Fixing Activation Errors for Windows and Office on UNLV Devices

VPN required when off campus

Users that are off campus must have access to the VPN to complete this process. Information about the VPN can be found here.

If you are using a UNLV barcoded device off of campus, you may receive an error for either Windows or Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) that your product is not activated. You may receive an error message like the ones below:

Windows:

Office:

This is because your device activates these products using a special server only accessible on the UNLV network. If you go to campus, once you connect to the UNLV network, the error will resolve itself. However, if you do not go to campus, you'll need to resolve this error by connecting to the VPN.

Step 1: Connect to the VPN

You'll need to use an app to connect to the VPN. Instructions on how to connect can be found here.

Step 2: Wait for Activation to Complete

Once you are connected to the VPN as shown below, your products should automatically activate. You may need to re-launch Office products a few times before the activation message disappears. 

How to Force Activation

If your products are not activating automatically, you can force the activation.

Advanced Commands Ahead

You will need to run a few commands using the Command Prompt to complete this process. If you aren't comfortable following the procedure below, please feel free to contact the IT Help Desk 

All Products

  1. Verify that the device is connected to the UNLV network, either on-campus or connected to VPN
  2. Open a Command Prompt with administrator permission

If Windows needs to be Activated

  1. Run command slmgr /ato
  2. In a few moments, you'll see a message Windows is activated

If Office needs to be Activated

  1. Enter the command: cd C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16
  2. Enter the command: ospp.vbs /act
  3. Confirm the product activates

Need Additional Help?

If you were not able to get your products to activate, please call the IT Help Desk for assistance.

For additional assistance, please visit the Software and Applications knowledge base for additional articles. You can also contact the IT Help Desk.

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