Activating Windows
Applies To: Windows Server 2012, Windows Storage Server 2008 R2
Note
If the Activate Windows section is not displayed in the Initial Configuration Tasks window, your storage appliance manufacturer has already activated Windows Storage Server 2008 R2, and you do not need to perform this task. You can check the activation status by clicking Start, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
Click the Activate Windows link in the Provide Computer Information area of the Initial Configuration Tasks window to provide the product key that was included with your copy of this Windows operating system. This command opens the Windows Activation dialog box.
Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine, and that it has not been used on more computers than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. In this manner, activation helps prevent software counterfeiting. With an activated copy of Windows, you will be able to use every Windows feature. You have 30 days after you install Windows to activate it online or by telephone. If this 30-day period expires before you complete activation, some Windows features stop working until you activate your copy of Windows.
The Activate Windows field in the Initial Configuration Tasks window shows the activation status for this copy of Windows. Not activated is displayed if an administrator has not provided the product key associated with this copy of Windows, or has provided a product key, but not yet activated Windows either online or by telephone. Activated is displayed, together with the Windows product ID, if an administrator has provided the correct Windows product key and activated the operating system.