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Win7 Reskit > Part 2: Deployment > Chapter 11: Using Volume Activation

Frequently Asked Questions: Volume Activation for Windows 7

Q-5. Can I deploy Windows 7 Enterprise in a Windows Server 2003 domain environment and use KMS to activate?

A-5. Yes, but you first need to install the hotfix described in KB 968915. This hotfix installs KMS 1.2 for Windows Server 2003 SP2 and later, which is needed to support KMS client installations for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2.

Q-4. Can I deploy Windows 7 Enterprise in a Windows Server 2008 domain environment and use KMS to activation?

A-4. Yes, but you first need to install the hotfix described in KB 968912. This hotfix installs KMS 1.2 for Windows Server 2008, which is needed to support KMS client installations for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2.

Q-3. Is volume activation the only difference between Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows 7?

A-3. Yes. There are no other feature differences between the two platforms.

Q-2. I installed the KMS 1.2 hotfix on my KMS host running Windows Server 2003 SP2, but then when I try and add KMS keys I get the following error:

Error: 0xc004f050 The Software Licensing service reported that the product key is invalid.

A-2. You need to restart the KMS host after installing the hotfix.

Q-1. Windows 7 Enterprise installs as a KMS client by default. Is it possible to change the computer later so it uses a MAK key for activation?

A-1. Yes. To install a MAK key, open a command prompt and type slmgr.vbs /ipk key where key is your MAK key. You can then type slmgr.vbs /ato to activate the key immediately if desired. Use slmgr.vbs /dli to verify activation was successful.

Additional Resources: Volume Activation for Windows 7

The best place to find additional information is the Windows Volume Activation section of the Windows Client TechCenter on Microsoft TechNet.

Another great starting point for learning is Volume Activation Resources for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in the TechNet Library.

Here are some helpful videos for learning the basics of volume activation

• Fundamentals of Volume Activation
• Volume Activation Changes in Windows 7
• MAK Activation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
• KMS Activation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

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