We do software development for external customers. A customer project could be 8 weeks or 1 year. Sometimes the developers need a server to test on or work on for the specific project. The server is built, installed, and then worked on by the developers. Once the project is done, the server is decommissioned and wiped, to make use for future projects. We are starting to do more developement that requires Server 2008. Through the partner program, we have the software but what are my options for activating the software? Tyically there is only 1 license. For a project that lasts a few weeks, I can just load the OS, then wipe the whole server when done. For projects that last longer, the OS WANTS to be activated. If I activate it with our 1 license, then if another project starts up withe another server, what do I do? Are their special limited use keys we can buy or have access to? When we're done with a server and ready to wipe it, how do I make the licenses available again to activate later? So to recap, how do a create a short-term server with Server 2008 and temporarily activate it? I'd like something under our Partner plan. The server is for development and testing purposes only. On the older servers we would develop for or test on (server 200, etc), we never had activation issues. Server 2008 developement is new for us (ie, for our customers) and I need to understand this. Thanks, Charles

Search for "slmgr -REARM " (eg. http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Windows-Server-License-Manager-Script-slmgrvbs.html ) regards Milos

Hi, Usually one license can activate only a computer at a time unless you are using MAK or KMS keys. For test purpose, you can use the system without activating them. By default, the Windows Server 2008 Evaluation DVD package provides a 120-day initial evaluation period. You can extend the evaluation period to 240 days. For detailed information, please refer to the following article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472 If you really need to activate more than one system, you have to use two keys or a MAK or KMS key. For more information about licensing, please contact your local Microsoft Customer Service: http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/ Tim Quan

Any update?

I think I understand. I can create developement/test servers that are unactivated for up to 240 days. If we have a project running longer than 240 days, we need a real license. When were are done with that server, I can use the slmgr command to deactivate the license so the server can be formatted and prepped for another project. The license is freed up. Charles

Right.