Server 2003 CAL Question

[justinmann]

Hello all. I'm not sure this is the best place for this question, but, someone might know, so I was hoping.

Here's the question.
I'm setting up a network with a server running MS server 2003. I've activated the licensing server, but I'm not seeing any way "installing" these CALs on the server. I can ammend the # of CALs in the licensing server, but I cannot put any numbers in with them. Is there some process by which they are officially added? Or is Microsoft honestly trusting that I really do have the number of CALs I claim to?

Additionally, I read that the CALs are automatically included in windows xp and 2000. Is this accurate? (If so, I've just wasted some money!)

I've been googling for days, searching through safari, and all sorts of good things, but haven't come up with any kind of definitive answer, everything seems to deal with TSCALs, which we fortunately don't need more than the 2 we have...

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Rapidskies]

Microsoft is trusting you, you can bump the CALS up to what you purchased without any sort of key. They do require the key for Terminal server CALS but for regular licenses you don't have to supply the key.

 

[stash]

Sounds like you are confusing Windows CALs and TS CALs. You don't need to do anything with Windows CALs, especially not start the License Logging Service. That service is disabled by default for a reason. It is not used to track licenses in an official manner (like if you were to be audited). The only thing that matters with Windows CALs is physical documentation of the licenses.

TS CALs are a whole different beast. They have their own licensing server that is required to be run. Your statement about included licenses refers to TS CALs, but it is still incorrect. First, NO OS includes a TS CAL. Windows 2000 and XP machines connecting to 2000 terminal servers can pull a license from a built in pool on the licensing server. The license is not built in to the client!.

Secondly, when those clients connect to a 2003 TS, they do not pull from that pool of licenses. In other words, you need to purchase a TS CAL for all clients that connect to 2003 terminal servers.

 

[justinmann]

Thank you both so very much!
I cannot express how relieved I feel!
In your estimation then, I should just keep the CALs alongside the computer (in the documentation) and kill the licensing server I have running?

Thank you again! Justin

 

[stash]

Just to be clear, you want to stop and disable the License Logging Service in services.msc. If you are running a TS in application mode, you will still need the TS licensing server.

But yes, keep your license documentation in a safe place.

 

[dphantom]

Here's the full scoop on TS licensign with Windows 2003.

Microsoft