Unable to activate Vista

[chpicker]

As soon as Vista was released at the end of November, I jumped onto our MSDN page and downloaded it. I also grabbed Virtual PC 2007 because it claims to be compatible with Vista. I then created a virtual machine with Vista Business Edition using our Volume License key.

It worked fine at first, except for one little problem. I am unable to activate it. When I try to, the only option I get is to activate online. When I click that option, it indicates that it's trying to, then fails: "A problem occurred when Windows tried to activate. Error code 0x8007232B." Clicking "More information" the description says "DNS name does not exist".

Strangely enough, there is also a message in the lower right corner that says "This copy of Windows is not genuine". This is ridiculous; the volume license key came off the Microsoft web site.

I have internet access through this connection. I can browse web pages in Vista. I just cannot activate the operating system and am now in Reduced Functionality Mode. Microsoft, of course, will charge us if I call their support center.

I found a thread on Microsoft's forum that suggested just re-entering the product key. I tried that...and got a different message. Error "Code 0x8004FE33: Unable to find a detailed error description."

Any suggestions?

 

[ArizonaGeek]

I Found this at Microsoft. Should give you some help!.

Cheers
Rob

 

[chpicker]

Yeah, that's the same thread that I mentioned at the end of my first post. I tried what they suggested and that's when I got the second error.

 

[ArizonaGeek]

So chpicker, I found your answer on my open license page, or at least what potentially could be the answer:

Volume License Key (VLK). To install specific licensed products you will need to use a Volume License Key. This VLK is issued to your company for your exclusive use for each specific license purchase. VLKs must be used with the appropriate Volume License media. You agree to use your best efforts to keep a secure record of this product key including not disclosing this product key to any unauthorized third party. You may see VLKs for older product versions; this is to support downgrade rights under the license agreement where customers can acquire the latest version of a product and use an older version.

VA 1.0 - Volume Activation 1.0 is the first generation of VLKs. This key bypasses product activation.

VA 2.0/MAK - Volume Activation 2.0/Multiple Activation Key: this key will activate Microsoft Windows Vista through the internet or telephone, and have a limited number of activations associated with them. Computers can be activated on an individual basis or by a central computer which can activate multiple computers at a time. If you require a MAK please click on the Request Multiple Activation Key(s) link.

VA 2.0/KMS - Volume Activation 2.0/Key Management Service: this key will be used to enable a new service in your environment that will automatically activate Windows Vista computers. You must have a minimum of 25 Windows Vista computers connected together to use the KMS, and all computers will be required to check back to the central service twice per year to stay activated.

I think you just have to figure out which version of Volume Activation you have, if it is 2.0 KMS, you are in trouble, you'll need 25 licenses connected at once!

Hope this helps! I just happen to be looking up my XP open license code (my desk is a mess and cant find it right off) and on the same page was the volume license for Vista we purchased with our software assurance.

Cheers
Rob

 

[linney]

Just some more on Volume License Activation.

Volume Activation

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/vol/default.mspx

Vista Volume Activation
thread1583-1302684

 

[chpicker]

.........

Ok, I'm really not sure what to think of this.

I called the Microsoft Activation Center at the phone number at the bottom of the link that linney posted. The lady on the phone asked me what error message I was getting, so I said "just a second, let me pull it back up", and clicked on the "Activate" button. Wouldn't you know it...it worked.

I've been fighting this thing for a WEEK. It failed every time with the same error. And now it worked. Why do I get the impression that the server it was trying to connect to wasn't actually up yet until the official Vista release?

I swear, this activation BS is going to completely drive me away from Microsoft. I wish they would quit alienating their own customer base just to provide software pirates with a minor inconvenience.

Ian

 

[ArizonaGeek]

Well the good thing is now it works. Glad it was an easy "fix" Hope everything else goes a lot smoother!

Cheers
Rob