asked on
Windows 2003 SBS activation
I would like to troubleshoot our Windows 2003 SBS server. I used VMWare converter to convert it into a virtual machine and tried to run it on VMWorkstation 8. I was asked to activate the SBS server. Can I activate the server just for troubleshooting? I don't want it to affect the actual server in any ways.
Windows Server 2003VMwareVirtualization
Last Comment
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
THIS SOLUTION ONLY AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS.
View this solution by signing up for a free trial.
Members can start a 7-Day free trial and enjoy unlimited access to the platform.
You would need to discuss this with Microsoft Licensing.
The Windows software version you have is possibly OEM.
The Windows software version you have is possibly OEM.
ASKER
I've requested that this question be deleted for the following reason:
I appreciate the feedback. However, it seems only Microsoft can clarify licensing issues when it comes to troubleshooting malfunctioning windows operating system. Unfortunately, I don't have time to deal with this. I'm just going to upgrade to Windows 2008 Server and build the domain again.
I appreciate the feedback. However, it seems only Microsoft can clarify licensing issues when it comes to troubleshooting malfunctioning windows operating system. Unfortunately, I don't have time to deal with this. I'm just going to upgrade to Windows 2008 Server and build the domain again.
Microsoft OEM Licenses cannot be P2Ved. Valid Microsoft URL provided.
ASKER
The crux of the questions is how do you overcome licensing/activation issues so that an ailing Windows Server can be troubleshooted offline. The comments by hanccocka are re-stating/elaborating the problem. Unfortunately they are not helpful in solving the problem at hand. Since I've decided to upgrade to 2008 server, the question has become moot.
Can I activate the server just for troubleshooting?
Answer: No.
The crux of the questions is how do you overcome licensing/activation issues so that an ailing Windows Server can be troubleshooted offline.
any tampering with the Licensing Activation is a breach of Microsoft Licensing, and as such, cannot be discussed on EE.
" .we still abide by a rather clear-cut set of rules that help all of us avoid legal and/or licensing issues.."
- ModSquad, Experts Exchange Moderator
ASKER
I have no intention of tampering with Microsoft licensing. But there must be some legal way to handle this problem. Just pointing out that something can not be done is not a solution. There may be a way to activate the server using full version key or there may be an exception to the rule when it comes to troubleshooting the server.
It is NOT LEGAL to transfer the OS.
I cannot discuss on EE, ways to circumvent the Microsoft Licensing or Microsoft Activation.
I believe you original question has been answered.
Have a read of this article
https://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/XP/A_3721-Can-I-transfer-my-OEM-version-of-Windows-to-another-PC.html
I cannot discuss on EE, ways to circumvent the Microsoft Licensing or Microsoft Activation.
I believe you original question has been answered.
Have a read of this article
https://www.experts-exchange.com/OS/Microsoft_Operating_Systems/Windows/XP/A_3721-Can-I-transfer-my-OEM-version-of-Windows-to-another-PC.html
Is there any way I can change product key (full version) for the virtual server before activation ?