MAK and KMS Volume License Keys and Their Activation Limits – Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008
This document provides general information regarding Volume License Keys provided for Windows Vista® and Windows Server® 2008 — Key Management Service (KMS) and Multiple Activation Key (MAK)—and how to obtain more activations on each key as needed.
Activation Planning
Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 utilize two new key options to provide organizations flexible activation solutions. These keys behave differently than keys that were provided for Windows®
XP Professional upgrade license and Windows Server®
2003 R2.
For ease of deployment, activation maintenance, and to help determine the best method(s) of activation for your organization, it is also important to READ theVolume Activation 2.0 Overview and Volume Activation 2.0 Planning Guide. How your organization plans to use and manage the key(s) is a critical part of the deployment process.
It is important to plan activation solutions for your environment. Determine the optimum mix and use of MAK and KMS for your environment by using the
prescriptive guidance provided. Organizations with an Enterprise Agreement, Select License, or Campus or School Agreement may require a mix of KMS and MAK deployments. Most Open License customers will primarily use MAK as their method of activation.
Information on KMS Activations
Each KMS key provides for the activation of six KMS host machines for up to 10 uses per host machine. Each host can activate an unlimited number of machines running Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista Business, and/or Windows Vista Enterprise editions.
Customers may make the mistake of using KMS keys as though they were the same type of Volume License Keys that were issued with Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003, which “bypassed” activation. Please note that if your key is used this way, all possible activations associated with the key will have been used, and you will receive an error message. In this case, you can fix the key in one of the following ways:
· Request that activations be added to the current KMS key.
· Request that the current KMS key be blocked for activation and Windows Genuine validation, and have a new key assigned.
Other KMS Activation Request Scenarios:
· If the existing KMS activation limit (you may activate up to six KMS host machines) is not adequate for your organization, you can go through the standard support process of calling the
Activation Call Center and requesting an increase. This increase will add one activation (or “override”) to the KMS key, but only one override is granted per day. Please note that you need information from the KMS host machine to provide an override so you will need to call while you are with the machine. Any requests above a total of five overrides need to go through the KMS exception process, detailed below.
· If your organization needs more than six KMS host machines—for example, 10 separate schools under one agreement that want their own KMS hosts or an organization with 13 labs on individual networks—you may request additional activations on your organization’s KMS key by calling the Activation Call Center, and you will be guided through the KMS exception process (KMSADD). You will need to provide the following information via an e-mail address provided to you by the Activation Call Center:
· Organization name
· Agreement number, or license and authorization numbers, associated with the key
· Requester’s name, phone number, and e-mail address (must match the Microsoft Authorized Contact List as defined by your organization)
· Product (e.g. Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 Standard)
· Last five digits of product key
· Number of activations requested
· Business reason for request
· Required date
The KMSADD support team will follow up with the requester by e-mail if it has any specific questions or concerns. As an added security measure, all requests are verified through the customer “Notices Correspondent” for approval prior to any increases being granted. Please add them as part of the e-mail request to expedite the process. All KMSADD requests have a five business day response time, though the process may take longer if Microsoft is waiting for customer information. Please note that non-English requests may take longer than five business days for response.
Information on MAK Activations
Each MAK is associated with a specific number of activations. MAK activation limits are calculated based on Volume License agreements and levels and do not match your organization’s exact license count. We have estimated an initial MAK activation count that is adequate for most customers.
To request a MAK, simply go to the online portal (such as the
Volume License Service Center,
MVLS, or
eOpen) that lists the Volume License Keys and click the link that says “Request Multiple Activation Key(s).” After you make the request, you will receive a key, which will then be listed on the same Web page as the rest of your Volume Licensing Keys. You may also request a MAK by using the
Activation Call Centers. KMS keys are automatically provided on the online portal you access if your Volume License Agreement includes Windows Vista.
To view the number of activations associated with a MAK or the activations that remain, please visit the online portal or call the Activation Call Center. You can also use the Volume Activation Management Tool (
VAMT).
Requesting a change in MAK activations:
If you need to change the activation limit of your MAK up to double the amount of activations originally allocated, the call center can help with these activations during the phone call. If the amount of activations needed is more, the Call Center representative will guide you through the steps needed to take part in the MAK exception process (MAKADD).
· As part of the exception process, you need to provide the following information to Microsoft via an e-mail address provided to you by the Activation Call Center:
· Organization name
· Agreement number, or license and authorization numbers, associated with the key
· Requester’s name, phone number, and e-mail address (must match the Microsoft Authorized Contact List as defined by your organization)
· Product (e.g. Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 Standard)
· Last five digits of product key
· Number of activations requested
· Business reason for request
· Required date
The MAKADD support team follows up with the requester to address any specific questions or concerns. All MAKADD requests have a five business day response time, though the process may take longer if Microsoft is waiting for customer information.
As an added security measure, all requests are verified through the customer “Notices Correspondent” for approval prior to any increases being granted. Please add them as part of the e-mail request to expedite the process. Please note that non-English requests may take longer than five business days for response.
Resources
Detailed guidance on Volume Activation 2.0 is available on
Windows Vista TechNet:
www.microsoft.com/technet/volumeactivation. The collection of documents includes an overview, planning document, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and technical attributes.
Other resources noted in the document:
· Volume License Service Center:
https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/servicecenter/home.aspx?1033
· MVLS:
https://licensing.microsoft.com/eLicense/L1033/Default.asp
· eOpen:
https://eopen.microsoft.com/EN/default.asp
· Microsoft Activation Call Center Phone Numbers:
Microsoft Volume Licensing - Products
Product keys are assigned to and intended for your organization’s sole use. You will be held responsible for unauthorized use of product keys issued under your agreement. Take measures to keep your keys secure. Do not disclose your product keys to any unauthorized parties.
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Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, and Windows Vista are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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