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Windows 2008 R2 Trial, can I use an new OEM license?

Answered Windows 2008 R2 Trial, can I use an new OEM license?

  • Monday, January 07, 2013 4:24 PM
     
     
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    Hi!

    We have install a trial of 2008 R2 Standard on one of our server. This server does not have a license on it. The slmgr -dli says: Windows Operating System - Windows Server, TIMEBASED_EVAL channel.

    Can I use an OEM license (that I am about to buy) to use it on this server? This server will keep that license forever.

    Thanks

     

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  • Monday, January 07, 2013 5:17 PM
     
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    Hello,

    I would suggest to call Microsoft regarding any licensing question; although, I've found Thead that asnwers similar question here.

    You can also visit Microsoft OEM reseller and System builder support page here.

     
  • Monday, January 07, 2013 6:08 PM
     
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    Looks like it may be possible to activate trial but is unsupported. The time bomb timer could reappear at any time.

    Windows Server 2008 R2 evaluation version
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2021579

     

     

     

    Regards, Dave Patrick ....
    Microsoft Certified Professional
    Microsoft MVP [Windows]

    Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

     
  • Wednesday, January 09, 2013 6:25 AM
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    Hi christthegreat,


    As others mentioned, conversion is not blocked. However, Microsoft does not support to do so.


    See this Q&A:


    Question:     Can you convert the evaluation version to a full version?


    Answer    : Although this conversion is not blocked, we do not support an upgrade from an evaluation version to a full version or changing the product key to a full version key. To upgrade to a full version, you must install non-evaluation media. If you change the product key to Full Version, the visual evaluation references in Winver and as displayed in Slmgr /DLV output are removed, but the WLMS service remains on the system and the media retains its evaluation status.


    Therefore, I suggest to clean install a non-evaluation Windows Server 2008 R2.


    In addition, for licensing related questions, we recommend to contact the reseller or Microsoft Volume Licensing specialist for help.


    Hope this helps.

    Jeremy Wu
    TechNet Community Support