Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation Edition Shuts Down Every Hour

 Q: About two weeks ago I installed the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation Edition and now it’s begun shutting down every hour. I’m nowhere near the end of the 180 day evaluation period. Why is this happening and how can I make it stop?

 A: The hourly shutdown is happening because the Windows Server 2012 R2 Evaluation Edition isn’t activated. You can activate the system using the slmgr.vbs –ato command. That will fix the problem with the system shutting down every hour.