KMS HOST REMOVAL (2024)

  • Remove From My Forums

Asked by:

  • Question

  • Have an old KMS host that somehow keeps popping up in DNS. How can i remove this service without removing the server? This was setup by another user on a DC. I have a new server setup and working but this old one keeps popping up in DNS and causing issues. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

    Perry

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 1:24 PM

All replies

  • Hi Perry,

    You can uninstall the KMS host by following the steps below:

    1) Uninstall the KMS host key first by running the following command:slmgr -upk

    2) Then install the default kms key by running the following command:slmgr /ipk<KMS Client Setup Key>

    KMS Client Setup Key: Usually the VOL client key for KMS activation, which has been integrated into the volume licensed installation image of Windows Vista, 7, Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 for default installing.

    3) Delete the record from the DNS: Open DNS console: Expand _tcp node under the domain.com. There will be a record _VLMCS. Delete this record.

    Best regards,
    Leon

    Blog:KMS HOST REMOVAL (5) https://thesystemcenterblog.com LinkedIn: KMS HOST REMOVAL (6)


    • Edited by Leon Laude Tuesday, September 18, 2018 1:35 PM
    • Proposed as answer by Yagmoth555MVP Wednesday, September 19, 2018 1:07 AM

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 1:34 PM

  • Run the following command to identify which products are installed with your KMS Host

    %Systemroot%\system32\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /dlv

    For all produts that are installed with your KMS Host, run the following command to uninstall the product key

    %Systemroot%\system32\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /upk [ActivationID]
    ex: %Systemroot%\system32\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /upk xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx

    Install the default KMS Client Key --> https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/kmsclientkeys

    Use the command %Systemroot%\system32\cscript.exe slmgr.vbs /ipk [KMS Client Setup Key]

    Then, open your DNS management console (dnsmgmt.msc) and delete the old KMS SRV Record.

    The SRV record is located at this place _vlmcs._tcp.MyDomain.Com and should point to your KMS Server you want to delete.

    Next time a computer will try to activate, it will use the other KMS Host as long it is published into DNS.

    hth

    This posting is provided AS IS without warranty of any kind

    • Proposed as answer by Yagmoth555MVP Wednesday, September 19, 2018 1:07 AM

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 1:41 PM

  • Thanks Leon,

    Now I have the KMS server deactivated but now this OS (datacenter Server 2008 R2) is not activated. How do i get it to point to my new KMS server? thanks again for the assistance

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 3:48 PM

  • When a client needs to reactivate, it will automatically go to the same server it last used to activate, if it can't reach that one, it then sends the query for a new KMS.

    If you want to change the KMS server used by a client, try using:

    slmgr /skms<Name[:Port]? [Activation ID]

    This will set the name and/or the port for the KMS computer this machine will use.


    More information here:
    https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/tn-archive/ff793409(v=technet.10)

    Blog: KMS HOST REMOVAL (13)https://thesystemcenterblog.com LinkedIn: KMS HOST REMOVAL (14)

    • Proposed as answer by Leon Laude Wednesday, September 19, 2018 10:44 AM

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 3:55 PM

  • I appreciate the assistance. i think i am golden now. I'm not very fond of KMS. Thanks again for the help!!

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 8:39 PM

  • You're welcome, if you think this helped don't forget to mark as answer.

    Blog: KMS HOST REMOVAL (19)https://thesystemcenterblog.com LinkedIn: KMS HOST REMOVAL (20)

    Tuesday, September 18, 2018 8:54 PM

  • Hi,

    Step by Step Guide:
    1.Identify the activation ID by running this cmd:
    Slmgr/dlv
    2. Uninstall the KMS host key first by running CMD:
    Slmgr/upk < activation ID>
    3. Then, install the default kms key by running the following command:
    slmgr /ipk <KMS Client Setup Key>
    The default KMS client setup keys can be found here:
    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc303280.aspx
    4. Delete the record from the DNS:
    Open DNS console:
    Expand _tcp node under the domain.com. There will be a record _VLMCS. Delete this record.
    5. The KMS server is uninstalled.

    Best Regards,

    Cora

    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
    If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.

    Thursday, September 20, 2018 3:08 AM

  • Hi,

    I am glad to hear that your issue was successfully resolved.
    If there is anything else we can do for you, please feel free to post in the forum.

    Best Regards,

    Cora

    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
    If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.

    Sunday, September 23, 2018 8:25 PM

KMS HOST REMOVAL (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5731

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.