Article ID: 929826
Article Last Modified on 10/26/2007
APPLIES TO
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Enterprise
- Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
- Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
SYMPTOMS
When you try to activate Windows Vista Enterprise or Windows Vista Business, you may receive an error message that resembles the following:
This issue may occur if you use volume-licensed media to install Windows Vista Enterprise or Windows Vista Business.
CAUSE
This issue occurs if the activation wizard cannot connect to a Key Management Service (KMS) host computer.
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.
Method 2: Use a Multiple Activation Key
Change the product key to a Multiple Activation Key (MAK).
MORE INFORMATION
When you use volume-licensed media to install Windows Vista Enterprise or Windows Vista Business, the installation process uses a generic product key. When you then try to activate Windows Vista, the activation wizard uses DNS to locate a Windows Vista-based computer that is running the KMS software.
REFERENCES
For more information about Volume Activation for Windows Vista, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
929712 Volume Activation information for Windows Vista
For more information about volume licensing, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
For more information about how to activate copies of Windows Vista that were installed by using volume-licensed media, visit the following Microsoft TechNet Web site:
Keywords: kberrmsg kbtshoot kbprb kbvolumelicensing kbactivation KB929826
