If your product key is not being accepted or you need to replace a default/trial key, follow these steps:
slmgr.vbs /upk
in the Run dialog (Win + R) and follow the prompts to get an Installation ID and a corresponding Confirmation ID. Check System Clock: Activation often fails with error 0x80072F8F product key windows server 2008 r2 standard fix
Indicates you are using an upgrade key without a previous version of Windows installed. If your product key is not being accepted
: Use the slmgr -ipk and slmgr -ato commands again. Method 3: Phone Activation product key windows server 2008 r2 standard fix
Before you invest too much time in this , you need to ask yourself a hard question: Should you keep this server?