activation notification.
Install applications.
Run: sysprep/generalize.
Create image offline.
Deploy for up to 60 days.
If needed, Run: slmgr.vbs/rearm (up to three times; allows 60 days each time).
For Isolated Labs
Never connected to Internet. Follow the diagram on the downloadable Partner Activation Card, or use telephone activation if only a few computers. Start telephone activation by Running: slui 4
Instructions
Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) hosted inside isolated lab
VAMT installs a MAK, and obtains IID for all computers in lab
VAMT exports the list of computers to a file on removable media
Administrator imports the machine data onto a core network computer running VAMT
VAMT sends the IIDs to Microsoft and obtains the corresponding CIDs
Administrator exports to removable media and takes back to isolated lab
VAMT activates the lab computers by installing the CIDs.
For Consultants and System Integrators
Consultants run numerous copies of the operating system (virtual), loading and unloading them for demonstration purposes. Download the Partner Activation Guide for a diagram of the Consultant/System Integrator scenario.
Instructions
Note that each Windows Server 2008 computer has a 60-day grace period before activation is required.
Reset the grace period as many as three times by running “%systemroot%\system32\slmgr.vbs /rearm”. You are using one of your re-arm allowances when running “sysprep /generalize”.
If you create your demonstration image from a retail version, and if you need to run the virtual machine (VM) for more than 180 days, use the Virtual Product Key for activation. Moving a VM activated with a Virtual Product Key will not require reactivation.
If the demonstration image is created from a volume version, use a MAK to activate the VM. Note that if you use a MAK, reactivation may be required if the VM is moved between different hosts.
For Independent Software Vendors
These include retail and volume activation types.
Retail Activation Instructions
Run cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs –ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx.
If the Retail Windows Server 2008 is to be rebuilt within 240 days, reset the computer’s activation timer up to three times. Run cscript %windir%\system32\slmgr.vbs –rearm.

Volume Activation 2.0 Glossary
Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
A limited-count activation key for performing one-time activation with Microsoft.
MAK Proxy Activation
Enables a centralized activation request on behalf of multiple computers.
MAK Independent Activation
Requires that each computer independently connect and activate with Microsoft, via Internet or telephone.
VAMT
The VAMT automates and manages MAK Proxy and MAK Independent activations. Provides the remaining activation count and activation status of all MAK-activated computers. A best practice is to use VAMT for all MAK activations, both Proxy and Independent.
Key Management Service (KMS)
Used to establish a local activation enablement service for computers in a managed environment. Eliminates the need for computers to individually connect to Microsoft. Requires a minimum of five physical Windows Server 2008 machines to be established and maintained. VMs do not contribute to the count but will be activated when the threshold is met. KMS-activated machines must connect to the KMS host at least once every 180 days to maintain activation.
Volume Edition Product Key Groupings
MAKs are associated with Volume Edition Product Key Groups, rather than being edition-specific, and will only activate server editions within the corresponding group.