Disks used must match the installation product code.
> Thank you for the reply.
> I phoned Microsoft Licensing support before originating this correspondence
> but I was not told that provision of the media was mandatory for server
> software.
> I have read the rules for desktop software and it looks clear there, but I
> dont see it for servers.
> But regardless of the rights and wrongs of it, the client company is still
> in the position of not having the disks and may never get them. Before
> starting on this work I would like to know what flexibility I have without
> them so my two questions remain -
> With a different set of installation disks: -
> 1. Could I repair the system using recovery console or Automated System
> Recovery?
> 2. Could I do a reinstallation, switch to the existing product key and then
> activate?
> I hope this helps clarify things.
> --
> DaveM
> > When you write: "As I understand it it is not obligatory for the builder to
> > provide media, unless agreed in the sale contract, but it seems poor practice
> > particularly
> > since no restoration image was made of the system."
> > you are incorrect. A System Builder MUST supply the media and manual with
> > his work according to Microsoft rules for OEM. Perhaps the person lost them,
> > or is attempting blackmail or is using counterfeit software. As a start I'd
> > report them to Microsoft Anti-Piracy.
> > > I have a prospective customer for SBS2003 maintenance and support who wishes
> > > to change from his existing maintainer who also built and installed the
> > > system - with SBS2003 Standard OEM.
> > > I advised the customer to ensure the installation disks were kept but on
> > > their asking the maintainer for them was told they were unavailable and not
> > > needed anyway.
> > > (Backup tapes are made but if there were a system crash there is no
> > > restoration operating system available to run them.)
> > > As I understand it it is not obligatory for the builder to provide media,
> > > unless agreed in the sale contract, but it seems poor practice particularly
> > > since no restoration image was made of the system.
> > > If I proceed without the media the following questions come to mind: -
> > > In the event of OS problems could I run a Windows OS repair using other
> > > SBS2003 media eg I made a bootable version of the Technet Plus copy?
> > > The Server has a SBS COA with product key on its side. In the event of a
> > > disaster could I do a re-installation with different media and then switch to
> > > this Key?
> > > My initial plan is to stick in another HDD, copy the OS partition to it and
> > > also make a Ghost image of it on DVD.
> > > It seems almost unnecessary to add that the whole of the system is based on
> > > one HDD with only one partition ie no RAID, no separation of OS, data, and
> > > database, and no restore partition.
> > > Your advice would be appreciated.
> > > Thanks
> > > --
> > > DaveM
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