How do I deactivate a product key that was on a 2016 Server that was destroyed?

Tom H 1 Reputation point
2021-02-27T23:53:55.21+00:00

I have the product license key, but it won't work on my new server until it's deactivated. The problem is the server was destroyed so I cannot use the slmgr /upk. Is there another way to recover this key?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426K Reputation points MVP
    2021-02-28T00:22:58.997+00:00

    but it won't work on my new server

    What problem are you having?
    slmgr /ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx
    slmgr /ato

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  2. Teemo Tang 11,331 Reputation points
    2021-03-01T02:40:03.24+00:00

    /UPK only removes the product key from the computer. It does NOT remove the digital license for that computer stored on Microsoft activation servers. After you do the /UPK, install the appropriate generic product key for that version of Windows, and it will re-activate by retrieving the digital license previously stored on Microsoft activation servers for that computer based on the Hardware ID - not the product key.
    Therefore, for your scenario the only way is calling MS activation support for help, tell them your condition.
    Microsoft Licensing Activation Centers worldwide telephone numbers
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/existing-customer/activation-centers

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