W WHairston Active member Joined Mar 7, 2024 Posts 41 Location United States Apr 15, 2024 #81 Just an update: The VM we restored was showing that Windows needed to be activated (a side-effect of restoring to the VM). I downloaded a Windows Server Essentials 2016 Trial Version DVD from Microsoft - I read on several forums that is a full installation disc, which only needs a product key to be entered to switch from trial version to production version. However, without activating the existing VM (or supplying a product key), I am unable to continue with the in-place upgrade. Unfortunately, I don't have the product key (yet) for the original server. I attempted to get someone on-site to take a picture of the OEM label, but they were afraid to move the server to get visibility of the product key. As luck would have it, I need to travel tomorrow to the site where the physical server is located. Assuming I can arrange the downtime, I am willing to attempt the in-place upgrade while I'm on-site. Because that server is the lone Active Directory controller for that location, I have to ask: Will an in-place upgrade keep the existing Active Directory intact (assuming the upgrade is successful)? Can I perform an in-place upgrade to the same version (Windows Server Essentials 2016 to Windows Server Essentials 2016)?
Just an update: The VM we restored was showing that Windows needed to be activated (a side-effect of restoring to the VM). I downloaded a Windows Server Essentials 2016 Trial Version DVD from Microsoft - I read on several forums that is a full installation disc, which only needs a product key to be entered to switch from trial version to production version. However, without activating the existing VM (or supplying a product key), I am unable to continue with the in-place upgrade. Unfortunately, I don't have the product key (yet) for the original server. I attempted to get someone on-site to take a picture of the OEM label, but they were afraid to move the server to get visibility of the product key. As luck would have it, I need to travel tomorrow to the site where the physical server is located. Assuming I can arrange the downtime, I am willing to attempt the in-place upgrade while I'm on-site. Because that server is the lone Active Directory controller for that location, I have to ask: Will an in-place upgrade keep the existing Active Directory intact (assuming the upgrade is successful)? Can I perform an in-place upgrade to the same version (Windows Server Essentials 2016 to Windows Server Essentials 2016)?
Maxstar Windows Update Moderator, Security Analyst Staff member Joined Aug 16, 2015 Posts 10,425 Location The Netherlands Apr 16, 2024 #82 Hi, 1. Yes an in-place upgrade will keep apps, setiings etc. And during the installation process it will show a summary if any changes will be made. 2. Yes you can use the same version, basically an in-place-upgrade is just a repair install.
Hi, 1. Yes an in-place upgrade will keep apps, setiings etc. And during the installation process it will show a summary if any changes will be made. 2. Yes you can use the same version, basically an in-place-upgrade is just a repair install.