Windows server Activation problem

Question

Hello,

i am trying to activate a Windows Server 2019 Standard installation but everything i try is getting a different error message. The key i am using is windows server 2022 std rok from dell, which should work and has in the past.

From what i have gathered me predecessor had installed the evaluation version and then tried to upgrade and ran into an error and left it as is. Windows is now on Standard edition but not activated.

When i use dism /online /get-currentedition

i get

Image Version: 10.0.17763.5696

Current edition is:

Current Edition : ServerStandard

but

When i try to activate from the windows gui i get: The product key you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0x80041014)

When i try to activate using slmgr /ipk i get: Error 0xC004E016 On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition , run 'slui.exe 0x2a 0xc004e016' to display the error.

When running that the description is: The software licensing service reported that the product key is invalid.

When i use DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

The specified product key could not be validated.

Check that the specified product key is valid and that it matches the target edition.

with these errors in the log

2024-04-15 12:11:43, Error DISM DISM Transmog Provider: PID=30264 TID=29604 Unable to retrieve pkey info; hr = 0x8A010001 - CTransmogManager::InitializeProductKey

2024-04-15 12:11:43, Error DISM DISM Transmog Provider: PID=30264 TID=29604 [Upgrading system]: The specified product key could not be validated.

Check that the specified product key is valid and that it matches the target edition.

[hrError=0x8a010001] - CTransmogManager::EventError

2024-04-15 12:11:43, Warning DISM DISM Transmog Provider: PID=30264 TID=29604 The selected OS cannot upgrade to [serverstandard] - CTransmogManager::TransmogrifyWorker

2024-04-15 12:11:43, Error DISM DISM Transmog Provider: PID=30264 TID=29604 Failed to Upgrade! - CTransmogManager::TransmogrifyWorker(hr:0x8a010001)

2024-04-15 12:11:43, Error DISM DISM Transmog Provider: PID=30264 TID=29604 Failed to upgrade! - CTransmogManager::ExecuteCmdLine(hr:0x8a010001)

I am stuck and talking to a Microsoft rep on the phone did not help since they were trying to tell me that something is wrong with my KMS activation when i am trying to activate with a MAK key.

Answer 1

You'd need to install the OS using the same media which was used to install the original OS

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hth

Marcin

Answer 2

Hello,

While MAK keys should generally work, you seem to be getting an error indicating that your product key is invalid. Here are a few possible steps you can try:

Check for a Typo: Ensure that you’ve entered the key correctly. The error could simply be due to a typographical error in the key.

Try a Different Key: You could also try using a different MAK key if available. There could be a problem with the one you’re currently using.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Key: Open command prompt (admin) and type:

slmgr /upk

This command will uninstall the current product key. Then try to install the key again using:

slmgr /ipk your-key-here

Upgrade using an ISO: Try upgrading to Windows Server 2019 Standard, using a Windows Server 2019 Standard ISO, instead of using a DISM command to Upgrade.

Once you’ve upgraded, you can enter the license key through settings, or slmgr /ipk.

Perform a Clean Install: As a last resort, you may need to perform a clean install with the right ISO file and use the product key during installation. Before you do this, please make sure you have proper backups.

Best Regards,

Hania Lian

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Answer 3

I did try everything people have suggested without results. I even tried a different key i had bought for another server and i get the exact same results. I am at a loss, the only course of action i can think of right now is to fully reinstall windows server from scratch, but getting it back up to the state it is now would be a momentous task.

Answer 4

Nikos,

I have exactly the same issue as yours. I also tried other windows 2019 key and it works.

but once I use the new windows server 2022 ROK key I bought from Microsoft reseller. It still showing “The product key you entered didn’t work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0x80041014)”

Sorry I don’t have solution. Just echo to yours as I am struggling by the same issue.

Kevin