Problem
You attempt to activate a Windows Server 2019 Standard server with a MAK key but notice that it fails with:
Windows can’t activate right now. Try activating again later. If that doesn’t work, contact your system administrator. Error code: 0x800705B4
If you’re having problems with activation, select Troubleshoot to try and fix the problem.
You’ve activated other servers with this same MAK key without any issues.
The product key you entered didn’t work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one. (0x80070490)
Solution
One of the ways this issue can be fixed is to execute the slmgr.vbs script with the upk switch to uninstall the current key on the Windows Server 2019 server. More information about this script and switch can be found here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options#advanced-options
One of the ways this issue can be fixed is to execute the slmgr.vbs script with the upk switch to uninstall the current key on the Windows Server 2019 server. More information about this script and switch can be found here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/activation-slmgr-vbs-options#advanced-options
| /upk [<Application ID>] | This option uninstalls the product key of the current Windows edition. After a restart, the system will be in an Unlicensed state unless a new product key is installed. Optionally, you can use the <Activation ID> parameter to specify a different installed product. This operation must be run from an elevated Command Prompt window. |
Executing this:com
slmgr.vbs -upk
… command will display the following prompt:
Uninstalled product key successfully.
Once the existing product key is removed, we can use the same slmgr.vbs script with the ipk switch to install the new key as such:
slmgr.vbs -ipk KBP8M-XXXXX-K47P8-XXXXX-XXXXX
Review the Activation settings of the server should display the server as being activated:
