asked on

Microsoft OEM Licensing on a Retail or a Volume License

I have a server with an OEM installation of Windows Small Business Server 2003. I need to image this server and restore it on a new server. What options do I have with the OEM license? Can I purchase a retail or volume license to activate the OEM license on a new server? Is there any option other than reinstalling the operating system from scratch?

ittogo

Legally you can only use the license on that server, or possibly on a server from the same company. You can not legally transfer the license to a server from a different vendor.

Glen Knight

OEM license belongs to the hardware I was purchased with. It cannot be transferred to other hardware.

If you want to do this you will need to buy a retail or volume license/open license

Glen Knight

>>>or possibly on a server from the same company

This is wrong. OEM software lives and dies on the hardware it was supplied with.

Hypercat (Deb)

You will need to purchase a retail license. There is, however, a way to change the OS license from OEM to retail/volume license key after restoring the image:

http://www.winvistatips.com/change-licence-key-oem-vlk-t773740.html

Give this method a try - it worked for me on a physical-to-virtual conversion, but I don't see why it wouldn't work in your scenario as well.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Lee W, MVP

To clarify hypercat's comments - you CANNOT change the License without buying a new license. HOWEVER, you CAN use the procedures (if they work) once you have a new license and the appropriate media.

Datastreamtm

ASKER

Ok so We would have to buy a new license to acutually use our virtualized os correct?

SOLUTION