PowerEdge: Conversion of Windows Server Evaluation Fails with CSP Perpetual License Product Key
Riepilogo: This article addresses an issue in which conversion of Windows Server from an evaluation to a fully licensed edition fails. The error that is returned appears to indicate a problem with the supplied product key, but the key is known to be valid. ...
Sintomi
Conversion of an evaluation of Windows Server to a fully licensed edition fails with the following error:
The specified product key could not be validated. Check that the specified product key is valid and that it matches the target edition.
The supplied product key is associated with a perpetual Windows Server license. These licenses are purchased through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, and the keys are provided by Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
Causa
The exact cause is unknown, but this behavior has been seen many times when a CSP product key is used for the conversion.
Risoluzione
To work around this error, supply a Key Management System (KMS) key during the conversion, then change the key to the correct one afterward.
KMS keys, also known as Generic Volume License Keys (GVLK), are published by Microsoft here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kms-client-activation-keys
The following commands show the specific KMS key to use for each operating system (OS) version and edition:
Windows Server 2019 Standard
dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:N69G4-B89J2-4G8F4-WWYCC-J464C /accepteula
Windows Server 2019 Datacenter
dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:WMDGN-G9PQG-XVVXX-R3X43-63DFG /accepteula
Windows Server 2022 Standard
dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:VDYBN-27WPP-V4HQT-9VMD4-VMK7H /accepteula
Windows Server 2022 Datacenter
dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:WX4NM-KYWYW-QJJR4-XV3QB-6VM33 /accepteula
Windows Server 2025 Standard
dism /online /set-edition:ServerStandard /productkey:TVRH6-WHNXV-R9WG3-9XRFY-MY832 /accepteula
Windows Server 2025 Datacenter
dism /online /set-edition:ServerDatacenter /productkey:D764K-2NDRG-47T6Q-P8T8W-YP6DF /accepteula
After the command finishes, a reboot is required. After the reboot, the OS will no longer be an evaluation. However, the KMS key cannot activate the OS successfully unless a KMS server is in place in the environment. If a KMS server is not in use, the key must be changed using the following commands: (Replace the X's in the second command with the CSP product key.)
slmgr /upk slmgr /ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
The OS should automatically activate shortly after the second command is run. Activation can be forced with the slmgr /ato command, but this is typically unnecessary.
See this published video:
CSP License Key Not Valid
Duration: 00:04:30 (hh:mm:ss)
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