MS Office Pro 2013 - Activation failed

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chevrolux

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#245616 13-Feb-2019 13:54

So on our work terminal server (Server 2012), there is a copy of Office Pro 2013 installed.

Just last week, Office is now saying it isn't activated and requires a new product key.

The person who sets this server up initially isn't here anymore, and I just have to cox it along when required (pile of cr4p running HyperV).

So is the potential that the original key wasn't a legitimate copy? Is the fix to just purchase a new license? I've extracted the original key from registry and un-encrypted, but simply entering it again results in the same issue (not surprising).

edit: just to add sorry. Even Visio is giving the same issue which is obviously separate from Office in terms of licensing.

Andib

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#2177711 13-Feb-2019 15:37

Depending on where the key was sourced you may have issues.

Easiest option would be call Microsoft activation support, give them your key and advise them of your issues.

Option 2: If you can't track down the original license & Microsoft can't help you will need to buy a new license.

Remembering that any user &/or devices accessing office on the terminal server needs their own office license you should have multiple licenses around (or a VL if you're large enough). Someone in your company / your IT provider should realistically have a copy of these details ?

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gehenna

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#2177712 13-Feb-2019 15:38

What sort of license is it? Running software on a terminal server requires specific licensing.

chevrolux

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#2177744 13-Feb-2019 16:12

Will try my luck with the activation support people.

More and more, I reckon this is a dodgy key. From my own googling everything suggests you need per user licensing, but as far as I can tell, it's just a standard Office license.

I would rather just shift everyone to Office 365 and be done with it!!

engedib

254 posts

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#2177747 13-Feb-2019 16:21

chevrolux:

Will try my luck with the activation support people.

More and more, I reckon this is a dodgy key. From my own googling everything suggests you need per user licensing, but as far as I can tell, it's just a standard Office license.

I would rather just shift everyone to Office 365 and be done with it!!

Keep it in mind that you are only allowed to run O365 ProPlus / E3 / E5 licensed Office suite on the RDS.

Business Premium does not come with RDS rights.

chevrolux

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#2177765 13-Feb-2019 16:28

engedib:

chevrolux:

Will try my luck with the activation support people.

More and more, I reckon this is a dodgy key. From my own googling everything suggests you need per user licensing, but as far as I can tell, it's just a standard Office license.

I would rather just shift everyone to Office 365 and be done with it!!

Keep it in mind that you are only allowed to run O365 ProPlus / E3 / E5 licensed Office suite on the RDS.

Business Premium does not come with RDS rights.

Ok cool. Didn't realise that.

Would probably take the opportunity to ditch this old server anyway. Go to Server 2016 Essentials just as a DC/DNS/DHCP and file shares. Ditch RDS entirely as we don't need it. People with laptops can just VPN in if remote, and desktop users can just work directly on their PC.

networkn

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#2177842 13-Feb-2019 18:57

RDS has many advantages over a straight VPN to your file shares in my experience. For example, if you have apps you want to run. There are other reasons.

Depends on your use case.

evilonenz

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#2178005 13-Feb-2019 23:24

engedib:

chevrolux:

Will try my luck with the activation support people.

More and more, I reckon this is a dodgy key. From my own googling everything suggests you need per user licensing, but as far as I can tell, it's just a standard Office license.

I would rather just shift everyone to Office 365 and be done with it!!

Keep it in mind that you are only allowed to run O365 ProPlus / E3 / E5 licensed Office suite on the RDS.

Business Premium does not come with RDS rights.

Must always remember to install with ODT in shared licensing mode, too. Many people I know of have failed at this, and just used the C2R setup.exe in install mode, and wondered why everything was turning to junk.

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Jogre

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#2178186 14-Feb-2019 10:57

chevrolux:

Will try my luck with the activation support people.

More and more, I reckon this is a dodgy key. From my own googling everything suggests you need per user licensing, but as far as I can tell, it's just a standard Office license.

I would rather just shift everyone to Office 365 and be done with it!!

Hi Chev,

Is there likely a VLSC account you'd have the info for as a Standard license usually comes through that.

Other thing to check is what OSPP comes back with as per https://www.msoutlook.info/question/537

The suggestion to engage Activation Support is a good one, sometimes we can track if the license was registered against end-customer when ordered which can help if you don't have a copy.