RMS Machine Certificates

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

An RMS machine certificate identifies a computer or device that is trusted by the RMS system.

During the client activation process, a computer or device generates an RMS machine certificate.

An RMS machine certificate contains the public key of the activated computer. It is signed by the Microsoft Activation Key, which is included with the RMS client for Service Pack 1 and later.

There is no requirement for computers to be members of an Active Directory domain to receive a lockbox or machine certificate.