Overview
This document provides information for system administrators about obtaining and configuring Microsoft Multiple Activation Keys (MAK).
Warning KMS highly preferred: All university machines capable of connecting to U-M's university-wide no-charge Key Management Service (KMS) server should use KMS activation.
About Multiple Activation Key (MAK)
Microsoft developed the MAK to activate licensed software on machines not able to access a U-M Key Management Service (KMS) server.
A MAK can be used when a university-owned server or workstation cannot connect to the university-wide no-charge KMS server for at least 6 months. In most cases, machines located off campus should be able to connect using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A MAK has a significant weakness for system administrators, especially those who manage computer labs or other machines that are routinely reformatted or reimaged. It provides a limited number of activations for operating systems and other products. Each time an activation occurs, the MAK decrements the count. Activations include:
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Installing a product.
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Reinstalling a product.
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Reimaging a product.
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Making a significant physical change to a workstation, such as replacing a motherboard or hard drive.
Warning OS Images: Please do not use a MAK for OS images created in your environment. Imaged machines quickly decrease the number of available activations.
Obtaining a MAK
Contact ITS Software Licensing and Distribution ([email protected]).
You must include a statement of justification regarding a machine's inability to access the U-M KMS server. For non-server machines, departments may need to purchase work-at-home media from the U-M Computer Showcase.
Installing a MAK
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Log on to the workstation or server using an administrative account.
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From the Start menu, select Control Panel then System.
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At the bottom of the System control panel, click Change Product Key.
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In the User Account Control window, click Continue.
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In the Product Key field, enter the MAK and click Next.
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If you do not receive a Success screen, repeat these steps. Most failed MAK activations are due to temporary network connectivity issues.
Note Hardware configuration changes: You may need to reactivate the machine if you later change the hardware configuration.