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How to Activate Server Core

Just because you're running Server Core doesn't mean you can get around Activation. No more going to the Start Menu -> Programs option. In Server Core you can Activate the server in two ways, one locally and the other remotely. Both ways use the Software Licensing Management Tool (Slmgr.vbs)

Local Method:

At the command prompt type: Slmgr.vbs –ato

Remote Method:

Cscript windows\system32\slmgr.vbsServerName UserName password:-ato

Posted: Wed, Apr 4 2007 6:10 by BrianM | with 5 comment(s)
Filed under: ,

Comments

The things that are better left unspoken said:

To server core or not to server core seems like a valid question. Especially when deciding to install
# May 3, 2007 6:34 PM

Angela said:

Hmm, very cognitive post.

Is this theme good unough for the Digg?

# February 24, 2009 11:16 PM

Robert said:

OK....

But... how do you enter your activation number?, because running the command if you have installed the server by default, the install process enters a dummy activation number, and this one will offcourse not work for activation. How do you enter your own activation number?

# July 15, 2009 9:12 AM

Robert said:

OK.

before running Slmgr.vbs –ato

run Slmgr.vbs –ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX (Replace the Xs with oyur numbers)

Then you can activate

# July 15, 2009 9:21 AM

BrianM said:

Good catch Robert

# July 15, 2009 10:10 AM