fina27
asked on
KMS vs. MAK activation for Windows Server 2008
I'm getting concerned that all of a sudden some of my Server 2008 servers will become not activated anymore. I get this event ID: 12293 Source: Security-licensing-SLC in the event log every day or so. I feel like I get more confused every time I read about differences between KMS and MAK.
Right now all my 2008 servers were activated using KMS. The 2008 domain controllers are the only ones that are getting successfully published in DNS.
Am I okay? Or do I have to do further configuration? Should I disable DNS publishing for KMS on the non-DC servers?
Right now all my 2008 servers were activated using KMS. The 2008 domain controllers are the only ones that are getting successfully published in DNS.
Am I okay? Or do I have to do further configuration? Should I disable DNS publishing for KMS on the non-DC servers?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Ok so just to tell a little about my environment...... I have 5 Server 2008 servers right now that I activated under KMS. Three of the servers are DCs and aren't having this error.
Should I only change the other two servers to MAK? Or should I change them all to MAK?
Should I only change the other two servers to MAK? Or should I change them all to MAK?
ASKER
And I'm guessing I just logon to the Eopen website and click "New MAK Keys" on the corresponding license agreement? I bought 6 Server 2008 licenses.
If it were me I would covert them all over to MAK. I think Ron Popeil says it best...."Set it and forget it!"
Here's a good quick FAQ on Windows 2008 Activation for both MAK and KMS.
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/windows-activation-faq.aspx
It is possible to have a mix of KMS and MAK so if you didn't want to mess with the servers that are already activated, you don't have to.
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/existing-customers/windows-activation-faq.aspx
It is possible to have a mix of KMS and MAK so if you didn't want to mess with the servers that are already activated, you don't have to.
ASKER
Okay i converted one server over to MAK no problems.
Well they are all activated. I'm guessing only the servers that get the 12293 error will become un-activated after 180 days? And the servers that are getting the 12294 successful log will stay activated?
Well they are all activated. I'm guessing only the servers that get the 12293 error will become un-activated after 180 days? And the servers that are getting the 12294 successful log will stay activated?
ASKER
Yep. What I guessed is correct. You've been very helpful dvast8n!
I'm glad I could help! Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it.
Note that the last con for KMS. "A minimum of 5 KMS clients are required in order to activate KMS."
This could be the reason why the servers are not active.