Configuring Microsoft Key Management Server

Introduction

Windows can either have its KMS server set manually or set to look in the primary DNS suffix zone for the KMS Service Record. For machines joined to a Windows domain, the KMS Service Record is the easiest method to use. For machines not joined to a domain, the “Primary DNS Suffix” needs to be set to a DNS zone that has the KMS Service Record, or the KMS needs to be set manually. These instructions apply to Windows Vista and above, and Server 2008 and above. Instructions for Office 2010 and above are separate from those operating systems.
  

Creating a SRV record in an active directory DNS zone

1. Open the DNS MMC.
    
2. Expand the DNS Zone.
    
3. Right click on the “_tcp folder” and select Other New Records…
    
4. Click Service Location (SRV) as the new record type.
    
5. Fill in the following information for the new records:
    
   1. Service: _VLMCS
      
      NOTE: This is not in the drop down list and must be typed.
       
   2. Protocol: _tcp
   3. Port: 1688
   4. Host offering the service: kms.tamu.edu
        

Manually setting the KMS for operating systems

In the near future, a program will be created to do this task. Until then, follow the steps below.

1. Open a command prompt with “Administrative Privileges”: Under the “Start menu, choose All Programs > Accessories > right click on Command Prompt > Run as Administrator.
    
2. Change to the “:\windows\systems32” directory.
    
3. Run the following command to set the KMS Server: “cscript slmgr.vbs /skms kms.tamu.edu”.
    
4. Run the following command to activate against the newly set KMS: “cscript slmgr.vbs /ato”
       

Manually setting the KMS for Microsoft Office 2010 and above

1. Open a command prompt with “Administrative Privileges”: Under the “Start menu, choose All Programs > Accessories > right click on Command Prompt > Run as Administrator.
    
2. For Office 2010: Request a Multi Activation Key (MAK) from the Texas A&M Software Center.
   
   For Office 2013: Change path to “c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15” or the “c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office15” for x64 Office Product.
   
   For Office 2016/2019: Change path to “c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16” or the “c:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16” for x64 Office Product.
3. Run the following command to set the KMS Server: “cscript ospp.vbs /sethst:kms.tamu.edu”
    
4. Run the following command to activate Office: “cscript ospp.vbs /act”