[windows software] eBay Server - 2012 R2 (Retail) - Validity Check

[Guest obsidianpillar]

Hi,

 

Just a quick one...

 

Looking at a Server on eBay that's being sold with a Server 2012 R2 Standard Key (Retail). The seller has attached a photo of them running slmgr.vbs /dli and it's showing as a retail key.

 

However, is there any way to check if it's an "actual" retail Key (as Dreamspark keys show as retail) without asking the seller or buying the server?

 

If I do buy it and it turns out to be a dreamspark key, what comeback have I got against the seller/eBay? I feel eBay won't understand what Dreamspark is but for home use, would I "get away" with it should I not get anywhere with eBay? (i.e not having MS knocking on my door)? I can't afford to buy a retail key but don't want to be committing piracy either. Server's at a good price without the key, however considering I'm planning on using it for home I don't know where I stand, all eventualities considered. The server doesn't have a COA on it either.

 

Seller says it's ex-corporate but later used in testing.

 

MS Licensing isn't my strong point, so interested in your thoughts.

 

Cheers.

 

Tom

Edited August 26, 2017 by obsidianpillar

[Steve21]

Well you'd need the key but could stick it in VAMT to verify it, if you mean before you buy it not sure what you're thinking about verifying it etc. You could ask for a pic of the COA but no doubt they wouldn't send it (Or it's "separate purchase cough")

 

Being nosy but assuming it's that Dell one I wouldn't trust it personally. If it's been wiped and refurbished (As the name etc is default Windows install) it's going to be a key that's been shared around, it wouldn't be a unique one as they wouldn't have the license from the company.

 

When you consider a key for 2012r2 on it's own is worth more than that auction (not education pricing remember) (Again "if" it is that Dell one )

 

Steve

Edited August 26, 2017 by Steve21

[computer_expert]

You can always google the visible portions of the key to see if it a dodgy key depending on the amount of results you get...

 

Also, hardware wise, make sure you get a Dell 11th gen server (Rx10 or Tx10 for tower servers) or newer. The HP equivalent is G7 or newer. Anything using DDR2 ram will drink electricity and kick out an awful lot of heat too.

 

Now that the 14th gen dells have been released, the 12th gen servers (Rx20,Tx20) should gradually start falling in price on ebay.

[snagrat]

Also ensure that your credit card is assigned to PayPal to pay.

 

That way if it is a dodgy key you can claim on your credit card and get the money back, and often keep the purchase

[Guest obsidianpillar]

Hi all,

 

Thanks for all your advice. The server I was looking for was a Dell T420, good price as well which was going to replace an older Dell Server of mine.

 

I'll buy on the Credit Card, through PayPal and hope for the best!

 

If it is a DreamSpark key, I'll sign up for some course at the local college and then I may be able to lawfully generate a new key for virtually nothing. There was one with a 2008 R2 COA on it, however running 2008 R2 doesn't sit well with me considering how close it is to being out of support. Equally, I'm thinking of waiting until 2016 R2 before I update, not too keen from what I've seen so far on the new OS.

 

Thanks again.

 

Tom

[snagrat]

What's wrong with Server 2016? A very stable, solid OS.

 

Plus I don't think there will be a 2016 R2

[Guest obsidianpillar]

What's wrong with Server 2016? A very stable, solid OS.

 

Plus I don't think there will be a 2016 R2

 

I historically haven't got on with it and there were lots of crashes in my testing. I tested it in May, so things may have slightly changed by then.

 

I'm interested as to why you don't think there's going to be a 2016 R2. Are you saying that 2016 will be the last version of Windows Server, with updates being pushed indefinitely?

 

Tom

[snagrat]

Being as all previous R2 versions where released when a new client OS was then I personally can't see Microsoft will release one no that Win10 is supposedly the last client OS

 

Properly just be server 2018, rather than 2016 R2