Microsoft Action Pack to retail license

philvan
philvan used Ask the Experts™
on
Hi, I have a 2012 R2 server that's being used for a client in a terminal server test environment, it's just running from an action pack license and they would now like to use it in real world production.

If I buy them a  server 2012 R2 retail license can I change the product keys and have this all officially licensed or will I need to reload the server from scratch with the new key to avoid being penalized from Microsoft if there's ever an audit?
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Sr. Systems Administrator
Commented:
in the system properties in control panel, at the bottom is the option to change the product key
just change it there to your new retail license and activate it
philvan

Author

Commented:
But will this work for an action pack install, I'm under the impression that that actual install of window is different and will not except retail keys as it's made only for action pack keys.
Seth SimmonsSr. Systems Administrator

Commented:
if the current one is a volume license, then you will need to reinstall
Lionel MMSmall Business IT Consultant

Commented:
I agree with Seth, I have use AP licenses and then when ready changed to retail or OEM depending on the circumstances.

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