Just bought a new IBM X3200 Server with SBS2k8 OEM. Wiped the machine and installed Hyper-V on the box. Connected to the box and built a Virtual Machine. Tried to install SBS using the IBM Branded disks that come with it, but it won't let me because it doesn't think it's an IBM box (because it's a VM). Called IBM, they say call MS. MS say you're not allowed to virtualise any Server OEM software, it has to be open or volume license.
Ivan @ Microsoft didn't fill me with confidence. Can anyone confirm this, or if not, tell me how I can get it to go?
Thanks.
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OEM versions have code built into them to search for the manufacturer's built-in BIOS keys.
Those keys are what allow the product to be installed and automatically activated.
Open Licensing versions of the OS come with a physical and a virtual product key on the DVD sleeve. The virtual key allows the OS to be moved from host to host without triggering an activation sequence.
IBM should be able to produce a key for virtualization.
Philip
I have a key though - whether this works in a VM is another thing, but I don't even get to that point - it just kicks me back out and says "install it on an IBM server"... no options other than shut down the server. I spoke to IBM and they said speak to MS, not our problem, MS said - OEM Server software isn't legally allowed on VM's (which sounds wrong)....
OEM versions of Windows - any Windows versions - are not permitted to be installed in Virtual Machines. You can always call Microsoft back and/or request to speak to a supervisor, but if they told you the license doesn't permit it, then the license doesn't permit it. (I recommend my clients get Volume License versions specifically because they have virtually no restrictions (other than you cannot resell them). OEM licenses expire with the hardware. Volume Licenses expire with the business.
For small businesses, Open Value Agreement with a 3 year spread payment option gives you the best value for your money. That value is actually quite substantial:
http://blog.mpecsinc.ca/20
OEM does not even factor in for value other than the price break, a lot is lost.
Philip
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by: mjb001Posted on 2009-08-26 at 23:09:16ID: 25195021
Please refer to http://www.microsoft.com/s
The problem is you bought a branded version bound to an IBM Hardware. The branded version is an OEM version being reduced in price to help the hardware manufacturer to have an price advatage in selling process, but he has to make sure, its used the way it was indended. Like HP i believe, its a version without a cd key, but its bound to an ibm bios. Sorry.