How to activate Windows 2008 Server Core Computer using slmgr.vbs script

To activate Windows 2008 Server Core installation, slmgr.vbs script can be used. The slmgr.vbs script is available in the %windir%\System32 directory. The slmgr.vbs script is also in full installations of Windows Server 2008, and it can be run remotely from there to activate a Windows server core installation.) Typing cscript slmgr.vbs /? shows the available options of this script.

C:\>cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs
Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.7
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Windows Software Licensing Management Tool
Usage: slmgr.vbs [MachineName [User Password]] [<Option>]
MachineName: Name of remote machine (default is local machine)
User: Account with required privilege on remote machine
Password: password for the previous account

Global Options:
-ipk <Product Key>
Install product key (replaces existing key)
-ato
Activate Windows
-dli [Activation ID | All]
Display license information (default: current license)
-dlv [Activation ID | All]
Display detailed license information (default: current license)
-xpr
Expiration date for current license state

Advanced Options:
-cpky
Clear product key from the registry (prevents disclosure attacks)
-ilc <License file>
Install license
-rilc
Re-install system license files
-rearm
Reset the licensing status of the machine
-upk
Uninstall product key
-dti
Display Installation ID for offline activation
-atp <Confirmation ID>
Activate product with user-provided Confirmation ID

 

To find the expiration date for the current license state use -xpr switch.

C:\>cscript c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs -xpr
Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.7
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Initial grace period ends 11/30/2010 6:52:34 PM

To install product key and activate the Windows 2008 Server Core installation, use -ipk and -ato switches.