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- The first step is to tweak the SoftwareProtectionPlatform settings, then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
- If there is no KMS server available, you can use the MAK key instead. Another method would be to configure a KMS host server.
- Unfortunately, activation errors still happen but if you experience one, go straight to our Activation errors section to learn what to do.
- If you still have the old Windows 7 installed and you have problems that need solutions, you can count on finding on in our Windows 7 fix hub.
The latest Windows 7 updates, includingKB4480970, brought quite a long list of bugs.
Here are some of the most frequent issues reported by users:network drive doesn’t work,SMBv2 sharing often stops working, database format is not recognized, and so on.
If you’re interested, you can read this report to learn more about these issues.
Users who complained about KMS errors also pointed out the following issues:
- KMS activation error 0x80070002
- Windows 10 kms activation error 0xc004f074
- Windows 7 activate error this product is incapable of kms activation
- Office 2010 kms activation error 0x80072f8f
Apart from the bugs listed in our previous report, recent user reports confirmed KMS activation errors are on the rise as well. As a result, we compiled this list of potential solutions to fix these errors.
How we test, review and rate?
We have worked for the past 6 months on building a new review system on how we produce content. Using it, we have subsequently redone most of our articles to provide actual hands-on expertise on the guides we made.
For more details you can read how we test, review, and rate at WindowsReport.
How can I fix Windows 7 KMS activation errors?
Method 1: TweakSoftwareProtectionPlatform settings
- Go to Windows Update > check the list of installed updates > uninstall KB971033
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect
- Go to Start > launch Command Prompt as administrator
- Enter the following commands:
- net stop sppsvc
del %windir%system327B296FB0-376B-497e-B012-9C450E1B7327-5P-0.C7483456-A289-439d-8115-601632D005A0 /ahdel %windir%system327B296FB0-376B-497e-B012-9C450E1B7327-5P-1.C7483456-A289-439d-8115-601632D005A0 /ahdel %windir%ServiceProfilesNetworkServiceAppDataRoamingMicrosoftSoftwareProtectionPlatformtokens.datdel %windir%ServiceProfilesNetworkServiceAppDataRoamingMicrosoftSoftwareProtectionPlatformcachecache.datnet start sppsvclmgr /ipk 33PXH-7Y6KF-2VJC9-XBBR8-HVTHH- Note: Use a key that’s compatible with your environment. The example above is a key for Win7 Enterprise. For more information on the keys to use, go to Microsoft’s support page.
- slmgr /ato
Method 2: Use a MAK product key
If there is no KMS server available, you can use the MAK key instead.
- Launch Command prompt as an administrator and enter this command:
- slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx (enter your MAK product key after ipk)
- Hit Enter and wait for the command to take effect.
Method 3:Configure a KMS host server
KMS activation errors often occur because there is no valid KMS server for your clients to activate against. In this case, you need to install and activate a KMS server.
Once you’ve set up a computer to host the KMS software, you can go ahead and publish the Domain Name System (DNS) settings.
For detailed information on the steps to follow, you can check out the following Microsoft support pages:
- Install a KMS host on a Windows Server 2008-based computer
- Install KMS Hosts
- Deploy KMS Activation
- Volume activation in Windows Server 2008
- Planning for Volume Activation in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2
Method 4: Create a KMS SRV record in MS DNS server
Here’s what you can do if your client cannot locate a KMS host on the network:
- Verify that your KMS host is installed and has been activated with a KMS key registered in DNS.
- Verify the registry to make sure the KMS host server is registering with DNS.
For a step-by-step guide, go to Microsoft’s support page.
Additionally, you can also assign a KMS servermanually. If this action didn’t help, you can automatically publish KMS in multiple DNS domains.
Now, if you’re one of these specific error codes:0xC004C001, 0xC004C003, 0xC004C008, 0xC004B100, 0xC004C020, 0xC004C021, 0xC004F009, 0xC004F00F, 0xC004F014, 0xC004F02C, 0xC004F035, 0xC004F038, 0xC004F039, 0xC004F041, 0xC004F042, 0xC004F050, 0xC004F051, 0xC004F064, 0xC004F065 , 0xC004F06C, 0x80070005, 0x8007232A, 0x8007232B, 0x800706BA, 0x8007251D, 0xC004F074, 0x8004FE21, 0x80092328 or 0x8007007b, you can use the solutions listed in this troubleshooting guide from Microsoft.
- How do I fix kms error 0xC004F074?
Error code 0xC004F074 means that the Key Management Service (KMS)could not be contacted during the activation procedure. The solution is to run an SFC scan.
- How long does KMS activation last?
The KMS activation validity interval is 180 days. KMS clients must renew their activation by connecting to the KMS host at least once every 180 days to remain activated.
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As an expert in Windows software and activation procedures, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of Windows operating systems, spanning from the early days of Windows XP to the latest updates and technologies. I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to staying informed about emerging technologies and have actively contributed to the Windows community.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article you provided:
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SoftwareProtectionPlatform Settings: The article suggests tweaking the SoftwareProtectionPlatform settings as the first method to fix KMS activation errors. This involves uninstalling update KB971033, restarting the computer, and executing specific commands in the Command Prompt to reset the SoftwareProtectionPlatform settings. The goal is to resolve issues related to KMS activation.
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MAK Key (Method 2): In the absence of a Key Management Service (KMS) server, the article recommends using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) as an alternative. Users are instructed to launch the Command Prompt as an administrator and input a specific command with their MAK product key to activate Windows.
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Configure a KMS Host Server (Method 3): KMS activation errors are addressed by configuring a KMS host server. The article emphasizes the need for a valid KMS server for clients to activate against. The process involves setting up a computer to host the KMS software and publishing Domain Name System (DNS) settings. Microsoft support pages are referenced for detailed information on the installation and deployment of KMS hosts.
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Create a KMS SRV Record in MS DNS Server (Method 4): To address the issue of clients being unable to locate a KMS host on the network, the article recommends creating a KMS SRV record in the Microsoft Domain Name System (DNS) server. Verification steps for the KMS host installation and activation are outlined, along with registry checks. Microsoft support pages are again referenced for a step-by-step guide.
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KMS Activation Validity Interval: The article mentions that the Key Management Service (KMS) activation validity interval is 180 days. KMS clients are required to renew their activation by connecting to the KMS host at least once every 180 days to remain activated.
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Error Code 0xC004F074: The article addresses the specific error code 0xC004F074, indicating that the Key Management Service (KMS) could not be contacted during the activation procedure. The solution proposed is to run a System File Checker (SFC) scan.
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KMS Activation Error Solutions: The article provides solutions for specific error codes (0xC004C001, 0xC004C003, etc.) and directs users to a troubleshooting guide from Microsoft for further assistance.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive guide for fixing KMS activation errors on Windows 7, covering various methods and addressing specific issues users may encounter during the activation process.
