Server 2012

[RobbieH]

I wasn't able to find this answer online for some reason. If I have standard Windows Server 2012, can the Essentials role be added? 

[RobbieH]

I finally found it, it is possible.

 

http://blogs.technet.com/b/sbs/archive/2014/02/17/deploying-windows-server-2012-r2-standard-datacenter-with-windows-server-essentials-experience-role-in-an-existing-active-directory-environment.aspx

[RobbieH]

Well, back to square 1. I set everything up, made my server a domain controller, and it's not listed in the roles. Any ideas?

[RobbieH]

I had a copy of Standard. So here is how I solved for this. Microsoft allows the use of a Standard key to register Essentials. To do so, you must install Essentials first, then migrate it to Essentials.  Here's how.

 

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj247582.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

 

You lose the media server functionality, but I never cared about that anyway. That's what Media Browser, Plex, Subsonic, etc. are for.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

Sorry for not getting to you.

 

The simple answer is no. you need to install Essentials and then upgrade.

 

However, Microsoft fixed this for Server 2012R2, where you can install the "Essentials Experience" role.

 

However, Server 2012R2 removes the "setup website" from 2012... so you HAVE to set it up locally.

[RobbieH]

Sorry, I should have mentioned I'm running 2012R2. But I could not find that role in the roles config. I got around it though.

[RobbieH]

Well, my mistake. I installed 2012 but not R2. Going to set up another instance with R2, if all that works I'm going to kill the 2012 VM I set up. Thanks, good catch!

[Christopher (Drashna)]

 

yeah, to get it on 2012 Standard, you have to install Essentials, and use a "Standard" key to "transition" it to standard. Then you get both.

On 2012R2, it's just a normal role.

[RobbieH]

So, a lot of why I do this is to learn, since I'm just a lowly auditor now and not in operations anymore. 

 

Goal accomplished! I'm learning!

 

The R2 install just finished stage one and rebooted, I'm on my way. 

[Christopher (Drashna)]

Learning is fun though.

[RobbieH]

Bad news for me, the 2012 key doesn't work to activate 2012 R2.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

Nope, it won't. It is definitely a different product, and isn't compatible. Which, I agree is BS, especially considering how they handled Windows 8.1......

 

 

That said, there IS a 180 day trial period for Server 2012R2.

Also, for Essentials... there isn't a HUGE change between the two versions. So it should be fine either way.

[RobbieH]

I'll just have to stick to 2012. I don't want to buy R2 when I have R1.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

Totally understand!

[RobbieH]

It is working out pretty well so far. 

 

Do you get alerted every time I deactivate and reactivate my licenses? I"m probably driving you crazy if so.

 

WHS 2011 is officially deactivated at my house! I am keeping the VM sitting turned off just in case, but I finished my WSE2012 setup tonight.

 

I wish I could have had R2, the interface is far better. 

 

Just in case - I have a legal license. That's why I don't have R2, no source of a legal license.

[Christopher (Drashna)]

Well, I don't, but I can't speak for Alex. 

Though, they are logged.

 

As for the OS, the interface is pretty much identical between 2012 and 2012R2, there isn't a significant change.

But yeah, it's probably better to stick with what you have.

[RobbieH]

The changes "feel" significant.

 

Things like where you find the power button, start button (or lack of), and where certain things are. R2 is more like Windows 10, R1 more like Windows 8 (not 8.1). But I'm happy, once it is configured I don't touch it much anyway.