Question
How do I activate new systems through the campus KMS server?
Overview
Systems connected regularly to the campus network (or connected using VPN) should be activated using the Key Management Service (KMS) through the campus KMS server, kms.ucdavis.edu. Once a system is activated using KMS, it will attempt to reconnect periodically (weekly by default) to the KMS server to re-activate for the full 180 day window. If a system fails to connect to the KMS server after 180 days, it will receive warnings and will then go into a reduced-functionality mode until it is re-activated.
Answer
There are several basics to activation of new systems:
- Campus DNS or uConnect DNS as primary DNS in your network setup (or local DNS with properly configured SRV record).
- Port 1688 open on your local and vlan firewall.
- System time and zone set correctly.
If these are in place and a system will not activate, it will usually spawn an error message with an error code. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff793399.aspx
KMS client keys - http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj612867.aspx
Note: These are not usable like a MAK key. They must be configured.
If you believe your software should activate through KMS and you have a problem, check for the error code and forward info to kms-help@ucdavis.edu and they will be glad to assist.