RDS CAL Activation: Error Message ‘The licensing agreement data provided to Microsoft is not valid...’

Background

There are currently known issues with Microsoft’s activation servers for Remote Desktop Services (RDS) CALs on Windows Server. This disruption affects the online or web-based activation of RDS licenses through the Licensing Wizard.

When attempting to activate RDS CALs online, the following error message often appears:

“The licensing agreement data provided to Microsoft is not valid. Check all the information you provided, make any necessary corrections, and then resubmit your request.”

The cause is not incorrect license data or input errors, but temporary issues on Microsoft’s activation servers.

Until Microsoft resolves this issue, telephone activation is the only working method to successfully activate RDS CALs.

Instructions: Activate RDS CALs by Telephone

Follow these steps on your license server to complete the activation by phone.

1. Change the Connection Method

1. Open Server Manager.

2. Go to the Remote Desktop Licensing section.

3. Right-click your license server name and select Properties.

4. Under Connection method, change the setting to Telephone.

5. Select your country or region (e.g., Germany, Austria, or Switzerland).

6. Confirm with OK.

2. Start the License Installation Wizard

1. Right-click your license server name again.

2. Select Install Licenses.

3. Click Next until you are shown a phone number and Server ID.

4. Write down the Server ID (a 35-digit number).

3. Perform Telephone Activation

1. Call the displayed Microsoft activation number.

   • Example for UK: +44 (0)800 0188 354

   • The number may vary depending on your country.

2. Follow the automated prompts or choose the option to speak with a support representative.

3. Have the following information ready:

   • Server ID (shown in the wizard)

   • Authorization number

   • License number

   • Name and organization

4. The Microsoft representative will provide you with a License Pack ID (activation code).

4. Enter the License Pack ID

1. Enter the provided License Pack ID in the License Installation Wizard.

2. Click Next to complete the activation.

3. After successful activation, the RDS CALs will appear as “installed” in the License Manager.

Note