Run OEM Windows Server on hypervisor on same hardware?

Question

1) Get physical server which includes an OEM license of Windows Server.

2) Wipe drive and install a hypervisor, such as the standalone (free) version of Hyper-V

3) Install OEM copy of Windows Server onto virtual machine running on hypervisor

Is this legal, as far as MS licensing, and will there be any activation issues? I've scoured the internet looking for the answer and have determined that it is absolutely not possible. And I've also determined that it absolutely is possible. Basically, no one seems to know for sure. Anyone around here know for sure?

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can, and Dell tells you how (licensing is different for 2003, so this applies to 2008 and later). You can even install OEM 2008 on the physical server, then install it as virtual server, as long as the physical instance is only used to manage the virtual instance (Hyper-V) ... the free/standalone Hyper-V or other hypervisor is not required. Each edition (Standard, Enterprise, etc.) is licensed for a different number of virtual instances.

content.dell.com/.../Documents~virtual-machines-oem-media.pdf.aspx

www.dell.com/.../WS08_Media_VM_Final.pdf

www.microsoft.com/.../confirmation.aspx

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

You can virtualize Essentials too ... there are some special considerations when doing so, and you will probably have to activate over the phone with Microsoft.

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

Time Zone/Time Server settings: technet.microsoft.com/.../jj200189.aspx

cmcfarling09 · Answer

What if the server comes with Windows Server 2012 Essentials? W2K12 Essentials has no virtualization rights and thus no virtual key is included. Could a pre-installed OEM copy of W2K12 Essentials be stripped off and then reinstalled on top of a hypervisor running on the same hardware?

cmcfarling09 · Answer

What would the special considerations be?

PowerEdge OS Forum

Run OEM Windows Server on hypervisor on same hardware?

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