Migrate KMS Server on Win Server 2012 R2 to Win Server 2022

Question

Hello,

 

I could use some guidance on how to upgrade my KMS server from Windows Server 2012 R2 to Windows Server 2022. We would like to deploy a new server and not do an in-place upgrade of our KMS server. My organization runs mostly Windows 10/11, Server 2019/2022, and Office 2016/2019. On the old KMS Server, 2012 R2, we have a mix of ADBA and KMS activations.

 

1.       My plan is to deploy server 2022, with volume activation Reference Article

Install-WindowsFeature -Name VolumeActivation -IncludeAllSubFeature

2.       Configure the firewall Reference Article

Set-NetFirewallRule -Name SPPSVC-In-TCP -Profile Domain,Private -Enabled True

3.       Install the Office 2019 and 2016 volume license pack Reference Article

4.       Then go into the volume activation tool and start registering my license keys I have for the various windows products, using only ADBA activation. Reference Article

5.       After all of the keys are in the new server, I will deactivate the key from the old KMS server, and decommission the old server. Reference Article

6.       Update the _SRV DNS record and replicate to domain

 

Where I’m running into issues in my test lab, is on the fourth step. I open Volume Activation Tools, Select ADBA, and enter the KMS key. I chose Activation Online. I get the error:

“Invalid product key or license mismatch”

 

So, my question is, am I missing something? I have verified the license key that I am putting in the Volume Activation Tools is correct according to the Volume Licensing Services Website. I have not deactivated any keys from my current KMS server. I feel like there is a peace to the puzzle that I am missing.

Answer 1

Hello there,

You may need to update your SRV records and you will need to hit your activation marks on the new KMS server.

Sometimes the old KMS host address sticks so you have to manually point it at the new host with slmgr

If you have Office 2010 KMS on the same server - make sure you remove the Office key before you uninstall the KMS host key.

Similar discussion here https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/ie/en-US/cd4177bd-8df5-4a66-afdc-c760398b7e7f/migrating-kms-server-from-one-computer-to-another?forum=itprovistaactivation

Hope this resolves your Query !!

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