Pr0duct Key retrieval
Hi, Ive searched on the internet for an answer so far not found what I am looking for. I have about 40 Windows Server 2008 servers. Some are R2 64bit, some just 32bit. I use Volume License Keys to license my servers, using MAK keys. As I never purchased all of these in one go, and often add to them, I need to track what keys have been used on what servers. I've looked at Magic Jelly Bean, but on majority of the servers it comes back as BBBB- etc. Is this because it is not able to find MAK keys? Does anyone else know of a solution to find Windows Server 2008 keys on my servers? I dont mind having to do this manually on each server, or preferably do it remotely from my Windows 7 PC. Any sugegstions are greatly appreciated.
March 15th, 2011 1:34pm

AFAIK these keys are registered in an encypted format. Due to that, using such 3rd party tools is not legal. I had never heard about a Microsoft utility that perform a such thing. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 15th, 2011 1:41pm

Ah right, wasnt aware it was not legal. OK, so what do others people do to legally retrieve their products keys?
March 15th, 2011 1:43pm

Microsoft hides license keys in the system for the privacy purpose. It’s your responsibility to reserve the keys. If the system can show the license keys, it is easy for other people who use your computer to obtain the key illegally. For detailed information about licensing, please contact your local Microsoft Customer Service: http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/ Thanks
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 15th, 2011 2:54pm

Ash, It would be a wise idea to use KMS to activate your servers/clients over the network, in that way you can control activation and deactivation of Volume License Keys.Thanks, Santosh (MCTS W2K8 AD and SCCM) To Infinity and Beyond
March 15th, 2011 11:31pm

You could install VAMT to collect activation status of client computers and see the remaining activation. Managing Activation Using the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff686876.aspx Best Regards DalePlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 16th, 2011 12:33am

Thanks to all the useful comments. Very helpful. And yes I know we have a responsibility to document and manage our Microsoft licenses, but sometimes you inherit scenarios that are not best practise and you have to pick up the pieces.
March 16th, 2011 3:12am

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics