One thing I noticed though is that the license for the server expired, (I guess the sysadmin forgot to activate the server), this could be the reason WMI is failing?
Sim.
Edit: Comendo meu próprio chapéu aqui. A resposta é, na verdade, Não .
If you have not activated Windows Server 2008, you are reminded each time you log in and at common intervals until the end of the activation grace period of 60* days. If you have not activated Windows Server 2008 during this grace period, the system then will be unlicensed. Persistent notifications will alert you of the need to activate. While in the notification condition, you will be able to log on and off, and the system will function normally. However, the desktop background will change to black, and Windows Update installs only critical updates. The notifications will continue until you activate the operating system.