I really need to take my own advice sometimes. Ok, most of the time.
Here is the whole scenario. A few months ago, I saved a client’s SBS 2003 server without rebuilding it. Client was happy. Since then they have been getting odd ball disconnect messages for no rhyme nor reason. the main machine that was getting these had a bad motherboard, got it replaced under warranty. Everyone still gets odd disconnects and it causes corruption in a critical program when it happens too often. So I start doing the network troubleshooting, checking the server NIC, replacing cables, checking the wiring in the office, and changing out switches.
None of it does any good. So I decide to go ahead and update the server’s NIC drivers, and while waiting for the download, I go into the SBS console and notice something really odd. Licensing says they have only 5 licenses and a max usage of 6…
Head meet desk, wall and palm. Of course the client had an additional 5 licenses, but in the process of saving the server, it forgot that there were another 5 licenses. Re-add these licenses and voila! No more disconnects.
Now in SBS 2008 you wouldn’t hit this problem as they have removed the licensing service, and while yes you do need CALs, you don’t install them, and instead keep the paper on hand to prove that you are compliant when the BSA comes knocking. Chalk up another reason to use SBS 2008.
Meanwhile, lesson learned. Always check everything after fixing a server without rebuilding it.
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