What if my University-managed Windows computer shows an Office or Windows activation error?

Microsoft Windows and Office both utilize the KMS server to activate/validate their license. It checks every 7 days, but has a 180 day grace period. Make sure to check in with the KMS server at least once every 180 days. There are two ways to do this:

       1. Ensure the computer is powered on and connected to the Remote Access VPN for a few hours to give it time for the automatic check in, then perform a reboot.

       2. Connect to the Remote Access VPN, see How to Connect Remotely using the Remote Access VPN (Staff/Faculty). 

  • University computers get their Microsoft license activation from the campus network.
  • Connecting to VPN on a monthly basis for two hours will help ensure your computer and software licenses stay current.
  • Follow these steps if you continue to receive an Office or Windows activation error after being connected to the VPN for two hours:
Office Windows
  1. Ensure you are connected to VPN
  2. Click the Start Menu
  3. Type cmd
  4. Click Run as administrator
    Screenshot of Start Menu
  5. Click Yes
  6. Type what is in BOLD exactly: cscript.exe "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16\ospp.vbs" /act and press Enter
  1. Ensure you are connected to VPN
  2. Click the Start Menu
  3. Type cmd
  4. Click Run as administrator
    Screenshot of Start Menu
  5. Click Yes
  6. Type what is in BOLD exactly: cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ato and press Enter

 

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