I recently upgraded my Dell server from Server 2008 R2 Foundation to Standard Edition with a genuine OEM key.

Upgrade went fine, I was able to activate Windows and run just fine.

Then, I upgraded the memory. 

Now when I log in I get the error that This copy of Windows  is not genuine.

I enter the same key I used before the memory upgrade and I get the error, "The following failure occurred while trying to use the product key. Code: 0xC004F050.  Description: The software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid."

I have read other forums and tried various things to activate, all in an elevated CMD prompt:

slmgr /rilc

I get: Re-installing license files . . . Error: 0x80070005 Access denied: the requested action requires elevated privileges.

slmgr /ato

Activating Windows Server(R), ServerStandard edition (6a4bd364-4b60-4856-a727-efb59d94348e) . . . Error: 0x80070005 Access denied: the requested action requires elevated privileges.

slmgr / ipk C3YTY-BCGD7-QHVJ9-JCPXD-WYFTM

Error: 0xC004F050 The software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid.

I need this server activated.  What am I supposed to do now?

Start, click Run, type SLUI 04, and then click OK and try the phone activation.

 

 

 

No good.

I get a pop up "This copy of Windows is not genuine" .  The only option I have is "Go online and resolve now".

I used Jelly Bean to see what key is installed and I get this:

Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Service Pack 1

Product Part No.: X15-34727

Installed from 'Volume' media.

Product ID: 55041-014-2470071-84953  match to CD Key data

CD Key: BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB-BBBBB

Computer Name: BETA

Registered Owner: AutoBVT

Registered Organization: Microsoft

I'd work through this one.

 https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/950756

 

 

 

Method 1 and 2 I have tried but do not work as it states: The software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid.

I have tried the OEM key that worked once before the memory upgrade, a MAPS key, a VL MAK key, etc.  all tries still get me the : The software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid.

False error as those are not invalid keys.

Method 3 show me this:

0xC004F050

The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is invalid.

KMS, KMS client, MAK

This can be caused by a typo in the KMS key or by typing in a Beta key on a Released version of the operating system.

Install the appropriate KMS key on the corresponding version of Windows. Check the spelling. If the key is being copied and pasted, make sure that em-dashes have not been substituted for the dashes in the key.

I am trying to get the key in, that is the issue.  Something is blacking me from entering a valid key.

What is the number to call for phone activation?  the server will never get me that far.  I cannot get to a phone number.

Phone numbers are here.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers.aspx