Is Win2k Server License Limit Meaningless?

[Guest_imported]

This is not a question, but you might find this interesting.

We have Win2K server, and about a month ago we started getting a warning that we are exceeding the limit of licenses(on server). I hastely purchased 5 additional licenses from Microsoft. But I could not figure out how to install them, so I called Microsoft. They kept getting me tech support for Terminal Server Licenses, but frustratingly, they could not give me a straight answer to my question. Meantime, I found License Utility on the server and simply increased the purchased license number without using a certificate I just bought(the License Utility never asked for it). I thought this was just for record-keeping and had no effect. Well, it stopped giving us any warnings and we had no problem accessing the server with more than the original 5 users. Does this mean that I really didn't have to purchase any additional licenses? It appears so.

 

[1sexypapi]

well you have to purchase the licenses, if you are audited and don't have them then you will be in some trouble

 

[lgarner]

The licenses are as meaningful (or meaningless) as those for MS Office, WordPerfect, Lotus, GroupWise, etc, etc. There is an agreement that you confirm when you install the software which indicates that you'll have a license for each user or installation.

The vast number of people who don't think that licenses are meaningful is why we now have "activation" on Windows XP.

Lee.

 

[tom11011]

It's only meaningful to microsoft.

 

[butchrecon]

Unfortunatly it is also meaningfull to our system of law. When you purchase Server it comes with 5 user license. If you have more than 5 users you have 1 of two courses of actions. 1-To simply purchase the # of licenses you need. or 2-Just increase the licenses in the server without purchasing. The first is the legal way of doing it. The second is the illegal ay of doing it. 1sexypapi is correct. If you get audited you will be acountable for them. You would be "stealing" the licenses you need. That of course is a fineable/punishable offense. Now what are the actual chances of most small companies getting cought? Slim. But is it a chance you are willing to gamble on? James Collins
Field Service Engineer
A+, MCP

email: butchrecon@skyenet.net

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[tom11011]

well, if you are going to do option 2, just disable the licensing service all together.