Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server


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If you need to move your existing RD CALs (Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses) to a new server for some reason, either the old one crashes or you just installed a new box and you want to use it as a RD licensing server, well...it could not be more easier with Server 2008 R2.

Right now we are going to show you how to do this with the source server (the one with the CALs already installed) up and running. We will move the CALs from this server (source server) to another brand new box (destination server). Both are running Windows Server 2008 R2 and they are on different networks/forest so they can’t see each other.

We can presume you already installed and activated the license server role on the destination box, if not you can follow this guide to help you out. Now open RD Licensing Manager (on the destination server), right-click the server name and choose Manage Licenses.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

On the Welcome screen hit the Next button. Now the wizard will contact the Microsoft Clearinghouse.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

From the drop-down-box select The source license server is being replaced by this license server, and click Next.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

If the two servers were in the same domain, you will just type the IP address or name of the source license server (the one that has the RD licenses installed) and click Next. Since the servers are in different networks and can’t talk to each other check the box The specified source license server is not available on the network, then from the drop-down-list select the OS that the source license server is running. Now you will need to type the license ID of the source license server. For that open the console of the source license server, right-click the server name and choose Properties.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Down at the bottom you can see the license server ID.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Copy the ID and paste it in the Enter the license server ID for the source license server boxes, then click Next to continue.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Because we said to the wizard that the source license server is not available on the network, you will need to manually remove the licenses from the source server. If not will be in violation of the Microsoft Software License Terms. Check the box that you agree and continue the wizard.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Choose the license program that you set on the source server when you activate it.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Type the agreement number or serial if you have retail purchase. This box depends on the type of license program you choose.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Fill in the information here to match the one of the source server. Click Next to start migrating the licenses.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

The operation will take just a few seconds. Click Finish to close the wizard, then take a look in the RD Licensing Manager. The licenses were migrated successfully.

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server

Move or migrate RDS CALs to a New Server