Windows must be activated

OK, I had to have a stop gap and installed the eval version of 2003 R2 x64.
I took today (I had till July) to upgrade to the full version. So I did a
dcpromo to demote the server, rebooted and installed going through
install-Repair option with the genuine Windows. After a lengthy install, it
came up and all services/shares/virtual server/etc are running in the
background. However, when I attempt to login, I get the message (Remote or
console) "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you
can continue. You cannot log on until you activate Windows. Do you want to
activate Windows Now?" well, I hit yes, and about 5 min later, back at login
screen. I can ping the server so I know it has network access. So I found
KB 932442, but IE8 is installed, so no ie7 and can't see ie8 (Looking at
\\server\c$\windows). So I tried to boot to safe mode, but it copies a few
files, and then stops. so can't seem to get in now. Safe Mode with Net
support simply gives me the same message about auth.. It appears I can run
psexec, but need some guidance. Everything is running so I'm not too
worried, but if I have to fix something, well, it doesn't leave much wiggle
room.

I'd do the phone activation option.

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/e...n-centers.aspx



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"David Krugler" wrote:
> OK, I had to have a stop gap and installed the eval version of 2003 R2
> x64.
> I took today (I had till July) to upgrade to the full version. So I did a
> dcpromo to demote the server, rebooted and installed going through
> install-Repair option with the genuine Windows. After a lengthy install,
> it
> came up and all services/shares/virtual server/etc are running in the
> background. However, when I attempt to login, I get the message (Remote
> or
> console) "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you
> can continue. You cannot log on until you activate Windows. Do you want
> to
> activate Windows Now?" well, I hit yes, and about 5 min later, back at
> login
> screen. I can ping the server so I know it has network access. So I
> found
> KB 932442, but IE8 is installed, so no ie7 and can't see ie8 (Looking at
> \\server\c$\windows). So I tried to boot to safe mode, but it copies a
> few
> files, and then stops. so can't seem to get in now. Safe Mode with Net
> support simply gives me the same message about auth.. It appears I can
> run
> psexec, but need some guidance. Everything is running so I'm not too
> worried, but if I have to fix something, well, it doesn't leave much
> wiggle
> room.

Well, this is a retail copy, but I tried anyway. The gentleman who answered
the phone said I needed client software services, transfered me (and gave me
the phone number) but the recording told me they were closed and told me to
call back during normal business hours (But didn't tell me when that was).
So still stuck until I can find out what hours they are open, if they will
even help me.

"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> I'd do the phone activation option.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/e...n-centers.aspx
>
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
> "David Krugler" wrote:
> > OK, I had to have a stop gap and installed the eval version of 2003 R2
> > x64.
> > I took today (I had till July) to upgrade to the full version. So I did a
> > dcpromo to demote the server, rebooted and installed going through
> > install-Repair option with the genuine Windows. After a lengthy install,
> > it
> > came up and all services/shares/virtual server/etc are running in the
> > background. However, when I attempt to login, I get the message (Remote
> > or
> > console) "This copy of Windows must be activated with Microsoft before you
> > can continue. You cannot log on until you activate Windows. Do you want
> > to
> > activate Windows Now?" well, I hit yes, and about 5 min later, back at
> > login
> > screen. I can ping the server so I know it has network access. So I
> > found
> > KB 932442, but IE8 is installed, so no ie7 and can't see ie8 (Looking at
> > \\server\c$\windows). So I tried to boot to safe mode, but it copies a
> > few
> > files, and then stops. so can't seem to get in now. Safe Mode with Net
> > support simply gives me the same message about auth.. It appears I can
> > run
> > psexec, but need some guidance. Everything is running so I'm not too
> > worried, but if I have to fix something, well, it doesn't leave much
> > wiggle
> > room.
>
> .
>

There should also be a telephone number which varies by location and is
provided during the activation process.




--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"David Krugler" wrote:
> Well, this is a retail copy, but I tried anyway. The gentleman who
> answered
> the phone said I needed client software services, transfered me (and gave
> me
> the phone number) but the recording told me they were closed and told me
> to
> call back during normal business hours (But didn't tell me when that was).
> So still stuck until I can find out what hours they are open, if they will
> even help me.

Managed to get it. Turns out the IE8 folder was hidden. Since I still had
access to C$, I simply Unhid the folder, then ran
psexec \\server C:\windows\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe /quiet /forcerestart
Once the computer rebooted, I was able to login and get the Activation
window (I guess I never had 7, just jumped to 8)
All is well now as I reinstall some needed updates.


"Dave Patrick" wrote:

> There should also be a telephone number which varies by location and is
> provided during the activation process.
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
> Microsoft Certified Professional
> Microsoft MVP [Windows]
> http://www.microsoft.com/protect
>
> "David Krugler" wrote:
> > Well, this is a retail copy, but I tried anyway. The gentleman who
> > answered
> > the phone said I needed client software services, transfered me (and gave
> > me
> > the phone number) but the recording told me they were closed and told me
> > to
> > call back during normal business hours (But didn't tell me when that was).
> > So still stuck until I can find out what hours they are open, if they will
> > even help me.
>
> .
>

Glad to hear its sorted.



--

Regards,

Dave Patrick ....Please no email replies - reply in newsgroup.
Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft MVP [Windows]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect

"David Krugler" wrote:
> Managed to get it. Turns out the IE8 folder was hidden. Since I still
> had
> access to C$, I simply Unhid the folder, then ran
> psexec \\server C:\windows\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe /quiet /forcerestart
> Once the computer rebooted, I was able to login and get the Activation
> window (I guess I never had 7, just jumped to 8)
> All is well now as I reinstall some needed updates.