Repurposed from the Ohio State University OIT Department

Vista Activation

There are a number of changes between the licensing procedures used with Windows XP and Windows Vista. Windows XP volume-licensed distributions (such as the one that we have here at GCC) were issued with a single license key. In the event that a key was used for pirated versions of XP, there was no way to invalidate that key without invalidating all copies of XP installed using that key. Microsoft has changed some aspects of the licensing mechanism under Windows Vista. There remains a license key, as in Windows XP, called MAK (Multiple Activation Key), as well as a new system that no longer requires distribution and entering of such keys, called KMS (Key Management Service). GCC has chosen to support both MAK and KMS activation mechanisms.

For systems that are connected to the GCC network, it is recommended that Vista machines activate via the KMS server supported by OIT. This will simplify administration and minimize the likelihood that our license keys will be used by unauthorized parties. Once the few simple steps listed later in this document are taken, no further action will be required to activate Vista machines. KMS activation does not require that the system contact Microsoft for activation, and nor will any action be required if the hardware changes.

For systems that are not connected to the GCC network, or in cases where the firewall rules are required that block access to the KMS server, the MAK is available. The MAK must be entered manually and the system will need to receive an activation from Microsoft via the web or over the phone. If the hardware changes significantly, the system will have to be activated again by Microsoft via the web or over the phone.

Unlike the Windows XP distribution on campus, Windows Vista does not require a license key to complete the installation. Following installation, Vista enters a 30-day grace period and will function normally for up to 30 days before it enters a reduced-functionality mode. To ensure full-functionality following the grace period the computer must be activated by either the KMS or MAK mechanism. It is possible to activate a Vista machine after it has entered reduced-functionality mode.

KMS Activation: Background Information

When a Vista machine is attached to a network, it will attempt to activate automatically by looking for a KMS server at _vlmcs._tcp.<default-domain-name> on TCP port 1688. The <default-domain-name> usually can be found by running the ipconfig program on the Vista machine and looking at the Connection-specific DNS Suffix. If the KMS is found, the Vista machine will request a six-month activation. At no point in this process does the Vista client machine communicate with Microsoft regarding activation. After two weeks, the Vista machine will automatically try to obtain a new six-month activation from the KMS server. So long as the KMS server is available, the Vista machine will always remain activated. If the Vista machine is unable to reach the KMS prior to the expiration of the six-month activation, it will enter a 30-day grace period, following which it will enter a reduced-functionality mode.

Summary

• Vista operates normally for 30 days following installation without entering a license key.
• Vista activates automatically if _vlmcs._tcp.<default-domain-name> points to the KMS server and TCP port 1688 is not blocked.
• Activations obtained via KMS are good for six months and Vista will attempt to renew them every two weeks.
• If an activation obtained via KMS expires, there is an additional 30 day grace period before the machine goes to reduced functionality mode.
• The KMS server is only available to computers physically on the GCC network or via VPN to the GCC network.
• Machines located off-campus that do not return to campus physically or connect to campus via a VPN at least once every 210 days should not rely on KMS activation.