[windows software] MAK keys and test virtual machines

[googlemad]

So this summer we're moving to Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 (from Novell and XP!) hence I am finding myself building lots of Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 virtual machines on my PC to test certain scenarios etc out in advance.

 

If I activate them using MAK keys from the Volume Licensing website is there any way to free up the keys after I am done with the virtual machines?

[Hightower]

I heard you have to phone Microsoft up for keys to be released.

[Iain]

Depending on how long you are going to be using the test VMs for you can just use the grace period for activation (120 days). This is what I did when I was testing. More details for licensing in testing environments is at Windows Activation in Development and Test Environments

 

Iain.

[bossman]

@googlemad:

 

Can you not setup a KVS or are your keys just MAK?