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Windows Server 2019 install product key not working
i Have tried both Standard and Datacenter product keys and get errors with both
Did you install, choose NOT to enter the product key, then after the install was done, try to enter and activate the key? if so, that does not appear to work. I ran into the same issue on 2 of my 2019 servers. I wiped them out and this time entered the key during install, and it successfully activated. if I were to guess, they made something in the install to take into account these testing keys, but the Activation function within Settings, has not been updated to reflect that, so it thinks you are activating a live version of Windows, and that is not a valid key there. That is entirely a guess on my part. I didn't bother running a wireshark or anything to see what kind of response I was getting when trying to activate from Settings.
Just as an FYI, based on the earlier response, the 2 machines I was seeing this issue on, were not upgrades, they were brand new installs on a blank hard drive. I have not gotten around to trying the in-place upgrade yet. I don't know if this will help your situation, but I can say that I saw exactly what you were describing, and if you enter the key during the actual install, it appears to work. I have not looked into the release notes to see if there is something that says Activation from Settings is not set up to work yet.
- I also installed it without entering any key. At the moment I have not had any problem. How much time do I have to enter a key? Is it only possible to validate it by reinstalling the system?
I got the "Windows Not Activated" logo no the screen after about half an hour.
So I followed Gregory's advice above and reinstalled, this time putting in the key as part of the install job. So far, I haven't got the Activation logo after 24 hours straight running.
As to your question, there is an old adage here in Alabama that goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
I don't think you I should tell you what to do, since you aren't getting the issue I and others had, no? :-)
Dave
I find it strange that I did not show that logo, so I asked. I've been around for 3 days and for now nothing. I guess that soon I'll have that logo and I do not want to make much progress and do it all over again.
So I think I'll reinstall.
Thanks for the tips
Did you install, choose NOT to enter the product key, then after the install was done, try to enter and activate the key? if so, that does not appear to work. I ran into the same issue on 2 of my 2019 servers. I wiped them out and this time entered the key during install, and it successfully activated. if I were to guess, they made something in the install to take into account these testing keys, but the Activation function within Settings, has not been updated to reflect that, so it thinks you are activating a live version of Windows, and that is not a valid key there. That is entirely a guess on my part. I didn't bother running a wireshark or anything to see what kind of response I was getting when trying to activate from Settings.
Just as an FYI, based on the earlier response, the 2 machines I was seeing this issue on, were not upgrades, they were brand new installs on a blank hard drive. I have not gotten around to trying the in-place upgrade yet. I don't know if this will help your situation, but I can say that I saw exactly what you were describing, and if you enter the key during the actual install, it appears to work. I have not looked into the release notes to see if there is something that says Activation from Settings is not set up to work yet.
I just had microsoft help me resolve the same issue and since I couldn't find a solution aside from reinstalling the OS I figured I should share this.
1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. run slmgr.vbs /upk
3. run slmgr.vbs /cpky
4. run slmgr.vbs /ipk MAK-KEY-WITH-Dashes
5.run smlgr.vbs /ato
After Each command you should get a prompt saying it completed successfully and to click OK.
Hope this helps someone else.
- it works with this way.. thank you
The following commands worked for me
Run an elevated command prompt
slmgr /upk
slmgr /ipk <your MAK here>
slmgr /ato
I tried your instruction only to get an error "DNS name does not exist", am I missing something?
Thanks Gregory .. wondered why the activation wasn't working. Blew the machine away and reinstalled and now working.
- Brentfor
Microsoft
Hi Greg, based on the information we have, we are unable to replicate the issue you are experiencing. Can you tell us what build/source the running desktop (upgrading from) is, and what build/OS you are attempting to upgrade to?
thanks,
Brent
