How do you activate a Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition virtual instance under Hyper-V?
Hi, I've recently purchased two Dell Servers with bundled installs of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition. I've setup several VM's under Hyper-V, installed off the media from Dell. These installs report they need activation; ok, when I go to run activation however I get an error message stating the product key is invalid for activation. This is happening on both physical servers on every virtual server installed underneath. I've verified the product key matches the physical server product key. I expected I would be able to run up to 4 virtual instances under Enterprise Edition.
I suspect I'm missing something obvious, so before I call MS Support, can anyone fill me in one what I'm missing? Is the definition of a "Virtual Instance" different than what I assumed perhaps?
Thanks,
Josh
I suspect I'm missing something obvious, so before I call MS Support, can anyone fill me in one what I'm missing? Is the definition of a "Virtual Instance" different than what I assumed perhaps?
Thanks,
Josh
They had problems with some of the keys, call them up and they will generate the correct one for you.
I have had the same problem when trying to activate servers under Hyper-V.
But there was an easy way to fix it, just chose the change product key option and
reenter the key. Magic!!!
But there was an easy way to fix it, just chose the change product key option and
reenter the key. Magic!!!
ASKER
None of the recommendations were related to the cause (other than call Microsoft).
The problem was simple confusion between virtual keys, "normal" product keys, and OEM keys; there are actually three sets of product keys when buying an OEM server with Windows Server 2008 Enterprise edition pre-installed. The correct key must be used in the right spot. Like I said, something really simple; I didn't realize the product key the VM's were automatically inheriting from the host install (which was activated just fine) wasn't valid in a VM.
Looking on the physical server there were two additional product keys ("virtual" and a "normal" one) which are both different from the key running on the physical server. If you like, I can attach a picture of what this looks like on the case of a Dell server.
The problem was simple confusion between virtual keys, "normal" product keys, and OEM keys; there are actually three sets of product keys when buying an OEM server with Windows Server 2008 Enterprise edition pre-installed. The correct key must be used in the right spot. Like I said, something really simple; I didn't realize the product key the VM's were automatically inheriting from the host install (which was activated just fine) wasn't valid in a VM.
Looking on the physical server there were two additional product keys ("virtual" and a "normal" one) which are both different from the key running on the physical server. If you like, I can attach a picture of what this looks like on the case of a Dell server.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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With 2008 enterprise you can legally run 4 copies of your OS virutalized. The problem is that it does not know that it is virtualized. So, if you are denied activation just simple call microsoft and explain the situation and they will generate an unlock key for you.