Re: Validate a MS License key?

["Lukas Beeler" <lukas.beeler@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 6:10 PM, Roger Vicker, CCP <rv-tech@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> The problem now is that one of them is running Windows Server 2000 and
> SQL Server but, there is no key sticker and no media. I have been able
> to retrieve the W2K installed key using RockXP4 but not the SQL key.

If you are licensed using OEM or SBE Media (Windows Server), without a
sticker you don't have a license. It's as simple as that.

If you have volume licenses, you don't get a sticker and might not get
media. It also depends on if you're running Small Business Server or
not (where the SQL License is included with the SBS License, and the
key is slipstreamed on the installation CD).

Basically, you have two problems:

* Are you licensed? (Legal Side)
* Do you have the keys? (Technical Side)

The latter are easier to get - if you are licensed properly, you can
just reorder media (costs 40 CHF here, so it'd be around 40US$). If
you cannot make sure that you're licensed properly (Paperwork for VL,
Stickers for SBE/OEM), you'll have to rebuy current licenses with a
proper contract that includes downgrade rights if you still want to
run unsupported versions of Windows.

> Is there any way, short of trying to install on another system, to
> determine if the key is valid or is the reason the builder left town
> suddenly?

Not really. You could use a VM.

> How about retrieving the SQL key and what are the options for finding
> install discs?

If you're licensed properly, just reorder a media kit.