upgrade from w2012r2 to w2019: We couldn't verify the product key. Please check your installation media.

Question

I've already upgraded the host server and installed a new dc with this installation media and key. However when attempting to upgrade the application server hyperv instance all I get is

"We couldn't verify the product key. Please check your installation media."

The installation media is the exact same iso, attached to the vm.

What can I do about this issue?

Answer 1

Hello not-able

What type of product key is? Retail, MAK or KMS?

To resolve this issue, I would recommend the following steps:

1. Double-check that you are using the correct product key for Windows Server 2019. You can verify this by checking the product key on the installation media.
2. Ensure that the installation media you are using is not corrupted or damaged. You can try downloading a fresh copy of the Windows Server 2019 ISO and using that instead.

3.Use the Windows Activation Troubleshooter: Go to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Activation' and run the Activation Troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix common activation issues.

Best Regards

Answer 2

• It's a retail key
• I could recreate the installation media but I just used it for upgrading the host and another vm so how could it be faulty?
• I can't run troubleshoot activation when 2019 isn't installed, right? The installed OS is 2012r2, no issue with it's activation.

Answer 3

Is the retail key purchased from Microsoft Store or an authorized retailer? Is this retail key used on another machine?

Best Regards

Answer 4

It's from an authorized reseller, provantage.com (Windows Server 2019 Standard - Base License and Media - 16 Core).

PN: P73-07788

It is not used on another machine. But in any case, I thought it was standard practice that a valid windows server key could be used for multiple activations, as long as the licensing is in order?

Answer 5

Retail keys are not volume license products and can only be activated one device at a time.

If the retail key is activated on the second device, the first device needs to be deactivated.