I have taken 2 windows server 2003 Standard and converted to VMware 4.0.1 machine at bootup both servers are telling me they need to be activated. Both servers were activated before the were converted. I have tried the Volume Licensing keys for our company and get the same error message that the product key is incorrect. I verified the spelling it is correct I get this message number 45090. Any ideas?

Hi , I have installed Windows Server 2003, Standard, Enterprise and R2, on VMware as well as converting over a couple of physical Win 2003 machines without a problem. Don't recall having to reactivate the converted machines. Hmmm... Make sure you have the right key for the right product. Our company also has Volume Licensing and each server version: Standard, Enterprise, 32bit, 64bit, R2 all have different VLKs. If you have the install media / iso images you can try a clean install on VMWare and see if it takes the your VLK. I have not tried VMware 4. But have been using Vmware 5, 6, and now 7. You could also create a new VMware 6.5-7 compatible image using the free VMWare Player in case there is something odd about VMware 4. Other than that I'm out of ideas. Cheers, Joe

Hello, as you are having correct licenses call Microsoft support to resolve this issue.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Hi, Yes, please call Microsoft licensing specialist at 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (PST) to get the official answer. Microsoft Acts Quickly on License Reform – but only when it is in the Best Interest of the Customer... and Microsoft http://blogs.vmware.com/virtualreality/2009/01/microsoft-acts-quickly-on-license-reform-but-only-when-it-is-in-the-best-interest-of-the-customer-and-microsoft.html