Question 1

Is this overkill for what I want to do?

I would like to install Server 2012 on my PC in the living room hooked up to a TV. I would create two user accounts, and one would be logged on at all times on the TV. I want the ability to RDP into the second account at the same time, but without kicking off the first user.

Windows 8.1 Pro does not allow this normally, I'm hoping Server 2012 is what I need.

Accepted Answer

Hi, I have been running Windows Server platforms for a very long time.  Windows Server 2003, Small Busininess Server, Windows Server 2008 and recently purchased Windows Server 2012 standard.  I have not yet instalaled Windows server 2012 but have run all my Windows server and left my rdp sessions running without issues.  By default you get two RDP sessions to administer the Windows server and if you create two accounts the will not log off one account to access the machine.  This has been the case for years and don't see that changing in 2012.  I am 3 weeks away from completing my 2012 install.  Client PC's behave differently than servers.  PC's will log you off so that another connection can be made.  On servers you get two connections by default to administer the box. Both connections can log in at the same time without issue.

Question 2

Will I need to pay for the R2 Update? Do the Windows Server 2012 User CALs support R2?

Accepted Answer

I think that you will need to buy a new license.  Then again I could be wrong.   I thought I read that CALs work on  previous versions only

Question 3

This says up to 2VMs up to 2CPUs. I don't want to run any VMs and I have a 4 CPUs in my DELL Server T300. Will this license work for me?

Accepted Answer

T300 has a single CPU with 4 cores which is supported
The two VMs mean you can use the same license on two VMs without purchasing additional licenses, which is completely optional and can be added at any time.

Question 4

Does Microsoft allow you to install Windows Server 2008 R2 as one of your VMs with this license?

Do they provide a way to download the Windows Server 2008 R2 iso to burn and a Product Key to use?

I'm trying to help my wife out with her small office setup, and after dealing with trying to figure out the Open, Open Value, licensing mess I'm just looking for a reasonable solution.  I'd like to run Server 2012 w/ 1-2 VMs ( 2008 R2 + Server 2012).

Accepted Answer

Yes, all prior versions of all products have always been licensed by Microsoft if you have a legitimate current version. This also is the case with Server 2012 and the allowed VMs under that license. However, MS does not make these versions readily available to its customers. I have found that when I needed prior versions, I had to call their licensing department and request the download address for the ISO, and they would email me the appropriate license key. If the frontline person balks, ask for the supervisor.

Question 5

I would like to have this OS and use VMWare program to have 5 VMware-VM's on my computer. Dos this propduct/license allow that?
Thanks!

Accepted Answer

In the description in the very top it says 2 virtual machines, in the overview section further down in the overview tab it also states 2 virtual machines.

You will need to buy 3 of these in order to have 5 windows server VMs

Question 6

Is this 64 bit or 32 bit? Can I use both?

Accepted Answer

You will always use in 64bit. Having a server means a minimum of 8gb RAM. You cannot address enough resources with 32bit. I believe it is 64bit only and no current server would ever be 32bit going forward due to resource requirements for today's world.

Question 7

I have a Windows Server 2008 R2 running as a PDC with 75 CALs.  If I add a second server with Windows Server 2012 Std as a domain member, do I need CALs for it?

Thank you.

Accepted Answer

Technically the windows server 2008 CAL's cannot be used on a windows 2012 server. The 2012 server model requires new CAL's.

Question 8

I have Windows 2012 Server Standar  in Evaluation Mode and I need to Active it.  Could I Activate my installation with this product?

Accepted Answer

No, this will license the current version, not a previous version.

Question 9

i am going to build a server with this CPU "Intel Intel Xeon E3-1270V3 Haswell 3.5GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1150 80W Quad-Core Server Processor BX80646E31270V3" do i need this license?

Accepted Answer

You do not need this unless it is the exact operating system you intend to use. There are many others including non-Windows based, like Linux, that will run on that CPU , just remember the other hardware you choose may have an effect on your implementation as well. 
Windows can be good for "ease" of implementation but you need to be considerate of the version you choose.

Question 10

I need to activate the trial version of Windows Server 2012 Std I downloaded a few weeks ago.
I know I have to convert it to a retail version first.

Is this "Base License" the right product for the activation?
In other words, does it include the proper license key?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

There are three types of trial versions
Windows Server 2012 Standard
Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
Windows Server® 2012 Essentials

Make sure your trial version is the Standard version if you are upgrading to the Standard full version.

You cannot upgrade a trial version if the server is running as a Domain Controller.

NewEgg's product comes with the cd-key you will need to do the activation (Print is extremely small, hope you have a magnifying glass handy)

Instructions to do so are:
From an elevated command prompt, determine the current edition name with the command DISM /online /Get-CurrentEdition. Make note of the edition ID, an abbreviated form of the edition name. Then run DISM /online /Set-Edition: /ProductKey:XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX /AcceptEula, providing the edition ID and a retail product key. The server will restart twice.

Hope this helps!

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