Volume Activation Management Tool

Included in the Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK), VAMT is a stand-alone application that collects activation requests from several computers and then sends them to Microsoft in bulk. VAMT allows IT professionals to specify a group of computers to activate using AD DS, workgroup names, IP addresses, or computer names. After receiving the activation confirmation IDs, VAMT distributes them to the computers that requested activation. Because VAMT also stores these confirmation IDs locally, it can reactivate a previously activated computer after it is reimaged without recontacting Microsoft. The communication between VAMT and client computers is via Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), so Windows Firewall on client computers must be configured to allow WMI traffic. Additionally, VAMT can be used to transition computers easily between MAK and KMS activation methods. Download Windows AIK, which includes VAMT, at http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=136976.

MAK Architecture

MAK Independent activation installs a MAK product key on a client computer and instructs that computer to activate itself against Microsoft servers over the Internet. In MAK Proxy activation, VAMT installs a MAK product key on a client computer, obtains the Installation Identifier (IID) from the target computer, sends the IID to Microsoft on behalf of the client, and obtains a Confirmation Identifier (CID). The tool then activates the client by installing the CID.