Upgrading from an MSDN to a Volume License
I have about 10 servers which are running Windows 2003 Server with MSDN licenses. I now want to move these servers into production and have purchased a volume license for all of them.
I've received conflicting information about whether I need to do a full reinstall or whether I can simply insert the new volume license CD and do an in-place "Upgrade".
Has anyone been down this road?
Any help would be appreciated.
ASKER
Tried this and it does not work for an MSDN install....
As the article suggests, it only works on volume license installs.
Good idea had it worked.
As the article suggests, it only works on volume license installs.
Good idea had it worked.
here is a freeware utility that should do the trick:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
Just click on the Options button and choose change windows key.
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder.shtml
Just click on the Options button and choose change windows key.
ASKER
Thanks for the try athelu but:
FAQ:
Q. I see the 'change key' option, but it's grayed out. Why?
A. The Keyfinder only supports changing the keys in Windows 95, 98, ME, and XP. Windows 2000, NT, and Server 2003 aren't supported.
FAQ:
Q. I see the 'change key' option, but it's grayed out. Why?
A. The Keyfinder only supports changing the keys in Windows 95, 98, ME, and XP. Windows 2000, NT, and Server 2003 aren't supported.
BAH!
The page said support for server 2003. Must be to reveal the key only.
The page said support for server 2003. Must be to reveal the key only.
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Hi Athelu,
I am afraid not. This only works if the key now on was a volume license and not MSDN or retail.
I am afraid not. This only works if the key now on was a volume license and not MSDN or retail.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
I finally got a reply back from Microsoft.
You must do an in-place install using the upgrade option on the volume license CD media.
This is the only way to convert an MSDN license to a volume license.
I am splitting points
You must do an in-place install using the upgrade option on the volume license CD media.
This is the only way to convert an MSDN license to a volume license.
I am splitting points
Thanks.
I'm glad you have a solution.
But, I still think an in-place install is awfully drastic just to change a darn product key. Thanks, MS.
I'm glad you have a solution.
But, I still think an in-place install is awfully drastic just to change a darn product key. Thanks, MS.
I would think running a routine to change the product key is all you would need to do.
[Even though this talks about going from a leaked/illegal key to a good new one, the principles apply.]
How to change the Volume Licensing product key on a Windows XP or a Windows 2003-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/918342/en-us