Microsoft Product Activation and Academic Volume Licensing
Updated: December 3, 2007
Microsoft is committed to the protection of intellectual property rights and to the reduction of software piracy worldwide. Though Microsoft includes product activation technology in some products sold through OEM or retail channels, licenses acquired through one of Microsoft's volume licensing programs are not required to be activated. Volume license customers must input a Volume License Product Key (VLK) when installing from volume license media to bypass product activation.
New product activation technology is included with Windows Vista that affects how education customers activate their volume licenses. If you're using or planning to use Windows Vista, learn more about Windows Vista activation for education.
How Does This Affect You?
In order to allow volume license customers to install multiple versions of products with Product Activation without activating each installation separately, Microsoft provides you with Volume License Product Keys that override Product Activation. These keys only work when installing from volume license CDs or MSDNŽ media. This is important to remember as Campus/School Agreement Starter Kit CDs, Microsoft Licensing Fulfillment (MLF) CDs (Microsoft product CDs purchased through your reseller), Select CDs and MSDN CDs no longer include a Product Key on the CD or packaging. Additionally, Retail CDs (boxed product purchased from a retail outlet) can no longer be used for multiple installations. Campus/School Agreement Starter Kit CDs, MLF CDs, Select CDs and MSDN CDs are the only media available for multiple installations.
It is important to remember that the Volume License Product Keys are assigned to your institution and are intended for your sole use. Keep your Volume License Product Keys secure and distribute them only to employees or third parties authorized to install and distribute licenses pursuant to the terms of your agreement. Your institution may be held responsible for unauthorized use of your Volume License Product Keys.
Finding Your Volume License Product Keys
There are five Volume License Keys available based on the specific product being installed.
Volume License Product Keys for products that included Product Activation as of the time of agreement signing can be found on your agreement acceptance/confirmation letter. Please contact your Licensing Administrator (IT manager, purchasing manager) to obtain your keys.
You may also receive your Volume License Product Keys by accessing the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center or by calling the Microsoft Activation Center in your region.
You will need to provide the following information when calling the Microsoft Product Activation Center:
Campus and School Agreement:
| • | Subscription Enrollment number |
Academic Select:
Academic Open:
| • | Open License Authorization Number |
| • | Open License Agreement Number |
Note: Open License customers may also obtain their keys from the eOpen site.
Microsoft Activation Center Phone Numbers
Note
The information on this page applies to customers in the United States and Canada. Customers in other locations should refer to their regional Microsoft Licensing Web site or contact their local Microsoft representative for more information.
