Windows Server 2008 Activation Failed: How to Fix Error Code 0x80072f8f
How to Fix Windows Activation Error Code 0x80072f8f Server 2008
Windows activation is a process that verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine and not used on more devices than the license allows. It helps prevent software piracy and ensure that you have access to all the features and updates of Windows. However, sometimes you may encounter an error code when trying to activate Windows, such as 0x80072f8f.
Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008
This error code usually occurs when you try to activate Windows server 2008 using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) or a Key Management Service (KMS). It indicates that there is something wrong with the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection between your computer and the Microsoft activation server. This could be caused by various factors, such as incorrect date and time settings, network issues, invalid product key, or corrupted system files.
In this article, we will show you how to fix Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008 using five different methods. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent this error from happening again in the future. Follow the steps below and get your Windows server activated in no time.
Method 1: Check your date and time settings
One of the most common causes of Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008 is incorrect date and time settings on your computer. The Microsoft activation server validates your computer's date and time when activating Windows. However, if they are too far from the server's date and time, it will throw an error. To fix this, you need to adjust your date and time settings to match the current ones. Here's how:
Right-click the date and time on the taskbar, then click Adjust date/time.
In the Date and Time window, make sure that the Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options are turned on. If not, turn them on by clicking the toggle switch.
If you want to set the date and time manually, click the Change button under Set the date and time manually. Then, select the correct date and time from the calendar and clock, and click Change.
Close the Date and Time window and restart your computer.
Try activating Windows again and see if the error is resolved.
Method 2: Change the MediaBootInstall registry key
If you installed Windows server 2008 from a bootable media, such as a DVD or a USB drive, you may need to change a registry key value to activate Windows. This is because the installation process may set the MediaBootInstall registry key to 1, which indicates that you are using a retail version of Windows instead of a volume license version. To change this registry key value to 0, you need to follow these steps:
Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\OOBE
Double-click the MediaBootInstall registry key and change its value data from 1 to 0.
Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
Open an elevated command prompt by typing cmd in the Run dialog box, then pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr /rearm
This command will reset the Windows activation status and require you to restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, try activating Windows again and see if the error is fixed.
Method 3: Run Windows Activation Troubleshooter
If you are still getting the Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008, you can try running the Windows Activation Troubleshooter. This is a built-in tool that can help you diagnose and fix common Windows activation problems. To run this tool, follow these steps:
Click the Start button and type Troubleshoot. Then, click on the Troubleshoot settings option.
In the Troubleshoot window, scroll down and click on the Windows Activation option.
Click on the Run the troubleshooter button and wait for the tool to scan your system.
The tool will try to detect and fix any issues with your Windows activation. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended solutions.
If the tool finds any problems, it will display a message with a link to activate Windows online. Click on the link and follow the steps to activate Windows.
If the tool does not find any problems, it will display a message saying that your device is activated. Click on the Close button and exit the tool.
If you still see an error message, try activating Windows again using a different method.
Method 4: Activate Windows through Chat support
If none of the above methods work for you, you can try activating Windows through Chat support. This is an option that allows you to contact a Microsoft representative online and get assistance with your Windows activation. To activate Windows through Chat support, follow these steps:
Click the Start button and type Contact Support. Then, click on the Contact Support app.
In the app, select Solve a problem with activation or product key issues for Windows 10 or Office 365 Home or Personal subscription products.
Select your product from the list, such as Windows server 2008.
Select your issue from the list, such as Error code 0x80072f8f.
Select how you want to contact support, such as Chat online with a Microsoft Answer Tech.
A new window will open with a chat box. Type your name and email address and click on the I agree to terms of use for chat support services.
A Microsoft representative will join the chat and ask you some questions about your issue. Provide as much information as possible and follow their instructions.
The representative may ask you to provide your product key or run some commands on your computer. They may also remotely access your computer if needed.
The representative will try to activate Windows for you or provide you with a new product key if necessary.
If everything goes well, you should see a message saying that your Windows is activated. Thank them for their help and close the chat window.
Method 5: Re-Register DLL Files
Sometimes, Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008 may be caused by some corrupted or missing DLL files that are required for Windows activation. DLL files are dynamic link libraries that contain code and data that can be used by multiple programs. To fix this, you need to re-register the DLL files using the regsvr32 command. Here's how:
Open an elevated command prompt by typing cmd in the Run dialog box, then pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command: regsvr32 Softpub.dll regsvr32 Wintrust.dll regsvr32 Initpki.dll regsvr32 Mssip32.dll
These commands will re-register the DLL files that are related to Windows activation.
Close the command prompt and restart your computer.
Try activating Windows again and see if the error is gone.
How to prevent Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008
Now that you have learned how to fix Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008, you may wonder how to prevent this error from happening again in the future. Here are some tips that can help you avoid this error and ensure a smooth Windows activation process:
Keep your system up to date. Windows updates can fix many bugs and issues that may affect Windows activation. Make sure that you install the latest updates for your Windows server 2008 regularly. You can check for updates by clicking the Start button, then clicking All Programs, then clicking Windows Update.
Use a valid product key. A product key is a 25-character code that is used to activate Windows. It proves that you have purchased a genuine copy of Windows. However, some product keys may be invalid, expired, blocked, or used on more devices than allowed. To avoid this, make sure that you use a valid product key that matches your edition and version of Windows server 2008. You can find your product key on the packaging of your Windows DVD or on a sticker attached to your computer. You can also use a tool like ProduKey to retrieve your product key from your registry.
Avoid changing your hardware configuration. Windows activation is tied to your hardware configuration, such as your motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, etc. If you change any of these components, you may need to reactivate Windows. However, if you change too many components at once, you may trigger the error code 0x80072f8f. To avoid this, try to keep your hardware configuration as stable as possible. If you need to change any hardware component, make sure that you have a backup of your product key and activate Windows again after the change.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to fix Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008 using five different methods. We have also provided some tips on how to prevent this error from happening again in the future. We hope that this article has helped you solve your Windows activation problem and enjoy all the benefits of a genuine and activated Windows server 2008.
If you have any questions or feedback about this article, feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you with any issues related to Windows activation.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Windows activation error code 0x80072f8f server 2008 and their answers:
What is the difference between KMS and MAK activation?
KMS and MAK are two types of volume activation methods for Windows server 2008. KMS stands for Key Management Service, which is a service that allows organizations to activate multiple computers using a single host computer. MAK stands for Multiple Activation Key, which is a single-use product key that can activate a specific number of computers. The main difference between KMS and MAK is that KMS requires periodic communication with the KMS host computer, while MAK does not require any communication with Microsoft after activation.
How can I find my product key for Windows server 2008?
You can find your product key for Windows server 2008 in several ways, depending on how you obtained your copy of Windows. Here are some of the common ways to find your product key:
If you bought a retail version of Windows server 2008, you can find your product key on the packaging of your Windows DVD or on a sticker attached to your computer.
If you downloaded Windows server 2008 from Microsoft's website, you can find your product key in the confirmation email that you received after your purchase.
If you are using a volume license version of Windows server 2008, you can find your product key from your volume license agreement or from your system administrator.
If you cannot find your product key using any of the above methods, you can use a third-party tool like ProduKey to retrieve your product key from your registry.
What are some other common Windows activation error codes and how to fix them?
Some of the other common Windows activation error codes and their possible solutions are:
Error code
Description
Solution
0xC004C003
The product key is blocked by Microsoft.
Contact Microsoft support and explain your situation. They may provide you with a new product key or help you activate Windows.
0xC004F074
The KMS host computer is not available or does not have enough activations left.
Check your network connection and make sure that the KMS host computer is online and reachable. If the problem persists, contact your system administrator or Microsoft support.
0xC004F061
You are trying to use an upgrade product key on a clean installation of Windows.
You need to install a previous version of Windows first, then upgrade to Windows server 2008 using the upgrade product key.
0x8007007B
The file name, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.
This error may occur if you mistype the product key or use an invalid character. Make sure that you enter the product key correctly and without any spaces or dashes.
0x8007232B
The DNS name does not exist.
This error may occur if you are using a KMS activation method and the DNS server cannot resolve the KMS host name. You can try to manually specify the KMS host name by using the slmgr /skms command, or contact your system administrator or Microsoft support for assistance.
How can I contact Microsoft support for Windows activation issues?
If none of the methods in this article work for you, or if you have any other questions or problems related to Windows activation, you can contact Microsoft support for help. There are several ways to contact Microsoft support, such as:
Using the Contact Support app on your Windows server 2008. You can access this app by clicking the Start button and typing Contact Support. Then, select the appropriate option for your issue and choose how you want to contact support, such as chat, phone, or email.
Visiting the Microsoft Support website at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/. You can browse through various topics and categories related to Windows activation, or use the search box to find relevant articles and solutions. You can also request a call back from a Microsoft representative or chat with an agent online.
Calling the Microsoft Activation Center at 1-888-571-2048 (toll-free in the US) or +1-716-871-2781 (international). You can use this phone number to activate Windows by phone or get help with any activation issues. You will need to provide your product key and some other information when calling this number.
How can I check if my Windows server is activated?
To check if your Windows server is activated, you can use one of these methods:
Click the Start button and type System. Then, click on the System Control Panel applet. In the System window, scroll down and look for the Windows activation section. It will show you whether your Windows is activated or not, and what edition and version of Windows you are using.
Open an elevated command prompt by typing cmd in the Run dialog box, then pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Type the following command and press Enter: slmgr /xpr. This command will display a message box that shows you the activation status of your Windows server.
Open the Windows Activation Wizard by clicking the Start button, then clicking All Programs, then clicking Accessories, then clicking System Tools, then clicking Activate Windows. The wizard will guide you through the steps to activate Windows or show you the current activation status of your Windows server.
dcd2dc6462