KB411474: How to activate a server installation in MicroStrategy

The Strategy Activation process is a quick and easy 2-step process, which can occur as part of the product installation, or at a later time using the License Manager utility.
 
I. Enter the system, installer, and company information.
 
At the end of the Strategy installation routine and in the License Administration tab of the License Manager utility, several Server Activation dialogs capture information pertaining to the Server Installation, the person installing the software, and the licensed company's contact details. This information is mandatory.
 
An Activation XML file (activate.xml) is generated containing system and configuration information required for product activation. The contents of the file can be viewed using a Web browser, text editor or other XML viewer. This file can be found in the following folders: 

• Windows: Strategy Common Files folder (Default: %Program Files%\Common Files\Strategy)
• UNIX and Linux: Strategy Home Path (Default: $HOME_PATH)

Note: The contents of the Activation XML file are protected by a digital signature and any manual changes will prevent the generation of a valid Activation Code.
 
The Activation XML file must be uploaded to the Strategy Activation web site and an email with the Activation Code will be sent to the email addresses entered during installation and to the Technical Support contacts. The Activation file can be uploaded in 2 ways:
 
 

1. If the server machine is connected to the Internet, the Activation Code request can be made immediately after entering the system and contact information in the installation routine or from License Administration tab of the License Manager utility. An encrypted copy of the Activation XML file is sent to Strategy, which registers the products that were installed. The Activation Code is sent to the email addresses entered during installation and to the Technical Support contacts. The Activation Code will activate the Server Installation. It is advisable to print the email and save it for future reference. 
   
2. If the server machine is not connected to the Internet, a different computer can be used to manually upload the Activation File using the Strategy Activation website. Copy the Activation File to a machine that has access to the Internet. Connect to https://licensing.microstrategy.com and use the Strategy Technical Support user and password logins or the login provided with the license key to log in to the site. Upload the Activation File and an Activation Code will automatically be generated. The Activation Code can then be copied into the License Manager of the target server machine to activate the Server Installation. An email with the Activation Code will also be sent to the email addresses entered in the Activation dialogs and to the Technical Support contacts. It is advisable to print the email and save it for future reference.
   

 
II. Enter the Activation Code in the License Administration tab of the License Manager utility and activate the Server Installation.
 
Run the License Manager utility, select the Server Activation using Activation Code option, and copy the Activation Code from the email or the Activation web site into the space provided. Press the Activate button to activate the Server Installation.
 
Note: Once activated, the Strategy server products are locked to the specific target machine. If changes are made to the Server Installation such as adding or removing server products or changing the number of licenses, reactivation of the Server Installation is required within 30 days from the change. If all server products are uninstalled from a machine, a deactivation process similar to the activation process is provided.
 
KB411474