How do I activate the copy of Windows 7 that I checked out from DCO?

Copies of Windows 7 that are connected to the EECS or CSE hard-line networks should connect to the University KMS server and activate automatically. However, in some situations, automatic activation will fail and Windows will need to be activated manually using the steps below.

Manual Activation Instructions

• Open the start menu, and search for 'cmd'.
• When the results appear, right click on 'cmd.exe' and select 'Run As Administrator'.
• Run the following commands to set the KMS server:

c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs –skms mskms.umich.edu 
c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs –ato

If the above steps fail, you may need to reset the Windows product key. To do so, follow these steps:

• Request a copy of the universal product key by visiting any DCO office.
• Open the start menu, and search for 'cmd'.
• When the results appear, right click on 'cmd.exe' and select 'Run As Administrator'.
• Run the following command to set the product key, replacing the X's with the product key:

c:\windows\system32> cscript slmgr.vbs –ipk XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

• Repeat the steps in the top section.

Notes

Please note that in order to stay activated, the computer must connect to the University network at least once every 210 days. If the machine is used primarily off campus, the VPN client can be used.

Reminder: Copies of Microsoft products obtained through DCO can only be used/installed on machines purchased and owned by the University of Michigan.