1. WCLCT09: De-mystifying Product Activation in Windows Vista/Longhorn Server
Kalpesh Patel Ramprabhu Rathnam
Software Protection Platform Microsoft Corporation
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2. Agenda
Activation Options
MAK
KMS
Resources
Q&A
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3. Activation Options Online BIOS-bound Pre-install Phone Retail OEM
4/17/2017 7:26 AM
Activation Options
Online
Phone
BIOS-bound Pre-install
Retail
OEM
Volume
Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
Key Management Service (KMS)
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4. Multiple Activation Key
One time activation against Microsoft
Two methods of activation using a MAK:
MAK Independent Activation: Each desktop individually connects and activates with Microsoft
MAK Proxy Activation: One centralized activation request on behalf of multiple desktops with one connection to Microsoft
Reactivation may be required if there is significant change in the underlying hardware
Has an associated upper limit, depending on the license agreement, and can be easily refilled
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5. MAK Independent Activation2 1
Distribute MAK :
a. VAMT
b. During OS installation
c. Change product key wizard or WMI script
MAK client(s) connect once to Microsoft via Internet (SSL) for activation or use telephone. Significant hardware changes will require reactivation.
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6. MAK Proxy Activation using VAMT3 1 2 4
Find Windows Vista machine(s) from Active Directory (LDAP) or through network discovery APIs NetServerEnum()
Apply MAK and collect Installation ID (IID) using WMI
optionally export to XML file
Connect to Microsoft over Internet (SSL) and obtain corresponding Confirmation ID (CID)
optionally update XML file with CIDs
Activate MAK Proxy client(s) by applying CID
optionally import updated XML file first
Significant hardware changes will require reactivation.
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7. Key Management Service
Activate against a customer hosted service and NOT with Microsoft
Systems must re-activate by connecting to corporate network at least every 6 months
Requires 25+ for Windows Vista and 5+ for Windows “Longhorn” server
Default activation option for all volume editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server “Longhorn”
Requires no user interaction
Currently available on Windows Vista and “Longhorn” server. Planned support for Windows Server 2003 in Q1 2007
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8. How KMS Activation Works1 4 2 3
Discover KMS host via registry or DNS SRV RR (_vlmcs._tcp)
Send RPC request to KMS host on 1688/TCP by default (~250b)
Generate client machine ID (CMID)
Assemble and sign request (AES encryption)
On failure retry every 2 hours (default)
KMS host adds CMID to queue and responds with current count (~200b)
KMS client evaluates count vs. license policy and activates itself
Store KMS host Product ID, intervals, and client hardware ID in license store
On success renew activation every 7 days (default)
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9. Common Questions Why is activation required now?
How do I determine between MAK and KMS?
How does activation impact my current imaging and distribution processes and tools?
What about OEM machines?
What qualifies “significant” hardware change?
What happens if the client machine is not activated?
How do I ensure our machines will not enter Reduced Functionality Mode?
How do I recover from Reduced Functionality Mode?
Can we use KMS even if we don’t use Microsoft AD, DNS or Firewall?
What should my end-users know about activation?
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10. Resources
Volume Activation 2.0 on TechNet:
Volume Activation 2.0 on Download Center:
Business Desktop Deployment Solution Accelerator:
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12. Summary
Activation is a required process for all editions of Windows Vista & Windows Server “Longhorn”
Multiple activation options exist for volume customers
MAK independent, MAK proxy and KMS
Provides centralized management and protection of VL keys
Enhances software asset management efforts
Integrated with Business Desktop Deployment for easier deployment and management of Windows Vista
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15. ©. 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. This presentation is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SUMMARY.
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