Activate Windows with your modem when you have no Internet service provider

  • Article

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

To activate Windows with your modem when you have no Internet service provider

  1. Click Start, point to All Programs, and then click Activate Windows.

  2. In Windows Product Activation, select Yes, let's activate Windows over the Internet now. After this selection, you will be given the option to register at the same time.

Notes

  • To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Administrators group on the local computer, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority. If the computer is joined to a domain, members of the Domain Admins group might be able to perform this procedure. As a security best practice, consider using Run as to perform this procedure.

  • To open a system tools item, click Start, point to All programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click the appropriate icon. Click Activate Windows.

  • Even without Internet service, you can use your modem to activate, or activate and register, your copy of Windows.

  • You are strongly encouraged to activate your Windows Server 2003 operating system before using it in a productive environment to prevent loss of time later.

  • When Windows operating systems require activation, a shortcut logo appears in the Notification Area on the Status Bar on the Desktop. You can begin the activation process by clicking on this icon. Once you have activated, this icon disappears. Confirm activation by checking with your Application Event Log.

  • Alternatively, you can open the Windows Product Activation wizard by clicking Start, then Run, and type in "oobe/msoobe /a".

  • If you choose not to activate now, reminders will appear periodically during the grace period. After that time has expired, you will be required to activate in order to continue to use your Windows Server 2003 operating system.

  • Activating any of the Windows Server 2003 operating systems is fast and does not require your name or other personal information.

Information about functional differences

  • Your server might function differently based on the version and edition of the operating system that is installed, your account permissions, and your menu settings. For more information, see Viewing Help on the Web.

See Also

Concepts

Windows Product Activation
Understanding activation and registration
Microsoft Windows Product Activation privacy statement
Understanding product keys
Activate Windows using Microsoft Text Telephone