install server 2022 OEM as host and VM?

Question

When attempting to create a VM of Server 2022 OEM the Windows Hypervisor returns "Error, The data is invalid". Is it even possible to create a VM from the OEM version of Windows 2022?

Answer 1

Thanks. But overnight I found an answer that was successful, at least in my case. In case anyone else is struggling with this, what worked for me can be found here:

How to Convert Server 2016 Evaluation to Licensed Version. - WinTips.org

and the syntax is:

. How to Convert Server 2016 Evaluation to Licensed Version.

Author: Konstantinos Tsoukalas , Last updated: August 26th, 2021 This tutorial contains instructions to convert Windows Server 2016 Evaluation version to Licensed. As you know all Evaluations versions is available for testing for 180 days and after that period you must convert the Evaluation version to Licensed first and to use a valid product key in order to activate Windows Server 2016 (or Server 2019) and use all its features without problems.

How to Convert Evaluation Server 2016 or 2019 to Licensed Version.

To convert Windows Server 2019 or 2016 Evaluation to Licensed (Retail):

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and give the following command to find the installed version of Server 2016:

• DISM /Online /Get-CurrentEdition

2. Then give the following command to convert the Server 2016 Evaluation version to Full Retail (Licensed):

• DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerEdition /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

* Notes:
1. In the above command, change the ServerEdition according to the installed version.
For example…

1. If the installed edition is the "ServerStandarEval" then the command is:

• DISM /online /Set-Edition:ServerStandard /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula

2. If the installed edition is the "ServerDatacenterEval" then the command is:

• DISM /Online /Set-Edition:ServerDatacenter /ProductKey:xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx /AcceptEula

Answer 2

Hi Larry,

Hope you're doing well.

As far as I know, it is possible to create a virtual machine from the OEM version of Windows Server 2022. However, the error message you received indicates that there might be an issue with the data you provided.

Here is the relevant document for you reference:

How to licence VMs (standard) with Windows server 2022 Datacentre OEM on Esxi - Microsoft Q&A

Best Regards

Answer 3

Hello and thanks for the reply.

I notice that the link provided pertains to VMware whereas I am using Hyper V from the Server 2022 Host.

I should also add that the Server 2022 Eval ISO from the MS Eval Center installs as expected on the same host.

Since there is no ISO on the OEM media I used three different programs to copy the DVD to ISO, then used Rufus 4.3 to make a bootable ISO on USB from that. Neither the ISO created directly, nor the bootable ISO on USB created by Rufus will install as a VM, while the eval ISO installs and runs as expected.

Any ideas appreciated.

Answer 4

More Information:

I found a page that said: search- slmgr -4 which resulted in a tool free number. I called, read the installation ID to the auto attendant who replied the installtion ID could not be activated.

Then I called the number for products that cannot be activated with the same result.

Answer 5

Additional Information.... I found this article on Learn:

Automatic Virtual Machine Activation in Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

It seems to offer the solution. However, after executing the command in an elevated cmd prompt, the Windows Script Host responds:

the result of running that is this:

clicking on the link "you can...." results in:

You'll need a new app to open this MS-contact-support link. OK.

What new app? Why does the first command as shown in the Learn article not work as specified?

What to do now?

Thanks for any help.