How to Fix DNS Activation Issues on Windows Server

Step 1: Examine the DNS Settings

To address DNS-related activation challenges, begin by inspecting your DNS configuration. Open the Command Prompt and execute the command below:

ipconfig /all

Focus on verifying the assigned IP address for your machine, the primary DNS, and the default gateway IP. Additionally, confirm that the DNS suffix search list is correct.

Next, verify the KMS host SRV records in your DNS by running:

nslookup - type =all _vlmcs._tcp>kms.txt

This command will create a text file called kms.txt. Review the entries in this file to confirm they display your KMS host correctly.

Step 2: Switch the Product Key to a MAK

If KMS activation continues to present challenges, consider switching to a Multiple Activation Key (MAK).Typically, if you obtained your Windows images from MSDN or TechNet, they are volume-licensed with an accompanying MAK.

To change your product key, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

slmgr -ipk <product-key>

Make sure to replace <product-key> with your actual key, which you can retrieve using:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

A confirmation message will indicate successful installation.

Step 3: Install the Volume Activation Service

KMS activation requires a configured KMS host. If none exists, install the Volume Activation Services. Follow these steps:

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Select Add roles and features.
3. Click Next until you reach Server Roles.
4. Select Volume Activation Services and click Next.
5. If prompted, install any necessary features.

After installation, ensure the KMS host is correctly configured.

Step 4: Manually Designate a KMS Host for the Client

In certain instances, it may be beneficial to manually set a KMS host for the client, particularly if automatic discovery proves ineffective. Execute one of the following commands in Command Prompt:

For FQDN:

cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms <KMS_FQDN>:<port>

For IPv4:

cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms <IPv4Address>:<port>

For IPv6:

cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms <IPv6Address>:<port>

For NETBIOS name:

cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -skms <NETBIOSName>:<port>

To revert to automatic discovery, use:

cscript \windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -ckms

Step 5: Set Up a DisableDnsPublishing Value

Verify that your KMS host is registering appropriately in DNS. Check if the DisableDnsPublishing setting is enabled; if it is, you need to adjust it.

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform.
3. Look for DisableDnsPublishing. If it doesn’t exist, create a new DWORD value, and set it to 0 or leave it undefined to allow SRV records to register automatically every 24 hours.

After making these changes, restart your machine and check if the problem persists.

What are common DNS activation problems on Windows Server?

How do I check my DNS settings?