hey all! i had a server on a remote location running for months. OS is/was Server 2012 OEM. legit bought. for whatever reasons - i decided to upgrade to R2 i did download the ISO file with the name 'SW_DVD9_Windows_Svr_Std_and_DataCtr_2012_R2_64Bit_German_-2_Core_MLF_X19-31421' from Microsoft Volume Licensing Service. i did not remember the server using an OEM Server 2012, i simply ran setup - all fine no warnings 20 minutes later R2 up and running. some days later, i did check some things and there i see "windows has to be activated" - but wont accept my OEM key (vl iso) fubar - now i can travel to the remote location and re-setup w12 from scratch ? does anyone have any ideas ? how to roll back / change version / ... ? THANKS!
2012 & 2012 R2 need DIFFERENT keys If you have access to VL then use MAK key (if you do not have local KMS server) sebus
Both are different products, W2K12 R2 is not a simple upgrade to W2K12*. The free upgrade offer is for client OS only. *it has always been this way for Server (2003 vs. 2003R2, 2008 vs. 2008R2, and now 2012 vs. 2012R2).
for fu**s sake - so i have to re-install my operating system the upgrade to r2 went so smooth - never thought i need a new key, lesson learned.
You wrote: So you have access to the VLSC. Check in there for your R2 key. If you are eligible for the download, you should also have a new key.