Hello.I have a problem with Windows Server validation.After downloading Windows Server 2008 Enterprise from MSDNAA (Microsofts program for students), I installed one copy on my computer. Now, I install Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 on the same computer, but when I install another instance of Windows Server 2008 on this virtual machine, the activation fails with 0xC004C020 error ("The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key has exceeded its limit.").I read on Microsoft website (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/enterprise-high-end.aspx) that: "Each Windows Server 2008 Enterprise license assigned to a physical host server allows a business to run up to four additional instances of Windows Server in guest virtual machines on that server."and, in Frequently Asked Questions on MSDNAA website, that: "Q: Do MSDNAA products provide the same functionality as those available through the retail market? A: Yes, a product purchased through the MSDNAA program offers the same functionality as a product purchased through the retail market."Also, in license terms on the CD image downloaded from MSDNAA ("MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2008, ENTERPRISE WITHOUT HYPER-V"), the second point of 2.b.i. says: "[You may run on the licensed server, at any one time] up to four instances of the server software in virtual operating system environments (only one instance per virtual operating system environment)."So, how can I validate the instance of Windows Server installed on virtual machine (and maybe other three instances in future) ?Note: I've already contacted MSDNAA assistance, but they replied that they cannot answer to "technical questions for MSDNAA software".

Hi, As a support engineer, I am not familiar with windows license. But I doubt that the license you used is different from the normal retail license. First of all, I suggest that you contact Microsoft licensing specialist to confirm whether a product key from MSDNAA can activate 1 physical machine and 4 virtual machines. They can be reached by calling 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (PST). Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites: http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.asp to find contact information in their locations. If the license agreement does support this scenario, please troubleshoot this issue further. The Error 0xC004C020 means the Activation key has exceeded its limit as described in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article below. KB 942969 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942969/en-us Please perform the following steps to activate the Windows Server 2008. 1, Opened Command prompt with elevated permissions 2, Type in slmgr.vbs -ckms (this clears and KMS entry you may have) 3, Type slmgr.vbs -upk (this uninstall the product key you have installed) 4, Type slmgr.vbs -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx (the x's is the product key you want to use) 5, Type slmgr.vbs -ato (this activates the server) After these steps everything is now showing as activated. If the problem persists, you can call Activation Center to activate the VMs by performing the following the steps: 1, Run the command "slui 4" from the Elevated Command Prompt 2, Please choose the nearest location where you live, click next 3, Call the Activation Department with the telephone number provided by the last step 4, Provided them with the Installation ID and they generate a corresponding Confirmation ID. 5, Enter the Confirmation ID You will be able to activate the Windows Server 2008 Successfully. For more information about the Windows Activation, please refer to: 933177 You may be unable to activate Windows Vista over the Internet by using the Windows Activation Wizard http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;933177 Best Regards, Vincent Hu

Thank you for your reply.Don't know if the license is different. In all cases, the license terms on installation CD are the same...Tried to activate with slmgr. On point 5 ("slmgr.vsb -ato", it displays the same error:"Activating Windows Server(R), ServerEnterprise edition (...) ...Run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0xC004C020' to display the error text.Error: 0xC004C020"I will try to phone to Activation Center, then to Microsoft licensing specialist, and mark here if it helps.Thanks.Have a good day.