server 2025 activation issues

Question

Having downloaded the Microsoft evaluation from Microsoft of server 2025 i have selected data centre version, I then installed it on my old lab machine which has TPM etc and working fine, i then purchased a key to activate it and thats where the problems begin .... 0xc004f050 !!

You entered a product key that can't be used to activate Windows. Enter a different valid Windows 10 product key or buy a new product key. For more info, see Activation in Windows 10.

You upgraded to Windows 10, but the activation servers were busy. If you upgraded from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be automatically activated, or you can select Activate and try again.

Now what the heck - ?

I contacted the supplier of the key - they said thats weird, never come across this before - issues me another key ....

0xc004f050 !!

So i bought a retail version -sealed etc and key is covered by a scratch panel which has not been compromised, installed the DVD which is the same (so it seems) as what you get from Microsoft (Not a fake btw it cost a lot of money) and guess what - - - 0xc004f050 !!

My lab did used to be on WIN 11 PRO - Wiped and installed a fresh but unable to get out of this 0xc004f050 activation problem?

Any ideas or suggestions please - all this began when i had VMWare installed and my lab running multiple 2025s - all on evaluation version and 180 days - i then decided to purchase the server and have 1 which would be my own permanent server and use the vms for my lab - now its seems i am unable to even own 2025 due to this issue....

Thank you all in advance

G

Answer 1

Hello,

How are you trying to convert the eval Windows Server to a retail Windows Server?

What steps are you using, this isn't a simple change of a product key.

See this link

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/upgrade-conversion-options

Which includes the steps to convert an Eval Windows Server to a Retail Windows Server edition.

Darrell

Answer 2

Hello

The error code 0xc004f050 typically indicates that the product key you entered is invalid or not recognized by the activation servers.

You can try the following two methods to activate:

Use Command Prompt for Activation:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Run the command slmgr.vbs /ipk <your-product-key> to install the product key.

Then, run slmgr.vbs /ato to attempt activation.

Phone Activation: If online activation fails, you can try activating by phone:

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Run the command SLUI 4 and follow the instructions to activate by phone.

Microsoft Support: If none of the above steps work, contact Microsoft Online Support for further assistance. They can help validate your product key and guide you through the activation process.

https://serviceshub.microsoft.com/home

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/services-hub/unified/support/

Answer 3

Hi Wesley - it seems MS Q&A has no comments against my question even though i can see you have tried to help me so when i try to see your answer - there is no answer yet mail suggests you have tried

Thank you again

Answer 4

Hi Wesley

No joy using your kindly gifted knowledge ....

CMD suggests non core edition when the retail version i bought is 16 core

Telephone activation took soooo long ... said sorry i cant help

:0(

TY in advance

G