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Activating windows during deployment using a MAK key, without internet connection.

Answered Activating windows during deployment using a MAK key, without internet connection.

  • Monday, January 07, 2013 10:03 AM
     
     
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    Hey everyone, and thanks for any help in advance.

    I'm experiencing some problems when I try to deploy windows server 2012 using a MDT media. I'm trying to get windows activated automatically, using a MAK (Multi-Activation-Key), which works perfectly, as long as the computer is attached to the internet.

    However, if the computer doesn't have an internet connection, it simply boots up with windows 'not activated' and no signs of the MAK being implemented in then media.
    I was hoping for some window/wizard, which could guide the deployer through activating the MAK via telephone or something, but nothing appears; it simply tells me the deployment finished with 0 errors and 0 warnings.

    Any ideas on what to do, to ensure some sort of support for customers without internet connection?

    \\ Jakob

     

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  • Monday, January 07, 2013 12:23 PM
     
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    I think that the key is still registered in windows so if you go to "Computer Properties" (ALT+ Pause) and scroll down to "Activate Windows" then i think you can activate windows through the internet. 

    the command-line: 

    Slmgr.vbs /ato

    should work aswell


    • Edited by Samus-Aran Monday, January 07, 2013 12:23 PM
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  • Monday, January 07, 2013 12:26 PM
     
     
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    Hi,

    telephone activation is possible. After entering the product key (MAK), on the (freshly built) server, execute:
    slui.exe 4

    This will open the telephone-based activation wizard, where you select the country/region, and the wizard will offer a local MS Activation Centre number to call.

    Don
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  • Friday, January 11, 2013 9:28 AM
     
     
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    Thanks to both of you, for the two good suggestions.

    Both suggestions would be working quite well, if I was the one to activate windows. However, the current conditions for my deployment is, that I'm simply making the image for deployment, and shipping it to a lot of customers, which then deploys the image. The deployment has therefore been made all automatic, except for this one situation, where a MAK is to be activated, and no internet connection is available.

    It would therefore be nice, if I could make some sort of wizard, or even just some sort of textual guide, pop up, as soon as the deployment finishes.

    Any suggestions?

     
  • Friday, January 11, 2013 11:01 PM
     
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    Hi Jakob,

    You can manage/activate computers from the comfort of your (technicians ) PC using VAMT. As long as your (technicians) computer has an internet connection then you can MAK activate any computer that you can see on your network.

    There is also a scenario available for disconnected environments called MAK Proxy activation. If your server is isolated from any computer that has an internet connection then I will explain this. You can read more here.

    There's  video links on VAMT and MAK on my blog.

    Blog: http://scriptimus.wordpress.com

    • Marked As Answer by Krims-Krams13 Monday, January 14, 2013 7:44 AM
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  • Monday, January 14, 2013 7:45 AM
     
     
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    Thanks a lot to everyone, all comments have been found useful in solving my problem.