Windows activation in Windows Server 2008 or in Windows Vista fails when you configure a non-Microsoft firewall to use HTTPS authentication to enable access to the Internet.

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To work around the issue, add the IP address or the DNS name of the non-Microsoft firewall to the Trusted Sites list in Internet Options. To do this, follow these steps:

1.	Click Start, type Internet Options in the Start Search text box, and then click Internet Options.
2.	Click the Security tab.
3.	Click Trusted Sites.
4.	Click Sites.
5.	Under Add this Web site to the zone, type the IP address or the DNS name of the non-Microsoft firewall.
6.	Click Add, and then click Close.
7.	Restart Windows Internet Explorer. If you are prompted, accept the warning message about the firewall certificate.

After Windows Internet Explorer connects to the Internet , Windows activation can complete.

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For more information, visit the following Web site:

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