Server 2016 install problems- key failure

Hi

I'm currently attempting to upgrade server 2012 R2 to server 2016 but it fails every time I try my product key for an upgrade. I have restarted the machine and run the bootable version of the install media and the key works perfectly. What am I doing wrong? I have tried two different ISOs with two different keys that I obtained through DreamSpark/Imagine/Azure for Education and even the evaluation version of server 2016 but none of them work. I obtained my Server 2012 R2 key through DreamSpark five or so years ago and it worked perfectly (but that could be because I did a clean install, it may not have worked as an upgrade), then I obtained the first of the server 2016 keys through Imagine a few years back and the second a mere few days ago via Azure (along with a key for server 2019). Is there something I should be doing instead of clicking 'Setup.exe' or is there a way to remove the license request portion of the setup so I can install the product key later since the license works perfectly for a clean install? Alternatively is there a server upgrade feature like for Windows 7/8 to 10 that I can get and let that do it? I do not want to do a clean install since that means I'd have to start from scratch and that'd be a pretty big inconvenience and result in a fair amount of downtime.

Thanks

Hi there
Try ms Licensing --if you've a valid key then they should be able to fix it.

I think though the whole licensing mechanism has changed - especially with Server 2019 -- far too expensive for me to even think of using it so I can't give you any assistance but speak to Ms on the phone.

To avoid queues on hideous automated phone systems either ask for or press the correct button for SALES -- I've always found whatever the issue if you ask for sales you always get answered much faster than for typical customer enquiries.

Cheers
jimbo

It's worth a try, do they have a IM chat option?

GD4E1 said:

It's worth a try, do they have a IM chat option?

Hi there
they might do --haven't needed to speak to them for ages but I think they have quite good sales and pre-sales teams.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi there
they might do --haven't needed to speak to them for ages but I think they have quite good sales and pre-sales teams.

Cheers
jimbo

I have requested assistance from Microsoft. Not even the evaluation copy of server 2016 works though, do you have any ideas how to sort that out

Microsoft were no help, they simply told me that I had to 'seek help from the IT department at my institution' (A bit of a cop-out if you ask me). So I'm basically back to square one

Hm, it didn't like me not sharing details with Microsoft and not installing updates. With those two options enabled, the product keys work perfectly. If anyone else has this problem, try enabling both the 'customer experience' bs and check for updates