Finds keys for newer versions of Windows. Also locates MS Office keys.
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This article is intended for technical support agents and IT professionals. If you're looking for more information about Windows activation error messages, see Get help with Windows activation errors.
This article provides troubleshooting information to help you respond to error messages that you may receive when you try to use a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or the Key Management Service (KMS) to perform Volume Activation on one or more Windows-based computers. Look for the error code in the following table, and then select the link to see more information about that error code and how to resolve it.
For more information about volume activation, see Plan for volume activation.
For more information about volume activation for current and recent versions of Windows, see Volume Activation [client].
For more information about volume activation for older versions of Windows, see KB 929712, Volume Activation information for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.
Note
This tool is intended to help fix Windows activation problems on computers that run Enterprise, Professional, or Server edition of Windows.
Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant (SaRA) simplifies Windows KMS Activation troubleshooting. Download the diagnostic tool from here.
This tool will try to activate Windows. If it returns an activation error code, the tool will display targeted solutions for known error codes.
The following error codes are supported: 0xC004F038, 0xC004F039, 0xC004F041, 0xC004F074, 0xC004C008, 0x8007007b, 0xC004C003, 0x8007232B.
Error code | Error message | Activation type |
---|---|---|
0x8004FE21 | This computer is not running genuine Windows. | MAK KMS client |
0x80070005 | Access denied. The requested action requires elevated privileges. | MAK KMS client KMS host |
0x8007007b | 0x8007007b DNS name does not exist. | KMS client |
0x80070490 | The product key you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. | MAK |
0x800706BA | The RPC server is unavailable. | KMS client |
0x8007232A | DNS server failure. | KMS host |
0x8007232B | DNS name does not exist. | KMS client |
0x8007251D | No records found for DNS query. | KMS client |
0x80092328 | DNS name does not exist. | KMS client |
0xC004B100 | The activation server determined that the computer could not be activated. | MAK |
0xC004C001 | The activation server determined the specified product key is invalid | MAK |
0xC004C003 | The activation server determined the specified product key is blocked | MAK |
0xC004C008 | The activation server determined that the specified product key could not be used. | KMS |
0xC004C020 | The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key has exceeded its limit. | MAK |
0xC004C021 | The activation server reported that the Multiple Activation Key extension limit has been exceeded. | MAK |
0xC004F009 | The Software Protection Service reported that the grace period expired. | MAK |
0xC004F00F | The Software Licensing Server reported that the hardware ID binding is beyond level of tolerance. | MAK KMS client KMS host |
0xC004F014 | The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is not available | MAK KMS client |
0xC004F02C | The Software Protection Service reported that the format for the offline activation data is incorrect. | MAK KMS client |
0xC004F035 | The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated with a Volume license product key. | KMS client KMS host |
0xC004F038 | The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The count reported by your Key Management Service (KMS) is insufficient. Please contact your system administrator. | KMS client |
0xC004F039 | The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) is not enabled. | KMS client |
0xC004F041 | The Software Protection Service determined that the Key Management Server (KMS) is not activated. KMS needs to be activated. | KMS client |
0xC004F042 | The Software Protection Service determined that the specified Key Management Service (KMS) cannot be used. | KMS client |
0xC004F050 | The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is invalid. | MAK KMS KMS client |
0xC004F051 | The Software Protection Service reported that the product key is blocked. | MAK KMS |
0xC004F064 | The Software Protection Service reported that the non-genuine grace period expired. | MAK |
0xC004F065 | The Software Protection Service reported that the application is running within the valid non-genuine period. | MAK KMS client |
0xC004F06C | The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) determined that the request timestamp is invalid. | KMS client |
0xC004F074 | The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. No Key Management Service (KMS) could be contacted. Please see the Application Event Log for additional information. | KMS client |
This issue can occur for several reasons. The most likely reason is that language packs (MUI) have been installed on computers that are running Windows editions that are not licensed for additional language packs.
Note
This issue is not necessarily an indication of tampering. Some applications can install multi-lingual support even when that edition of Windows is not licensed for those language packs.)
This issue may also occur if Windows has been modified by malware to allow additional features to be installed. This issue may also occur if certain system files are corrupted.
To resolve this issue, you must reinstall the operating system.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
Access denied. The requested action requires elevated privileges.
User Account Control (UAC) prohibits activation processes from running in a non-elevated Command Prompt window.
Run slmgr.vbs from an elevated command prompt. To do this, on the Start menu, right-click cmd.exe, and then select Run as administrator.
This issue may occur if the KMS client cannot find the KMS SRV resource records in DNS.
For more information about troubleshooting such DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
The full text of this error resembles the following:
The product key that you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one.
This issue occurs because the MAK that was entered was not valid, or because of a known issue in Windows Server 2019.
To work around this issue and activate the computer, run slmgr -ipk <5x5 key> at an elevated command prompt.
Firewall settings are not configured on the KMS host, or DNS SRV records are stale.
On the KMS host, make sure that a firewall exception is enabled for the Key Management Service (TCP port 1688).
Make sure that the DNS SRV records point to a valid KMS host.
Troubleshoot network connections.
For more information about troubleshooting such DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
The system has network or DNS issues.
Troubleshoot network and DNS.
The KMS client cannot find KMS server resource records (SRV RRs) in DNS.
Verify that a KMS host has been installed and DNS publishing is enabled (default). If DNS is unavailable, point the KMS client to the KMS host by using slmgr.vbs /skms <kms_host_name>.
If you do not have a KMS host, obtain and install an MAK. Then, activate the system.
For more information about troubleshooting such DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
The KMS client cannot find KMS SRV records in DNS.
Troubleshoot network connections and DNS. For more information about how to troubleshoot such DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
This issue may occur if the KMS client cannot find the KMS SRV resource records in DNS.
For more information about troubleshooting such DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
The MAK is not supported.
To troubleshoot this issue, verify that the MAK that you are using is the MAK that was provided by Microsoft. To verify that the MAK is valid, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The MAK that you entered is not valid.
Verify that the key is the MAK that was provided by Microsoft. For additional assistance, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The MAK is blocked on the activation server.
To obtain a new MAK, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers. After you obtain the new MAK, try installing and activating Windows again.
The KMS key has exceeded its activation limit. A KMS host key can be activated up to 10 times on up to six different computers.
If you require additional activations, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The MAK has exceeded its activation limit. By design, MAKs can be activated a limited number of times.
If you require additional activations, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The MAK has exceeded its activation limit. By design, MAKs activate a limited number of times.
If you need additional activations, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The grace period expired before the system was activated. Now, the system is in the Notifications state.
For assistance, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
The hardware has changed or the drivers were updated on the system.
If you are using MAK activation, use either online or phone activation to reactivate the system during the OOT grace period.
If you are using KMS activation, restart Windows or run slmgr.vbs /ato.
No product keys are installed on the system.
If you are using MAK activation, install a MAK product key.
If you are using KMS activation, check the Pid.txt file (located on the installation media in the sources folder) for a KMS Setup key. Install the key.
The system has detected that the data entered during phone activation is not valid.
Verify that the CID is entered correctly.
The full text of this error message resembles the following: /warhammer-40k-pdf-books.html.
Error: Invalid Volume License Key. In order to activate, you need to change your product key to a valid Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or Retail key. You must have a qualifying operating system license AND a Volume license Windows 7 upgrade license, or a full license for Windows 7 from a retail source. ANY OTHER INSTALLATION OF THIS SOFTWARE IS IN VIOLATION OF YOUR AGREEMENT AND APPLICABLE COPYRIGHT LAW.
The error text is correct, but is ambiguous. This error indicates that the computer is missing a Windows marker in its BIOS that identifies it as an OEM system that is running a qualifying edition of Windows. This information is required for KMS client activation. The more specific meaning of this code is 'Error: Invalid Volume License Key'
Windows 7 Volume editions are licensed only for upgrade. Microsoft does not support installing a Volume operating system on a computer that does not have a qualifying operating system installed.
In order to activate, you need to do one of the following:
Note
If you receive error 0x80072ee2 when you attempt to activate, use the phone activation method that follows instead.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The count reported by your Key Management Service (KMS) is insufficient. Please contact your system administrator.
The count on the KMS host is not high enough. For Windows Server, the KMS count must be greater than or equal to 5. For Windows (client), the KMS count must be greater than or equal to 25.
Before you can use KMS to activate Windows, you must have more computers in the KMS pool. To obtain the current count on the KMS host, run Slmgr.vbs /dli.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) is not enabled.
KMS did not respond to the KMS request.
Troubleshoot the network connection between the KMS host and the client. Make sure that TCP port 1688 (default) is not blocked by a firewall or is otherwise filtered.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
The Software Protection Service determined that the Key Management Server (KMS) is not activated. KMS needs to be activated.
The KMS host is not activated.
Activate the KMS host by using either online or telephone activation.
This error occurs if the KMS client contacted a KMS host that could not activate the client software. This can be common in mixed environments that contain application-specific and operating system-specific KMS hosts, for example.
Make sure that if you use specific KMS hosts to activate specific applications or operating systems, the KMS clients connect to the correct hosts.
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 were not substituted for the hyphens in the key.
The activation server determined that Microsoft has blocked the product key.
Obtain a new MAK or KMS key, install it on the system, and activate.
Windows Activation Tools (WAT) has determined that the system is not genuine.
For assistance, contact the Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers.
Windows Activation Tools has determined that the system is not genuine. The system will continue to run during the Non-Genuine grace period.
Obtain and install a genuine product key, and activate the system during the grace period. Otherwise, the system will go into the Notifications state at the end of the grace period.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. The Key Management Service (KMS) determined that the request timestamp is invalid.
The system time on the client computer is too different from the time on the KMS host. Time sync is important to system and network security for a variety of reasons.
Fix this issue by changing the system time on the client to sync with the KMS host. We recommend that you use a Network Time Protocol (NTP) time source or Active Directory Domain Services for time synchronization. This issue uses UTP time and does not depend on Time Zone selection.
The full text of this error message resembles the following:
The Software Protection Service reported that the computer could not be activated. No Key Management Service (KMS) could be contacted. Please see the Application Event Log for additional information.
All of the KMS host systems returned an error.
In the Application Event Log, identify each event that has Event ID 12288 and is associated with the activation attempt. Troubleshoot the errors from these events.
For more information about troubleshooting DNS-related issues, see Common troubleshooting procedures for KMS and DNS issues.
If you are urgently looking for the serial key of a paid software, then here might be the last stop before you give up. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to handle any task in work or study without the help of software, such as image processing, document editor, and speech-to-text. However, most of those programs only allow paid users to access advanced or even basic features. What if you’re a student or suffering the down and out? Don’t worry. We have tested dozens of websites and now present you the top 6 free serial keys sites for all kinds of software.
Warning: There are potential risks to install cracked software on computer or mobile phone. It is impossible for the website owners or anyone else to rule out every threat. You’re suggested to try your luck on giveaway sites to download free. full version software first.
In case of data loss due to virus attack or any other reasons, make sure to download iReparo Data Recovery Software to get your lost files back as soon as possible.
If the only standard to rate free serial keys websites is the frequency of updating, then Serials.ws is definitely the best one, which claims to update daily. It might not be true currently, because there is no much profit driving after all, but Serials.ws is still the most frequently updated option.
In addition to the update frequency, Serials.ws also features with a precise yet informative web interface. Update date and user rating are two important factors that help users judge whether the free serial keys would work or just a waste of time. Based on the over 120,000 serials in the database, Serials.ws is the most possible sites to find free serial keys that you need.
If we have to pick out some flaws, then there two on this site. First, there is no category for all the serial keys, so you must know clearly which serial key you need. Second, it does not provide download links, neither for the official packages or cracked copies, but just serial keys.
Smart Serials is another serial number collection website. Though this site provides serials keys and crack files, it is compliant with Digital Millennium Act. If the legal developer of the official software asks, they would possible remove related entries from this site. Basing on the fact that they value copyright, we should rest assured for the safety issue while browsing this website.
To get down to business, Smart Serials really does good job collecting working serial keys of a lot of useful software, and they continue adding items. You need to search for wanted serial keys by brand names or keywords, or click any of the alphabet to explore more surprise.
The better part of this free serial keys site is that you’ll get both crack file (signup needed for downloads on third-party site) and serial numbers. It is always better with more options. Moreover, in case you fail to find the serial key of a desired software, you can even submit a request on its forums.
SerialReactor doesn’t perform as a comprehensive serial keys site during our test, but a few hand-picked apps are listed on its home page with the latest serial keys, most of which are working and safe. However, manual research often gets back blank result. It should be noted that the Best Results, which will appear on every search result, are not completely trustful. The links will direct you to a third-party download site.
SerialReactor is not so popular among the users because it is not capable of fetching the serial keys of major premium software like Windows 10, Adobe Photoshop premium, MS Office 2018 etc. You can find the serial keys of small applications which requires very less subscription fees to access the premium access.
It is anyway a choice to give SerialReactor a try if you are unable to find the crack keys of desired applications. Sometimes it will work and there is a probability that you will be able to find the genuine software’s crack keys.
The home page of Keygens Pro looks like a product from the last century, but it did surprise us after browsing around this website. You can find almost the cracks and serial numbers of any kind of software. The search results sometimes link users to another website which seems suspicious, but there might have some reason of trick. Anyway, it is safe and fruitful to find serial keys by clicking the links on the home page and the top alphabet list.
As the name of this website suggests, Keygens Pro works as a website where you can find the crack keys of premium paid applications. This site doesn’t update regularly, but you may suddenly find the latest version of Office tools on the site. At the worst, Keygens Pro will show you a long list of earlier version serial keys for your consideration.
In case you really can’t find the serial key to activate the newest version of an urgently-needed program, then you may take a look at KeyGenNinja for previous version equivalents. This free serial key site has been running for over 10 years. Though the update is slowing down, there are a huge database of earlier programs, which are still useful for today’s work.
KeyGenNinja, originally known as KeyGenGuru, is probably one of the first site providing genuine crack keys of the major Windows applications to the users. You can find the crack keys of the most secured applications, like Adobe Photoshop, Camscanner, some antivirus software, etc. The official version of these apps requires users to pay subscription fees to access the whole new premium features.
It is a hard work which earn little reputation to run a website and provide free serial keys or keygens. That’s why sites like Serialbay has stopped updating for years. Nevertheless, the top serial keys on Serialbay are still working for specific programs. If you have sense of nostalgia and want to play an old game, then give it a try and see if you will be surprised.
This serial key providing website was known for providing the crack keys of major popular video games, like Call of Duty. Many small and big gamers use this software tool to get the crack keys for free. Serial keys of many premium applications are also available on this website too.
Anyway, don’t forget Serialbay in case you can’t find the serial key you are looking for at all of the above sites. Just type the name and wait for the result.
In this article, we have introduced 6 best sites to find serial keys for any software. The list might be shortened as time goes by, so enjoy the paid apps for free now or never. You should not trust cracked software from unknown sources to avoid virus attack. If you have to, make sure to install one of the best free antivirus software to protect your computer which are the basic versions of the famous security software. It would be best to buy a license and support the developer when you can afford it. After all, if nobody pays, then no one can play. Feel free to share your experience or opinions with us in the comment.