The most common mistake? Trying to use a key on a server that has more than five mounted databases. Exchange 2019 Standard allows five mounted databases per server. If you have six (even if they are empty shells), the system will reject the Standard key because the hardware state violates the license terms.
: If copying from a document, ensure the hyphens are standard dashes. Sometimes clipboard formatting converts hyphens into em-dashes, which are not recognized.
When copying and pasting from a PDF or email, hidden spaces can be included at the beginning or end of the string. Paste the key into Notepad first to ensure it is exactly 25 characters with no extra spaces. Important Notes Service Restart:
Verify that characters like 0 (zero) and O (letter), or 1 (one) and I (letter), haven't been swapped.