Can I use OEM windows 2003 server CD to my T61P?

[mike20030405]

This OEM windows 2003 server CD is from a Dell PC, and my T61P is coming with Vista Home Premium.
Thanks for any opinions.

[ryengineer]

Once used, oem license attaches itself to the motherboard. However, in case of system failure you're permitted to re-activate it a limited number of times merely for the machine it was installed on by calling Microsoft.

You only asked about CD so I suppose you already have valid spare license handy. In that case yes you can.

Please make sure you do make Product Recovery disks before experiment anything by going to:

Start > All programs > Thinkvantage > Create Recovery Media.

[mike20030405]

Thanks

[erik]

i'm dual booting with server 2003 standard on my T61p.   while it runs like a champ, the on-screen display and certain hotkey features (ie; Fn+F2, Fn+F3, and Fn+F8) don't work properly.   outside of that it seems fine.

to get 2003 installed with AHCI support, the intel matrix storage manager driver will need to be slipstreamed into a custom installation disc.   otherwise you'll be stuck in ATA compatibility mode.

ryengineer is probably correct in that your OEM disc probably won't work on a thinkpad.   chances are that it will look for something in the BIOS to verify the machine it's being installed on.   if the disc isn't dell branded then you might be ok.   all you can do is try.

[Champ]

hotkey need to be installed right after 2003 install with comptability mode for windows 2000. after a while this no longer works (not sure which update/driver screw it up)

[noetus]

to get 2003 installed with AHCI support, the intel matrix storage manager driver will need to be slipstreamed into a custom installation disc. otherwise you'll be stuck in ATA compatibility mode.

I managed to get Server 2003 installed with AHCI without doing any slipstreaming. You just have to install the necessary drivers and reboot, switching the BIOS back in the meantime from compatibility mode to AHCI.

Remember that you can download a 6 month evaluation copy of 2003 Server from Microsoft. By the time that's expired 2008 Server will be out and you can get another 6 months from that.