Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition 32bit OEM

Does MS still support this OS? I have a techie onsite at a client and he needs to do a clean install of the OS. The client has the OEM disk but cannot locate the cd-key. Would anyone be so kind and perhaps help me out here? Does anyone have a working cd-key I can try just to get the OS up and running.

They took a Belarc snapshot of the server and are not trying to locate that information.

....What I am asking is probably extremely unorthodox but I am desperate and understand if nobody is able to or wants to help.

Thanks

If you look on google.. you will find a billion keys within moments. Just tell google EXACTLY what you are looking for.

Sorry for my untethical post here guys.. but its not like im telling a secret or anything. Just the truth :)

been there..done that.....next....

I am sure this request is either going to get me frowned upon or banned... ;(

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Originally Posted by bradlesliect

been there..done that.....next....

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Are you saying that you tried the keys found by searching, and they didn't work? If so, kind of a rude way of doing so...

In my experience, OEM copies only work reliably on the systems they were intended for. Hence Original Equipment Manufacturer. When I worked for IBM/Lenovo, a reinstall with an OEM disk did not require a product key, it pulled it from ROM on the system. But if you tried to install that same version on another type of system, it wouldn't work correctly.

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Originally Posted by bradlesliect

been there..done that.....next....

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wow...sounds like yer batting a 1000 this week

MLF

its all is a day's work....

Sounds like you need to study up a bit bud. This is skiddy stuff and you're trying to support clients.

Start here:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/default.mspx

Plan to study for several months just to become adequate at supporting MS stuff.

I realize I'm being a jerk, but as stated above...it's just honest. You can't expect to adequately support clients if you don't know how to get ahold of a product key or reset a password here and there....or use an OEM disc.

Keezal....hmmm... i REALLY trying hard to ignore your comments as I think my response might be really mean so...the following response....

1. I DID not LOSE or MISPLACE the OS cd key.
2. I WAS NOT responsible for this client network or server.
3. I have administered many client networks and servers in the past and not knowing this I think you should reserve comment and try to offer assistance if you can, if not, then you know what to do.

I think you taking a rather below the belt and rather cheap shot...so savie

As I said this was an UNORTHODOX and UNETHICAL request but I had no other choice. I have also since discovered there is some bad karma between this company and there previous IT Support Provider...

Anyone else want to want to take a kick at me..... ;(

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Anyone else want to want to take a kick at me..... ;(

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Yeah, me :lildevil:

Have a look at the box...........physically that is............. there should be a sticker on it somewhere (inside perhaps?) that has the "product key"

Unless things are different over with you, I would say that "CD Keys" no longer exist. Any old CD will work, but you need a valid Product Key.

I don't have one for you, but I will take a look & make enquiries;)

We don't post access codes here (on AO that is)............... but in a personal communication between members.......................

I do not see that there is any real market for pirated Windows Server 2003, so I take the view that this has to be a genuine request?

I must admit that I have never done this with 2003 server, but if it is still running and you go into >control panel>system> you should see your key?

I would be interested in any comments on that.

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I must admit that I have never done this with 2003 server, but if it is still running and you go into >control panel>system> you should see your key?

I would be interested in any comments on that.

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I just logged into one of our 2003 servers, and didn't see where I was able to retrieve the key easily. I know there are tools that will pull the key and display it for you.

For instance: http://www.petri.co.il/quickly_retri...ows_cd_key.htm

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Originally Posted by bradlesliect

Does MS still support this OS? I have a techie onsite at a client and he needs to do a clean install of the OS. The client has the OEM disk but cannot locate the cd-key. Would anyone be so kind and perhaps help me out here? Does anyone have a working cd-key I can try just to get the OS up and running.

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Maybe i can interest you in the site's AUP As clearly you really need to read it. ;)

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You will not use these Forums for the purposes of sharing or distributing viruses, licenses, registration information, software keys, "cracks," or other information designed to do harm to or allow unlawful access to any computer hardware, software, networks, or any other systems.

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And with this said, this thread is closed.:brickwall

I would add a final thought for anyone in this position.

Assuming that you weren't so anal as to not register what is a commercial product with Microsoft, just telephone them and they will know who you are and help you out. ;)

EDIT: You might try this:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstr...ind2003key.htm

Also, you might expect help in recovering what you have rightfully paid for or licensed............. we will NOT condone or facilitate the theft of intellectual property.

If your "Richard Cranium Esquire" (dickhead) has already wiped the drive, he should try a recovery............otherwise he better learn how to flip burgers, because that is his next career move.

The client had better sue whowever installed it, if they cannot persuade Microsoft to help. Or just go buy a new one?