Cannot revoke Windows 2000 Terminal Services license from client (271245)

SYMPTOMS

After a test Terminal Services client connects to a Terminal Services-based server and obtains a valid Terminal Services Client Access License (TSCAL), the certificate license cannot be revoked and reallocated to the license pool.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because a Terminal Services CAL is required for each client that initiates a Terminal Services session. The TSCAL permits clients to use file, print, and other network services provided by a Terminal Services-based server. The Terminal Services component of Windows 2000 Server also requires per-seat licensing for the Windows 2000 Server CAL, except when you purchase the Windows 2000 Terminal Services Internet Connector license.

When the TSCAL is requested, the Windows 2000 Terminal Services License server checks its database, and if a license is available, it mark that license as taken by that client and removes it from the available pool. A certificate for that license is sent to the Terminal Services-based server, which then pushes this certificate down to the client where it is stored. After this TSCAL is removed from the available pool of licenses it cannot be recovered by revoking the license from the client.

RESOLUTION

If the License server has the 315404 hotfix installed when the CALs are installed, the CALs expire between 52 and 89 days from the time they are issued to a client computer. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

287687 Terminal Services licensing enhancements

Otherwise, to resolve this issue and recover the license, contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse to inform them of the situation so they can issue you another license. To contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse, call (888) 571-2048.

STATUS

This behavior is by design and is true for any TSCAL issued from Terminal Services License server. Client connecting will only receive 90 days temporary license certificates, until Terminal Services License Server is activated and client license key packs are installed.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about Terminal Services licensing, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

244749 Licenses required when using Terminal Services client software

237811 How to activate a Terminal Services License Server and install CALs over the Internet

237801 Windows 2000 Terminal Services requires Licensing Service