Thread: SBS 2003 OEM activation and a fiddly recovery situation

Long story short, old dodgy generic P4 server has died that was running an OEM SBS 2003. It was only running Active Directory and related Domain services, DHCP and File Server. Other services like email, etc were handed off to external providers like goooooooogle. (Due to unreliable power and Internet being in the bush literally)

Things are running as normal having moved the RAID file server to another machine, printers being accessed directly, dhcp on router instead, etc (however obviously this situation is not optimal).

I've managed to create a new VM (using VirtualBox) and install the backup image of 2003 from the dead server, however it asks for activation (due to hardware changes).

We'll be getting a new server soonish, we plan on moving to 2008 R2 (not SBS) at that stage.

So wouldn't mind some ideas thrown on our options, however in particular:
- What will happen if I try to reactivate the OEM 2003 in the VM (obviously not the OEM-attached machine)?
- What version of Server 2008 should we get (reasons for OEM/Retail, SBS or not)?

Unless there is a specific need, stick with SBS IMO. Also, isn't the only real difference between OEM and Retail the price?

If you try and reactivate it should be fine, no different to reactivating Windows XP or whatever...just call microsoft and tell them the old motherboard shit itself, you installed a enw one, not on other computers, only install, blah blah and away you go.

In theory with OEM when the hardware dies, the software's meant to go with it. Can't carry it on to a new server. With retail you do whatever you want with it an install it however many different ways.

There's also a few restrictions with SBS, CALs cost more and you can only run one. Granted we have less then 15 users, perhaps at least 2 devices to each user. Then again there isn't anything in terms of services that SBS offers us that we need.

You should be able to reactivate ok. If the activation via internet doesn't work, call Microsoft and tell them you're reinstalling the OS on the same hardware.

Unless there is a specific requirement for SQL, Exchange or Sharepoint - no point in going for SBS. It sounds like Server 2008 R2 standard edition would suit your requirements and will cost you less than SBS.

If one or more of the aformentioned products is required, user count and future growth should be considered to determine which is the most cost effective (SBS or another version).

OEM is the cheapest license but the EULA states it must be purchased with accompanying hardware and is not transferable. If this suits your requirements then it is a good way to go.

If you want copy of Server 2008 R2 standard to test out on the box, I can lend you a valid key. No point in getting sbs as theres going to be a new version coming in the next few months. It will save you the hassle down the road to just stick with 08 R2 standard.