Windows 7 Enterprise MAK needs Reactivation

licensingwindows 7

I have a VMware image that contains our "standard workstation" where I do a lot of testing.

I used a Windows 7 Enterprise MAK key (from MSDN) for activation because the doc said that MAK keys don't have to be reactivated when the hardware changes.

Activation was done with

  • slmgr.vbs /ipk LICENSE-KEY
  • slmgr.vbs /ato

Now after some testing where the virtual hw was changed it says it "needs to activate because the hw has changed".

What did I do wrong?

Best Answer

Nothing. the MAK is a "normal" MAK - it allows multiple activations, but it also invalidates, like all activations, on hardware changes. At least this was my understanding from the start (can you provide a quote from the doc saying it does not need reactivation?).

That said, my experience with them is limited - I run a KMS because it is a lot easier.