Windows Server Datacenter 2022 CSP Version Error MAK Limit reached after 3 activations

Question

Hello all,

we currently have a problem that seems to be recent. A customer ordered a Windows Server 2022 Datacenter 16 Core license from us via CSP. The license from the O365 Admin Center could only be activated on 3 VMs on a VMware host. Now the license shows the error that the MAK limit is reached. What can we do? O365 support can't help us and says to contact Microsoft support?
The license cannot be activated any further at the moment. We have never had such a problem before. All previously purchased Written Datacenter Keys or VLSC Keys have worked fine. Only now the CSP version does not.
Until now no Microsoft technician could help us because nobody knows anything.

Thanks

Answer 1

Possibly. Unfortunately the volume center has no presence here on Q&A forums but you can email them here.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/supportrequestform/2afa6f15-b710-db46-909a-8346017c802f?sl=en&sc=US

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Answer 2

The solution may be to install a DataCenter host and use the AVMA licensing. A DataCenter license provides for unlimited hosting of virtual machines when using AVMA. Unlimited activations however are not possible.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/automatic-vm-activation

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Answer 3

Hello Patrick,

that would be a solution for HyperV, but the customer has VMware like so many of our customers.
I have ordered the Datacenter Key personally, assigned to the customer. Then retrieved and activated on the first 3 VMware VMs. From the fourth VM I get the following error code via slmgr -ipk or via the GUI:

"Windows cannot be activated on this device because the product key has already been used on another device. If you think that it has not been used on another device, select
on another device, select "Troubleshoot" below. (Oxc004c020)"

Answer 4

Unfortunately unlimited activations is not possible. You can also try phone activation
slui 4
or try contacting microsoft to reset the activation count.

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Answer 5

I read on many sites about the problem with buying datacenter licenses through CSP.

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2308228-are-ms-csp-operating-system-licenses-the-same-as-open-or-retail

I actually have the right to install the Windows Server Datacenter license on one host with correct core licensing of my choice as many times as I want. No matter whether Citrix, HyperV or VMware

I have the feeling that the CSP licenses are not mature. As any retail key works without any problems. We are trying rabbits.

Since when does a new datacenter key refuse to work after 3 activations. This has never happened to me. It's not like that,
I have already activated 50, but only 3.

Can VLSC support help me with CSP purchases and licenses from the O365 tenant or who exactly is responsible?