Note: As of August, 2009 the ASU KMS Server is now capable of activating Microsoft Vista and Windows7.

There are two different activation key types: Multiple Activation Keys (MAKs) and Key Management Service (KMS) keys. MAKs are a form of permanent activation, while KMS is an on-going renewal.

Also please Note: The KMS server should only be used to activate systems attached to the WIRED network (desktops and servers).  Laptops will need to be activated by using a MAK key rather than a KMS key. The MAK key can be obtained by a technical representative, by emailing software@asu.edu - More Server 2008 information may be found here.
 
Until further notice, when purchasing Server 2008 R2, request a MAK key.  Server 2008 R2 Editions will not be activated by KMS.  Until server licensing can be FULLY tracked or servers are covered through the Campus Agreement to ensure Software Assurance and proper licensing, the KMS server (moving forward) will only activate Vista, Server 2008 (Standard/Enterprise Editions) and Windows 7.

Microsoft Vista/Windows7 Enterprise edition

Vista/Windows7 Enterprise edition is the version licensed to ASU through the Microsoft Campus Agreement. Vista/Windows7 can be provided to Faculty and Staff compatibile systems that are ASU owned and managed. Both Vista and Windows7 Enterprise comes with a KMS dependent Product ID (PID) key installed. The key can be found on the OS install DVD under \Sources within pid.txt

To activate Vista/Windows7 Enterprise or Server 2008 using a KMS server, do the following:

Launch an elevated CMD window.

• This can be done by either navigating to the Start Button, All Programs, Accessories, then right-click on CMD and select “Run as Administrator”, or..
• Click on the Start Button, type “CMD” in the “Start Search” field, then hold down “Shift-Ctrl” and press Enter.

The new KMS server (ASUKMS1) has been entered into DNS, and will automatically be found when either Vista or Windows7 attempts to activate.  If you are outside of the ASU DNS domain you must still enter the "slmgr -skms" command (see below) to point the KMS client to the correct KMS server.
 
Cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms asukms1.asurite.ad.asu.edu:1688
 
Enter the following command within the CMD window:

• Cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ato

 
This is rare, but in some cases, using "-skms" and "-ato" fails to work.  If this is the case, try using "/skms" and "/ato" instead.

Vista/Windows7 Enterprise or Server 2008 should now be activated.

• Every 7 days (by default) KMS clients will attempt to re-contact the KMS server for re-authorization for a sliding 180 day window.
• KMS clients MUST re-contact the server within a 180 day period in order to remain activated.
• If unsuccessful, they will go into a 30 day grace period.
• If still unsuccessful, the KMS client will go into "reduced Functionality mode (RFM)".

If You have been unsuccessful in activating Vista/Windows7 Enterprise or Server 2008, check the Vista Activation Errors page for possible reasons and solutions.
 

Microsoft Vista/Windows7 Business edition

Vista and Windows7 Business edition CAN be set up to be activated by KMS server, but requires additional steps and must be the Volume License Business edition.

If your Vista/Windows7 client will be located off-campus, off-network, or is a traveling Laptop, Please use a MAK key to activate your system with. A MAK (Multiple Activation Key) provides a permanent activation in the same fashion as was done for Windows XP Pro. MAK keys may be obtained by your Technical Support provider.