I've just gone and repartitioned and reinstalled Windows2003 server on one of the servers not in use at the moment.

Idiot that I am , I didn't check to see if the product key was filed in it's correct place - and it's missing!

Anyway to get it back ? We've got the original CD, and manual, but the product key is nowhere to be seen!!

Anyone got a redundant one, no longer needed ?

The CD says Windows 2003 Server - Standard Edition and there's no mention of any service pack on the disc eg. SP1

 

Magical Jelly Bean Software - Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.1

 

Jelly bean only works with a valid install of the OS, or at least a non booting windows partition on a slave drive.

In my case, the hard drive is wiped clean

 

Use OnTrack EasyRecovery Pro to recover the drive and then use a key finder

 

I tried something similar - to no avail. I found 2 of the 3 partitions, but not the one I needed, as it had been overwritten.

Does anyone know if Microsoft will give me a new product key? - the original was a valid product key, from which I have the original Win2k3 CD and manual.

 

Doubt they will, the only thing that has anything they can trace for the key is the COA sticker with the key on.
You could buy an old server case off eBay with a COA key sticker on and use that.

 

server case - the outer case you mean ?hmmm, might look into that.

I've been told enterprise editions don't need product keys ?

 

Yeah, get an old server tower/case that already has a COA sticker on it.
Keyless-wise I haven't seen any authentic versions that are keyless, although I've heard of some Dell supplied discs that don't ask for a key, but still need one to activate (if the discs own key has been used repeatedly).

 

had a look on eBay to no avail. If anyone can get there hands on such a product key label for Windows 2003 server that's of no use to them, I can make it worth your while. You can PM me to keep it anon.

 

You may get lucky with this one, look when the auction ends
Microsoft Windows Small Business Server - COA 5 CAL OEM on eBay, also Microsoft, Operating Systems, Software, Computing (end time 24-Dec-08 20:55:31 GMT)

 

thanks

 

No backups of the old server available?

 

No - mainly due to the fact this server has been turned off for over a year, after it was made redundant (long story)

Since then, I've decided to get it up and working again, and utilise it as a secondary domain controller.