2000 SBS licensing

[kurtismonger]

I have an issue with an installation of Windows 2000 Server SBS. I recently reinstalled the OS on a Dell server from the OEM disks. The CD's are Microsoft and have Small Business Server printed on them. We have added more users to the network so I found some were getting blocked with a message that we had run out of licenses. So I went to add 10 client access licenses to the server. Since it was SBS I was told I needed the floppy disk media kit, which I purchased along with the CALs. When I went to run the disks I received a message that these could only be used on Small Business Server and Small Business Server was not installed.

Thinking that odd I went to Admin Tools > Licensing but received a message that that option could not be used on Backoffice Small Business Server and that I should go to Start>Manage Computer to admin licenses (this does not exist).

So I am stuck. I am positive I used the SBS CD's for the install, although I didn't install everything (ie Exchange) everything else (DNS, DHCP, AD) works fine.

Is there something else I need to do with the install CDs? I haven't installed 2000 Small Business Server before, but it seemed to go smoothly and as I said everything seems to work fine. Any suggestions would be greately appreciated.

Before someone asks, I have updated the system with all current patches and updates and have a solid AV solution on it.

 

[dkediger]

A couple of questions:

1. SBS installation occurs in 2 parts - a normal Windows Server installation and then the SBS components/configuration part. Did you complete the SBS part - even though you're not using SBS add ons - or did you stop after the Windows Server installation?

2. How many licenses were on the original system? If it was more than the original 5, you'll need to re-install the original licenses by using the LAST license diskette used previously. Then you should be able to use your new license diskette to add to the previous licenses.

 

[kurtismonger]

Ah-ha, that sounds reasonable. As I said, this is my first SBS install - so all I did was the basic Windows Server Installation. I will check the install CD's and hopefully it is obvious how to continue the install.

The system had only the original 5 CALs that came with it. I purchased and attempted to install another 10 after the reinstall.

Thanks dkediger!