Seen when attempting to ‘Activate’ a Window machine;
Error: 0x8007232B DNS name does not exist
Solution
The reason for this error is the Windows machine has looked for a KMS (Key Management Server) in its local DNS, and not found one. This is because (out of the box) it has a Windows KMS licence code installed. Now if you have a KMS server you need to work out why you cant see it, I’ve covered troubleshooting KMS in link below;
So if you don’t have a KMS server and dont wish you deploy one, you need to change, the Windows activation code on this machine to a MAK (Multiple Activation Key) instead, Note: you will get these keys from the Microsoft Volume Licence Service Center. Then from an administrative command window;
I’ve had fun this week installing a new virtual environment for a client with a SmoothWall firewall. It took a call to SmoothWall support for me to get Windows updates to work, then after activating a few 2008 R2 servers via phone, I was motivated to get online activation running as well.
Windows Activation Error – (We are being blocked by the SmoothWall Proxy).
A problem occurred when Windows tried to activate. Error Code 0x8004FE33
Windows Update Error – (We are being blocked by the SmoothWall Proxy).
A error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer Code 80072EFD
Solution
1. Connect to the web management console of the SmoothWall. Select Guardian > User defined categories.
2. Select the “User Defined Categories” tab.
3. Give the Category a name > Set Filter type to “Content and URL filtering” > Copy and paste in the domains listed below > Then click “Add”.
4. Select the “Filters” tab > Give it a name > Set the filter type to “Content and URL filtering” > Expand “Good” content > Tick “Software Updates”.
5. Scroll down and expand “User Defined” > Locate the user defined category you created in step 3 and tick it > Click Add.
6. Select the Policy tab > Groups = All groups > Change the filter to the one you created in step 4 > Time period = Always >Action = Allow > Tick “Enabled” > Add.
7. From the menu select Guardian > Authentication > Settings.
8. Scroll down to the “Do not require authentication for these domains….” section > Paste in the domains you also pasted in in step 3 > Click “Save and Restart”.
Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links
Essentially this happens because you are using “volume licensed media” to install the operating system, and the machine is looking for a server on your network that runs the KMS Service (Key Management Service). You need to have a KMS server if you are activating more than 25 machines. However most of us only have one or two to worry about, in that case you need to enter a MAK (Multiple Activation Key).
Note: If you are running a legal copy of Windows then getting a MAK key should be as easy as going to Microsoft eOpen or speaking to your software reseller.
Solution
Once you have your MAK Key
Option 1
1. Click Start > Control Panel > System > Windows Activation Section > Change Product Key.
