SQL License Recoverey

Question

I have a SQL database that was used by a 3rd party and had to move the application from C:| drive ro D:\ drive at first i backed up the DBs and then uninstalled SQL, which in hindsight wasn't correct, then reinstalled the application on D:\ drive and that automatically installed the Express version of SQL. I tried updating the DB and restoring the DBs however it hasn't recovered to the SQL standard version.

How would i recover the SQL Product Key? I checked the Registry Editor however the instances are there except there Product Codes arn't.

Answer 1

To change the edition from Express to Standard, you need to run an edition upgrade and to this end, you need the installation media for Standard Edition. Install media is often pre-pidded. If yours is not, you will need to contact the reseller from which you bought the media and hope that they can help you with the key.

Answer 2

Hi，Conrad Claassen

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A fourm！

You cannot find the product key from the current Express instances that have already been set up.The method to retrieve your product key is closely related to your original method of purchase. The key is usually sent to the digital email address you bound when you purchased from Microsoft, or it is engraved on the physical hardware. You need to check your license paper or the proof of purchase or contact your hardware provider or reach out to Microsoft customer support.

SQL server does not store license information inside SQL Server at all.

Suggest you contacting a Microsoft sales partner or licensing expert directly. Call (1-800-426-9400), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST to speak directly to Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Support Contact support. Please choose region/language and call. People there will help you more effectively. 

Regards

Mikey Qiao

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