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provider01

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I am at a lost with SMBServer 5.00.2195 and MSExchangeIS 6.4417 licenses.

I am at a lost!  A message appears informing me that the server is nearing or have reached the limit of users.  The Application log in the event viewer confirms the messages with the following info:
License usage for product SMBServer 5.0 is near (or reached) the maximum number of per server licenses purchased.  As well as, License usage for product MSExchangeIS 6.4417 ...

This is not a problem if the info can be obtained as to how many users are allowed.  When I would go to licensing under Administrative Tools the following message would appear:
Not available in Microsoft BackOffice Small Business Server.  To add client license, choose Manage Server from the Start Menu and select About Small Business Server.  I am unable to do this.  The "About Small Business Server" is no where to be found!!

Unfortunately, the person before me either eliminated or did not correctly install the links within the program to the information I need.  For instance the “Microsoft Exchange Administrator” link is missing.  I have searched high and low to find out where the info is (within the system) on the various licensing without any success.  Please help!  OS – MS 2000 Server V. 5.00.2195,
MS Exchange – Version 6.4417.  All service packs have been updated.

Can someone instruct me on how to do what ought to be a simple task?
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jdeclue

How many computers do you have logging into the network? I should be able to tell you how many licenses you have from that.

J

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Unfortunately the amount of computers logging in will not help.  The company has grown from 8 in December to 40+ employees as of today.  This means a whole lot more computers have been added and now we are experiencing the out of license messages.  I believe I may know the approximate amount of users permitted. However, more than just knowing how many we are licensed for, I am interested in knowing how to add new licenses.  There is no server management that will allow me to do this.  All the online recommendations that I have read have not been that helpful.  This includes Exchange 2000, as well as, Small Business Server.
Small Business Server can only have a maximum of 50 connected PC's. Even after you buy all licenses. After 50 you have to upgrade the server to a Windows 2000 Domain and use regular servers. I have seen a lot of Small Business Servers that have had admins do everything they can to break the licensing, which has resulted in many installations like yours. If the admin before you messed with the registry and screwed with the licensing service you may not be able to fix the original issues.  I hope that helps.

J
I have been thinking the same way.  I believe the initial install has been corrupted (for what ever reason).  I am holding at approx. 10 licenses and must do something to add more licenses.  If I purchase a 25 pack, is there a way to get it installed?  Better yet, will upgrading to Windows Server 2000 or 2003 bring over all of the initial configurations?  The other dilemma is that Exchange is working the same way, no way to see or add licenses.  Will reinstalling Exchange carry over original settings?
One of the problems with SBS is the upgrade issue, the upgrade path is to BackOffice 2000 not Windows 2000 server. So you cannot upgrade the server to Windows 2000 Server, you have to start over. I am not sure if that option is still available. The initial purcase of SBS included either 5 or 10 client access licenses with the server product. So 10 would probably be right if they have not purchased more licenses. You will take a chance with the 25 CAL's, it may work or it may not, but without access to licensing, I don't think you can install the licenses. I have fixed a problem like this once, but I wouldn't begin to know how to do it through a chat, without seeing the box, sorry.

J
Could you please give us an update as to the question, and/or close it please. Thank You ;)

J
Things have been extremely hectic, so I had to put this topic on hold. My company is expanding (figures!!!) and I am presently installing (many) more drops.  I should be done this weekend and will start back on seeking an answer to this dilemma.  I want to try to see if I can find a fix.  I am not one that gives up easily until I exhaust all possible ideas.  Please bear with me as I am sure I will have some more info (hopefully a solution) or questions come up that brainstorming with others may help.

Thanks!
I am back and still trying to make this work!  A new snafu raised its ugly head, however.  Though being able to see what licenses we have is important, having the employees access the server is more important.  I bought an additional 20 CALs and while trying to install them, I received this message..."Your computer is not running Microsoft Small Business Server.  You can only add licenses to a computer running Small Business Server."  I am running SBS 2000 and the initial installation CDs say SBS 2000, but I now get this ridiculous message.  Will the agony ever end.  I will give "J" some points for hanging-in with me on this problem.
Not yet abandoned!  I have solved this issue (with the help of Microsoft) and plan on posting the answer myself.  This issue can be resolved, easily, however I wish to put it in a proper format before posting.  The answer will be posted shortly!  I was planning on giving "J" some points, however when I tried to do this, I was prompted to use all of the points.  Since there was no resolution given, I do not feel that all of the points needed to be applied.
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jdeclue

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Once again, sorry for the delay.  The problem now is that it has been so long since I fixed the problem that the brain cells are not as sharp and the solution is slowly fading away.  Bottom line, within the regedit you need to remove the folder SBServer (I believe it was located in the Local Machine's folder) and then complete the installation, by adding the various components using the installation CD.

I hope this helps.  Since I received most of the responses from J, I will be awarding J the points in appreciation for the effort.