I am trying to install Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition Disk Part Number X11-73011. The box has end item P/N: P73-02441 Carton No: MMSH00000081The product key that came with the sealed box is invalid. The key starts with J43D2. I purchased the software from a third party about 18 months ago. I have called Microsoft and they tell me the product key is good. I have loaded another copy of 2003 on this machine and it works fine. Any ideas why this software will not take this product key during a clean install?

I think that it will be better to contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/295539/en-nz This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Hello Charlie, Can you post the contents of the setupp.ini file from the \i386 folder on the CD?Thanks, Darrell Gorter This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

Darrell, Thanks for your help! This is from the setupp.ini file. [Pid] ExtraData=786F687170637175716954806365EF Pid=69712270

Hello Charlie, That is Volume License media is that what it is expected to be? ( the 270 at the end of the PID= lines indicates this is VL media) You would need a Volume License product key, since your post indicates boxed product, I am not sure that VL keys ship on boxed products.Thanks, Darrell Gorter This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

Darrell, Product Description Windows SVR STD 2003 RA2 WIN32 English 1PK DSP OEI CD 1 - 4CPU 5 CLT End Item PN: P73-02441 Carton No: MMSH00000081 COA Barcodes 00089181570854 Units per Box: 01 I have the box and COA scaned. What is your email and I can send it to you. Charlie

Hello Charlie, First Name (darrell) and Initial(g) of Last name at Microsoft.com Thanks, Darrell Gorter This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights. VAMT - Volume Activation Management Tool - Download link http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ec7156d2-2864-49ee-bfcb-777b898ad582&displaylang=en

I happen to have the exact same problem, and was at least very pleased to have identified the cause through this discussion. Is there a way to obtain a VL license product key once I provide the Server 2003R2 information?

Any updates on this? Spent an hour on the phone being bounced around only to be told to buy a Volume License key.