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Activation Problem installing SP2 Server SBS 2003

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by markbagus

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Hi,

Hope someone can help as getting frustrated by the following problem.

Have a new server (to move old server onto new hardware).

Installed SBS 2003, SP1, than activated it - went ok. Then installed SP2 ready to add it as a backup DC to start the move over from the old server.

After installing SP2, when logging in, says need activating.

I go ahead with telephone activation - but at step 3 - where it gives you the installation ID to use to get activation code, it is just blank - no sets of numbers.

I tried to look this up on the internet and tried to log in using safe mode and DSRM to uninstall IE7 or fiddle with registry - but each time asks for activation so cannot get in to do that.

Also, did not have IE7 - had IE6 as fresh install with no updates other than SP1 & SP2.

I tried formatting the hdd and installing again - but same problem.

I installed SP2 on the old server - and it all booted up fine - no problem.

I am now stuck as to what to do as both servers need to be on at least same Service packs to allow a transfer.

I can access the hdd - so is there a file(s) or whatever that I can delete, change, etc to fix this ?

Please help someone as this is driving me crazy and I cannot seem to find a fix for this particular activation problem.

Thanks

3 replies

by cg it

they will give you the new key to put in.

Typically in a move to new hardware, you get 5 days to do it.

by markbagus

Problem is I was slipstreaming SP1 onto a SBS 2003 install disk 1 before installing SBS.

Worked fine until installed SP2.

Found out if you use a slipstreamed install of SBS 2003, you get the problems mentioned above when installing a future service pack.

I ended up installing SBS 2003, then SP1, then SP2 - and all worked fine.

Just something useful to note for future.

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