Windows and Office Activation

Microsoft Windows OSs and Office Suites, that are install on OIT provided computers, all need to be “activated” every six months by contacting the OIT license server.  This is a requirement put in place by Microsoft to reduce piracy.

There are typically two reasons a computer cannot activate:

  1. If it is off the college network for a period of time then it cannot contact the OIT license server.The solution is to run the Cisco Anyconnect secure mobility client (VPN) from the Cisco folder in your Start menu. Once connected it creates an on-campus connection.  Windows will re-activate itself after a few minutes on the network.  If Office complains about activation, run the Cisco Anyconnect client as above, then open Word for a few minutes. For move info on the VPN client see: https://oit.williams.edu/help-guides/wifi-and-wired-connections/vpn/
  2. The second common problem is that the time or date on the computer is off by more than an hour.  For some reason, the computer and the license server need to agree on the time, so check to see you are not on the wrong day, your clock is not off by more than an hour and that you are set with AM or PM correctly.