Windows 2000 Server Key 1

[djones2002]

Morning Folks.

Have a question regarding the Windows 2000 Server Key. We purchased the appropriate licensing from a 3rd party, non-profit software distributor. We received 2 licenses for Windows Server 2003 (for some reason) and we installed from our 2000 server cd, attempting to use both of the keys. When this did not work we were forced to use an existing key that also exists on a current production server (this was also purchased with the appropriate licensing). We have since received the correct key from Microsoft and are attempting to input the correct keys. Is there a way to do this? If so, please provide specifics on the process. Also, are there any issues with using duplicate keys on multiple installations in a network environment?

Thanks for any info.

Dennis Jones

 

[Davetoo]

You don't have to do anything. As long as you have enough licenses to cover your installs, then what key is used to install them isn't relevant for any real issues. I used the same key to install dozens of Office upgrades, but I had a separate license for each install. Same on my servers, they're all installed with the same CD and key (W2K servers), but I have licenses for each install.

 

[djones2002]

Thanks for the info...much appreciated.

Dennis Jones

 

[ashpp]

> Also, are there any issues with using duplicate keys on
> multiple installations in a network environment?

The only issue is if you use terminal services in application mode on more than one server. TS licensing uses the product ID which is created from the product key. Otherwise products keys that are the same are fine.

>received 2 licenses for Windows Server 2003 (for some >reason)

2003 & XP licenses are downgradable. So your better off getting the higher version so later you can upgrade FOC. This brings the annoying problem which you encountered, in that the 2003/XP key won't work on the downlevel clients.

Ash.