Extending the server evaluation period
Applies To: Windows Home Server 2011, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials, Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard
You can use your newly installed server for a limited amount of time (known as the “evaluation period”) without entering a product key. After the evaluation period, you must either enter a product key to activate the server, or extend the evaluation period. You can extend the evaluation period a maximum of two times. When you reach the maximum number of days allowed for the evaluation period, you must activate your server.
The following table provides information about the evaluation period for each listed product.
| Product | Evaluation Period | Number of Extensions Allowed | Maximum Evaluation Period |
|---|---|---|---|
Windows SBS 2011 Standard |
30 days |
2 |
90 days |
Windows SBS 2011 Essentials |
60 days |
2 |
180 days |
Windows Home Server 2011 |
30 days |
2 |
90 days |
To extend the evaluation period
Click Start, and then in the search box, type cmd.
In the list of results, right-click cmd, and then click Run as administrator. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or provide the confirmation.
At the command prompt, type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER. The status of your server activation appears.
To extend the activation period, at the command prompt, type slmgr.vbs –rearm, and then press ENTER.
Restart the server.
Note
For information about how to activate the server, see How to activate your server.