I just bought a fresh retail copy of Windows Web Server 2008 from newegg the other day for a small web server I'm setting up at home. Went to install it, and it told me the license key was invalid.
Active3 years, 10 months ago
Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard License Key
Server 2008 - Activation freely without using Serial number of Windows 2008 server In this tutorial, I have shown how to activate expired Windows server 2008 using command prompt without any. Need help to find and locate Windows Server 2008 R2 volume license keys from the system registry, to document what keys are with which server. I have tried Magic Jelly Bean and Produkey, but both w. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Download License. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, built with Web and virtualization technologies, is the most robust, secure, and reliable foundation on which to develop, deliver, and manage rich user experiences and applications. Evaluating any version of Windows Server 2008 R2 software does not require entering a product key, however will require activation within 10 days. Failing to activate the evaluation will cause the licensing service to shut the machine down every hour (The 10 day activation period can be reset five (5) times by using the rearm command.
Of course I thought I must have just mistyped it, but after checking and re-checking 5 or 6 times, no dice. I called Microsoft support, read them the key, and they said it was valid and further 'support' on this issue would cost me $259. Called Newegg as well, and of course they said to call Microsoft.
Has anyone else had issues with Windows Web Server 2008 rejecting valid license keys? Is there anything I can do about this other than return it and hope the next copy I get works?
If it matters, I'm installing the 64 bit version. The retail copy comes with 32 and 64 bit versions, but my understanding is that the key should work for both. Also, I did enter the 'phys' key, not the virtual key.
ETA:
Apparently others are having this issue as well.
Eric Petroelje
Eric PetroeljeEric Petroelje
4 Answers
You should be able to install Windows 2008 completely bypassing the license key (just click next) to get you going. Once you have Windows up and running, try entering the key by right clicking My Computer/Properties. If you still have no joy, I would call the Microsoft licensing activation number rather than the general product support number. The relevant phone numbers are here:
AlexTEHAlexTEH
I know this is left field but do a memory check on the machine. I've had issues like this because the ram was buggered and it was causing the computation to fail.
Also the keys can be very fiddly when it comes to the edition they're for. If the key is for a specific windows SKU it wont install if you use the wrong disc or the wrong edition of the disc (eg using a windows XP key with an XP SP2 disk will not work).
Also with microsoft support, if you prove they screwed up, they waive the fee. If you have a disc from microsoft saying web server 2008, a key which they themselves say is legit AND you can get them to the installer where it declines it they will waive the fee and provide a new key for you.
SpenceSpence
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Make sure the date on your computer isn't way off. I've had trouble with either the key or activation (can't remember which one) and had to adjust mine.
hyperslughyperslug
(idiot answer) I would try again, especially check for B and 8 as I am always having problems with them.
(smart answer) If you are 100% sure and it is a error, take it back to newegg as a faulty good and tell them to test it, then purchase another for yourself.
Maybe just to rule out anything on your machine, test it in a VM first.
I have installed Windows web server a few times, but I copied and pasted my serial key from technet and have not had these problems you speak of, but I have them all the time when installing office when I am at a client.
William HilsumWilliam Hilsum
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Active4 years, 1 month ago
Out of curiosity. What is an OEM Lic key classified as? Is it a separate version of Windows Server 2008 R2 like an OEM version or is it a specific version of Windows Server 2008 R2 like standard?
Windows Licensing is really confusing.
EDIT: What I am trying to do is install a Windows Server 2008 R2 to an HP server but do not have the original disks so I want to download a version of 2008 to install and use the OEM Key
Jason
JasonJason
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1 Answer
Windows licensing is confusing.
The different generations of Windows Server, like 2003, 2008, 2012, are called 'Versions' by Microsoft. The different flavors of one version, like 2012 R2 Standard, Datacenter, Essentials, or Foundation, are called 'Editions' by Microsoft.
Not necessarily related to the version or edition, there are several license types. The four most common license types for Microsoft software are OEM, Retail, Volume, and Subscription.
To make matters even worse, there are two primary installation types (MSI and click-to-run), and a few different key 'silos'. A key or license 'silo' (my word for it) is a grouping of activation key and media/installer types that can be used interchangably. For instance, if you have an Office 2013 Pro Plus subscription license as part of an Office 365 E3 subscription, you can use that either for a click-to-run installer or an MSI installer from retail media.
In my experience, Volume licenses are in their own 'silo' and OEM licenses are in their own 'silo'. That means Volume keys must be used with Volume media, and you often need to use Volume media or installers downloaded from the VLSC to upgrade an in-place Volume product.
In addition to having their own 'silo', OEM licenses are also permanently attached to the hardware that was purchased with the OEM license. So if you buy a server and you purchase Windows Server 2008 R2 with it, you will get a DVD, which is OEM media (sometimes vendor-specific, e.g. a Dell DVD won't work on HP), and a sticker with an OEM activation key. You won't be able to activate any other 'silo' of media (Retail or Volume) with the OEM key, and you won't be able to use a Volume or Retail key to activate the OEM media. And it's also a license violation to install that license on any computer other than the one it shipped with. The 'sticker cannot be moved'.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter License Key
If you want that hardware to run a different operating system in the future, you can replace the OEM license and software with a Volume or Retail license, but you can't use the OEM license on any other computer even if you're no longer using it on the computer you bought it with.
Todd Wilcox
Dell ServersTodd Wilcox
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Key For Windows Server 2008Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged windowsoem or ask your own question.Comments are closed.
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