I need to send a machine to a customer that needs to have our Volume License Key removed from the system. Once they receive it they must enter their own license key. I have tried several different methods like the ones described here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918342 The VLK remains in the system after restart. Or use the command slmgr -upk from: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=948003 It through an error "Product Key not Found" Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Rody.

While you can change the product key used on Windows Server 2003, you can't run without a product key like you can in Windows Server 2008. The steps in the first article allow you to change the key being used. The second article is used only for a KMS server running on Windows Server 2003. In order to remove the old key, you'll need to install a new one.

Hi Rody, I agree with Andrew. There is no "deactivation" process for Windows 2003 and Windows XP. If you need to move Windows 2003 to a new PC or transfer to a new owner, you need to remove Windows 2003 from its current location. Then, install Windows 2003 on another PC. When setup checks Activation status, setup will detect you are installing on significantly changed hardware and you will be prompted to call the telephone number listed on the screen. This is a toll free call where available. Best Regards, Nina Liu TechNet Subscriber Support in forum If you have any feedback on our support, please contact tngfb@microsoft.com. Please 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.