Hi all, We have an IBM server which we bought with pre-installed windows 2008 on it Now I have to re-install this server, but we can’t found de media kit which was delivered which the server. Q: Can I use any other media e.g an windows 2008 trial version to install the OS and then activated the OEM license from the label on the server? Thanks

Hiya, Nope, it's very much a different type of license, so you can only use OEM licenses on an OEM product. You could use another CD, as long as it's OEM, otherwise you would need to contact the original vendor in order to obtain another CD. Regards, Nathan Owen (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) - Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you. Links: www.mad-monkey.co.uk - www.capitalnetworks.co.uk

Hi Nathan, Thanks for the quick reply. Is there a way to change an MSDN windows 2008 server CD into an OEM windows 2008 server CD? Becaues that's what i have on hand. JDGr. JD

Hi JD, I'm afraid not as it's a different product type, similar to the licensing differences between Standard, Enterprise and Datacenter, there are subtle differences again with OEM with further restrictions and limitations to that of retail. There other means, but nothing I can legally post here, and certainly nothing worth invalidating your license with.. I really would recommend getting the vendor to ship you a replacement CD. See also: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gbRegards, Nathan Owen (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) - Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you. Links: www.mad-monkey.co.uk - www.capitalnetworks.co.uk

I'm no licensing expert either, but Microsoft sells OS "editions". The Server, Enterprise, Datacenter for example. OEM, retail, NFR, MSDN, etc all have to do with how you acquire these editions. Product support is also related. For example, with OEM Microsoft doesn't support you - your vendor does. with retail you can get free support incidents, etc. Additionally the media often requires different product keys. Windows 2008 can use a KMS though - not requiring a key at all. Personally, if you can prove you own the right edition, I'd be able to sleep well at night. Mike Crowley Check out My Blog!