2008/7 KMS Host

[TMODAlpha]

Hi guys,

I have 3 Server 2008 servers activated with MAK (threshold for KMS is 5)

I need one to act as a KMS host for 7 and office, but it will only allow me to install keys to a server that is activated via KMS. Obviously, im 2 short so I cant do this.

Suggestions?
In my previous place we ran the host on an old 2003 box, but I want to avoid this if I can.

Thanks

[simpsonj]

I don't think the server key needs to be KMS to be a KMS host, I know mine isn't...

[TMODAlpha]

I don't think the server key needs to be KMS to be a KMS host, I know mine isn't...

Oh, but the KMS keys work in a pyramid, meaning a 2008 KMS HOST key can activate a Windows 7 client, or a 2008 client. So the host HAS to be activated with a KMS key.

It's never worked for me with a MAK'd 2008 host.

[Firefox]

The count for KMS needs to be >5 for servers, but this is a combination of 2008 and Windows 7. So you can add 2 Windows 7 devices to your setup and KMS for servers should then activate.

(Note: for Windows 7 to activate the count needs to be >25)

Alternatively fire up 2 virtual 2008 servers to push you over the count limit, until you have enough devices on the domain to be able to remove these.

[TMODAlpha]

The count for KMS needs to be >5 for servers, but this is a combination of 2008 and Windows 7. So you can add 2 Windows 7 devices to your setup and KMS for servers should then activate.

(Note: for Windows 7 to activate the count needs to be >25)

Alternatively fire up 2 virtual 2008 servers to push you over the count limit, until you have enough devices on the domain to be able to remove these.

I only have licenses for 3 2003 servers though :-\ which is a shame. I did wonder if it counted 7 machines towards the server count of 5. Now that I know it can include 7 towards the counts for the servers I can just roll out KMS when we have a full classroom of 7 PCs, for now I will just use MAK on everything. Then it will activate the 7 PCs and the servers? There would be 32-34 7 PCs and 3 2008 servers. Sound right?

Thanks Firefox, that was massively helpfull.

[Firefox]

np...sounds like you have it worked out.

To save you adding your machines manually once you get KMS up and running, these LDAP queries should do the trick

LDAP://FQDNofDomain??sub?(&(objectClass=computer)(operatingSystem=Win dows 7*))
LDAP://FQDNofDomain??sub?(&(objectClass=computer)(operatingSystem=Win dows Server 2008*))

(Note: no space between "Win dows" not sure why it did that