The base Windows images do not contain a product key and will run in evaluation mode. The OS will run in this mode for up to 120 days (240 for Windows 2003). If you are prompted to activate your virtual machine, you can either extend the evaluation period as described below, or enter your own MSDN product key and activate the OS.
BMC MSDN Accounts
- BMC MSDN Site: https://intranet.bmc.com/it/EndUserServices/Pages/MSDN.aspx.
- Microsoft’s MSDN Site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472
Extending Evaluation Periods
Disable auto activation and extend the evaluation period.
- First you should disable the automatic activation and notification setting. (Flight Deck may have performed this already, it is OK to add these settings a second time)
- Use the following registry settings and import to your system. Save the text below as wpa.reg in your VM, then double click the file to import these new settings.
- You should get a response the settings were imported.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform\Activation]
"NotificationDisabled"=dword:00000001
"Manual"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SL\Activation]
"NotificationDisabled"=dword:00000001
"Manual"=dword:00000001
Manually Extend the evaluation period
- Click Start, and then click Command Prompt.
- Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period.
- To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs -rearm, and then press ENTER.
- Restart the computer.
- To check your grace period, type slmgr.vbs -dli again in a command prompt.
Entering a product key and activating
Entering a product key is done in the system properties of the operating system.
- Obtain a product key from your MSDN Subscription, details can be found here on our corporate intranet
- Open Control Panel > System
- On the bottom, click Enter Product Key and follow the prompts.