: If you are purchasing the upgrade, you will receive a 22-character alphanumeric authorization code . Use this code on the FoD website to generate your unique Trial Keys
Click or "Install License."
Locate the downloaded .key file on your computer and select it. Click or Install .
: Keys are typically downloaded as .key files from the Lenovo Features on Demand portal using the server's serial number. Steps to Verify and Activate Remote Control
The error message "This feature requires a valid activation key to be installed" is triggered when you attempt to use a function exclusive to the Premium tier—such as launching the remote control or mounting a virtual media drive—on a server that only has the Basic or Standard level enabled. ibm imm remote control activation key verified
Once logged in:
Servers like the System x3200 M3 or x3650 M3 often require a physical Virtual Media Key (e.g., part numbers 46C7528 or 46C7532 ) plugged into the motherboard to enable Remote Presence and Virtual Media.
Restart the IMM management processor. This will not reboot your host operating system.
I can provide the specific steps or portal links for your exact hardware generation. Share public link : If you are purchasing the upgrade, you
Update your IMM firmware to the latest available block to ensure modern HTML5 remote console capability.
On older System x servers (like M2/M3), ensure the physical Virtual Media Key is correctly seated if your model uses a hardware-based activation rather than a software FoD key.
The "verified" key is always unique to the hardware.
The "IBM IMM Advanced Upgrade" is the specific Features on Demand (FoD) software license key required to activate the suite of remote presence tools included in the Premium tier. It is not a physical hardware device (though earlier generations of IMM used a physical Virtual Media Key). Instead, it is a unique file with a .key extension, generated specifically for your server based on its machine type and serial number (MT/SN). : Keys are typically downloaded as
The following instructions are based on official IBM documentation for the IMM Web Interface and the IBM Features on Demand website.
: Once uploaded, the system will display a success message if the key is valid for that hardware. Some keys may show "validation status unknown" until external firmware confirms their use, but they are generally functional upon installation.
This error appears if you try to install a key generated for a different server. Verify that the MT/SN in the key file matches your server. If not, re‑generate the key using the correct numbers.
To activate a verified key on a system like the IBM System x3650 M4 or similar models: