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2012 Server install on OEM LEnovo Desktop Hardware

We have a customer that requires a server OS for 3 tablet rdp sessions very minimal load.
For budget purposes she wants to use a LENOVO desktop for the hardware...in a year she plans to upgrade the hardware to proper server grade hardware.

PROBLEM: The 2012 installer OEM disc detects the Win 8 PRO BIOS license and throws this error:

Is there anyway to get around this and load our server os? We have a legit OEM 2012 server disc and key code

☠ MASQ ☠

Did the licence and code come with the Lenovo Desktop?
If not who is the OEM for the Server OS?

IT SUPPORT

ASKER

Yes there is already an embedded WIN 8 PRO license I see in the BIOS on the Lenovo.
The OEM is 2012 Standard Retail DVD with Key code

☠ MASQ ☠

It's either OEM or Retail - it can't be both - the two are mutually exclusive - if it's OEM you need to be a system builder to install it on a server - or if it's from a manufacturer they need to have supplied it installed - sounds like the Win8 install is OEM Lenovo too.

Even if your customer gets the Server installation completed onto the Desktop the Server Licence is only good for one machine - do they realise they need a second Server licence when they get around to transferring to new hardware?

At what point are you getting the error with the Server Product Key?

IT SUPPORT

ASKER

so you cannot buy a retail key - say even for Win 7 pro and use this to activate ?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

☠ MASQ ☠

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IT SUPPORT

ASKER

Thanks!