I have in the past successfully used the VMWare Converter to convert Servers running OEM or retail versions of Microsoft Small Business Server 2003 r2 to VM's. I am now having a problem running running the VM I created using the VM converter on a Dell Poweredge 2800 Server and wonder if anyone has any advice. The Virtualised Server won't run without activating Windows and entering the license key doesn't activate the Server. On calling Microsoft they advise they cannot activate over the telephone and I must call Dell or purchase support hours for Microsoft to advise a resolution. I called Dell and the agent I spoke to was clueless about the issue and couldn't assist unless we purchase extended Dell warranty support which I don't want to do. After further investigation I believe that the reason for the software not activating is that the SBS 2003 OS supplied by Dell was a BIOS locked version. The reason I suspect the BIOS lock problem is because I've had one similar occurrence when trying to install a BIOS locked version of SBS 2003 supplied by Fujitsu with a new Fujitsu Server. The software would NOT install to a Virtual Machine running on VMWare Server (I cannot recall the exact error I got) however installed perfectly when installing directly to Fujtisu Server hardware. On calling Fujtisu the problem was escalated to a higher support team who advised there was a workaround however I never persued this. Any assistance with my Dell / SBS 2003 virtualisation would be appreciated.
↧