Akash Bansal
asked on
converting Evaluation Versions to licensed version of Windows Server 2016
I have installed Windows server 2016 evaluation version standard with GUI.
I installed it on host & installed it again in HyperV.
In the virtual mode I make the windows 2012 std with GUI the domain controller. I installed windows server essential role on it.
This machine I pushed to production. I thought I have enough days to buy the license.
Now I came to know that I can't convert this machine to a licensed version as its a DC. (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths) & it would also shutdown every hour even if I have the license (not activated).
As its having server essential role & redirected folders, it's not easy to make another DC and permanently shutting down the current DC for the sake of license.
Please guide.
I still have a few months to buy & activate the license.
I installed it on host & installed it again in HyperV.
In the virtual mode I make the windows 2012 std with GUI the domain controller. I installed windows server essential role on it.
This machine I pushed to production. I thought I have enough days to buy the license.
Now I came to know that I can't convert this machine to a licensed version as its a DC. (https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths) & it would also shutdown every hour even if I have the license (not activated).
As its having server essential role & redirected folders, it's not easy to make another DC and permanently shutting down the current DC for the sake of license.
Please guide.
I still have a few months to buy & activate the license.
ASKER
Thanks @brian
but this not a DC only
The real issue I have already described here: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28992269/Moving-Windows-Server-Essentials-Experience-role-in-Windows-Server-2012-R2-Standard-to-another-machine.html
Unfortunately the query is still unanswered.
but this not a DC only
The real issue I have already described here: https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28992269/Moving-Windows-Server-Essentials-Experience-role-in-Windows-Server-2012-R2-Standard-to-another-machine.html
Unfortunately the query is still unanswered.
That question is scheduled to be deleted. Is this the same problem? If so you may want to provide more detail.
I added some more relevant topics to help more experts find this question.
I added some more relevant topics to help more experts find this question.
ASKER
Due to that problem only I am resistant in removing the 2016 unactivated DC.
What happens if you follow these steps:
From an elevated command prompt, determine the current edition name with the command DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. Make note of the edition ID, an abbreviated form of the edition name. Then run DISM /online /Set-Edition:<edition ID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XX XXX-XXXXX- XXXXX /AcceptEula, providing the edition ID and a retail product key. The server will restart twice.
From an elevated command prompt, determine the current edition name with the command DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. Make note of the edition ID, an abbreviated form of the edition name. Then run DISM /online /Set-Edition:<edition ID> /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XX
ASKER
Is it valid for DC?
have you tried it? I don't see a caveat about not using it on a DC
ASKER
Thanks Mr. David for looking into the matter.
I haven't tried anything yet.
as per the link: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths
it says that we can not convert it to license version from evaluation.
If the server is running an evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, you can convert it to a retail version as follows:
If the server is a domain controller, you cannot convert it to a retail version. In this case, install an additional domain controller on a server that runs a retail version and remove AD DS from the domain controller that runs on the evaluation version. For more information, see Upgrade Domain Controllers to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012.
I haven't tried anything yet.
as per the link: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/get-started/supported-upgrade-paths
it says that we can not convert it to license version from evaluation.
If the server is running an evaluation version of Windows Server 2016 Standard or Windows Server 2016 Datacenter, you can convert it to a retail version as follows:
If the server is a domain controller, you cannot convert it to a retail version. In this case, install an additional domain controller on a server that runs a retail version and remove AD DS from the domain controller that runs on the evaluation version. For more information, see Upgrade Domain Controllers to Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012.
SOLUTION
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ASKER
Tx ... but what about essential role that is installed on dc. Will the demoting break the essential role?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
I would copy the all the vm to a test system n chk
Tx for ur valuable advice
Tx for ur valuable advice
ASKER
I haven't tested or validated the solution yet. Would update it in a week time.
ASKER
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/29017917/how-to-demote-a-DC-microsoft-server-2016.html
solution tested & worked!
Thanks all for the solution.
Special thanks to @RaulIvan-MedinaUrista
solution tested & worked!
Thanks all for the solution.
Special thanks to @RaulIvan-MedinaUrista
As the article says:
"If the server is a domain controller, you cannot convert it to a retail version. In this case, install an additional domain controller on a server that runs a retail version and remove AD DS from the domain controller that runs on the evaluation version. "
However, that line only applies to server standard. Have you tried to enter the license key? What happens when you do?