Windows Server 2003 activation problem

Jesse Slocum 21 Reputation points
2020-09-19T00:22:49.087+00:00

After migration from Physical to Virtual, it is asking me to activate again. Can anyone help, Microsoft Support directed me here because they don't know how to help.

Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-09-19T00:31:03.193+00:00

    What is the key channel? In the case of OEM the license generally dies with the hardware. The cleaner / much safer option is to stand up a new one from installation media. Also note support for Server 2003 ended long ago,

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  1. Jesse Slocum 21 Reputation points
    2020-09-19T00:40:07.94+00:00

    I am unsure as this system pre-dates me... the physical machine is dying and we need to virtualize in VMware before it does. Is there a workaround to reset the grace period in safe mode (only mode I can log into at the moment). Might be able to make some progress if I can reset that and then login to the server normally to install vmware tools, etc...

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  2. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-09-19T00:43:15.763+00:00

    I'd stand up a new one as a test. https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  3. Jesse Slocum 21 Reputation points
    2020-09-19T00:49:50.63+00:00

    Thank you, that is an awesome tool...

    This appears to be OEM so I guess I am hosed...

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  4. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-09-19T00:51:55.763+00:00

    Glad to help, you're welcome. More than likely. You can still try standing up a new one as a test.

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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