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edward47150

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P2V Windows Server 2003 - Unique Situation With OEM & Open License

Hi, I have been doing some research on P2V and activation issues.  I have read numerous articles about the licensing problem for OEM to a virtualized environment.

This situation is a little different and I would like to get some input.

In this scenario, Open License for Windows Server 2003 was acquired.  For some reason Dell OEM media was used to do the install instead of the Open media.  Now years later, that is creating an issue for the P2V.  Since Dell media comes pre-activated, it cannot be activated on the new hardware in the virtual environment.

Since the license is correct and the media was wrong, are there any options for getting the software activated without having to do a repair installation before P2V?

Any thoughts on this would be welcome.  There are numerous applications that I am concerned about a repair install causing problems with.  Again, since the license was the Open License all along, I really hate to go through that process if I don't have to.
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Avatar of Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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edward47150

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I have not tried it.  I am being brought in to assist with the conversion.  I am hoping I can somehow just get the software re-activated as it is being decommissioned as part of the transition.  It will only need to run for a few more months and then be shut down.  Therefore, I didn't want to have to deal with the potential damage to other applications due to the repair install.

Do you or anybody else have any idea if Microsoft would provide activation if you can demonstrate that you have adequate licensing and the wrong media was used in the first place?
I would try and start the P2V anyway, you've got to do it anyway, and once you have the VM, copy it.

Start it and check, we've seen some strange effects sometimes, where it works with no issues, and is Activated! (so all this text, is worthless!)

They can assist but it depends on

1. Your support contract
2. OEM situation
3. Country
4. Licenses you hold.

Because technically you are tampering with the License.
Sorry for the delay in getting this awarded.  This may have fizzled so I haven't had a chance to check it but based on all I am reading, this is the best method.  Thanks for your help.