How do I set Server CALs (Licensing) on Server 2008 R2?

Hi, I am replacing my Server 2003 DC's with Server 2008 R2 DC's. As I go thru my checklist of things to migrate and such, I have Server CAL's on Server 2003, but I cannot figure out where or how to setup or migrate these CAL's to Server 2008 R2 DC's.

We have a Microsoft Campus Agreement, since we are educational.

Anyone know how to perform the licensing of Server CAL's for Server 2008 R2?

Thanks in advance.

rsnellmanIT ManagerAsked: 2011-10-05

Who is Participating?

LVL 39

Krzysztof PytkoSenior Active Directory EngineerCommented: 2011-10-07

You don't have to worry about Licence Logging service on 2003 and you don't have to "search" something similar on 2008. Even if auditors visit your company they will use their own software for licence discovery (not that included in 2003 server :) ) and ask for ... invoices :]

So, simply saying. You may stop Licence logging service (browser) on all servers or leave it alone (nothing wrong will happen) and do not check it at all :) That's all

Let's summarize. Invoices, invoices, invoices with total amount of CALs bought by your company

Krzysztof

LVL 3

NyradelCommented: 2011-10-05

CALs are just items you have to prove you have. The only assignments are done on paper like the 2003 CALs. They don't get entered anywhere.

LVL 5

hax1Commented: 2011-10-05

On SBS 2003 CAL's had to be entered. That's not the case anymore with SBS 2011 (which is based on Windows Server 2008 R2).

rsnellmanIT ManagerAuthor Commented: 2011-10-05

Oh, OK. But when I go to my DC's and look at Control Panel\Licensing, it give me Client Licensing Mode which Product : Windows Server & Per Server: and with a number of concurrent connections (i.e. 90) & I can add more or remove them.

This licensing feature is only seems to be available for my Server 2003 DC's. If I try to open up licensing on a member Server 2003, it says something about the licensing services are not running.

I don't see anything like that with Server 2008 R2.

Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something and it would cause issues later for me.

LVL 39

Krzysztof PytkoSenior Active Directory EngineerCommented: 2011-10-06

Since Windows Server 2008, Microsoft resigned form Licensing tool within OS. That wasn't work perfectly and they decided to stop using it. Now, you need to only prove that you bought enough CALs and appropriate type of them for your environment.
For that invoice with number of CALs is OK (store them all!) :)

According to 2003 Licensing console :) Yes, it's available by default on each server but cannot be run just like that ;)
First of all, you have to open "Services" console from "Administrative Tools" and find on a list "Licence Logging" service nad enable it with "automatic" startup mode.

You may wish to check that MS article at
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=316631

Now you are able to run Licensing console on that server. But remember, it's only licensing browser! Licence server is defined in Sites and Services cosnole.

and specify which server will be Licencing server

Regards,
Krzysztof

rsnellmanIT ManagerAuthor Commented: 2011-10-06

iSiek,
Thanks for the info. I never even knew that was there and I cannot tell you how many times I have used ADSS for other things. Wow, cannot believe I have overlooked that for all these years. LOL

Also, currently, it is a 2003 server that is the licensing computer in this area, but what would happen if I changed it to my main 2008 server DC? How would I add or enable the Licensing service on the 2008 server? If it doesn't exist anymore with 2008 server, what would happen to my network, client access to servers, like File servers with Server 2003, etc? Would the clients stop be able to access these network services? If so, then I would need to keep a Server 2003 box on my network just for this licensing feature?

Thanks again.