Note : Before your begin, make sure your server has an Internet connection

1. Click on Start > then right click on Computer and click on Properties
   
   
   
   
2. The System basic information page will open. At the bottom of it, under Windows Activation section, the remaining days from the grace period (activation period) is displayed
   
   
   
   
3. Click on the link XX days to activate. Activate Windows now  (where XX is the remaining days)
   
   
4. The Windows Activation page will be displayed. Click on Activate Windows online now to start activating your Windows copy, or click on Ask me later to cancel the operation.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. If you have already provided a Product Key ( ex. while installing Windows Server ), then after few moments you will receive a confirmation that your Windows copy has been activated
   
   
   
   If you have not supplied a Product Key while installing Windows Server, then you will be redirected to the below screen shot. Make sure you type the correct product key, in this I mean the product key for the installed version of Windows Server 2008. If you do not already have a product key, then you can buy one online by clicking on the button Buy a new product key online
   
   
   
   Once you type a product key, click on Next
   
   
   
   
6. Activating Windows is in the process. The activation wizard securely connects to a Microsoft server to transfer your installation ID when you submit it. A confirmation ID is passed back to your computer.
   
   
   
   
7. Then you will finally receive a confirmation page that confirms that activation was successful. Enjoy your genuine copy of Windows.
   
   
   
   
8. If you went back to the system properties page, you will find that the remaining days link has been replaced with: Windows is activated
   
   
   

Summary

Activating Windows Server 2008 online is one of the methods that you can choose to activate it. This process typically takes just a few seconds to complete. No personally identifiable information is required to activate Windows Server 2008. The activation wizard securely connects to a Microsoft server to transfer your installation ID when you submit it. A confirmation ID is passed back to your computer, automatically activating Windows Server 2008.