With Extended Support now ended, you should view activation as a short-term fix while planning a migration to a newer build. However, for those maintaining legacy line-of-business applications, a properly activated Build 9600 remains a stable, predictable platform.
No. Keys are edition-specific. A Server 2012 key (Build 9200) will not activate R2 (Build 9600). With Extended Support now ended, you should view
slmgr.vbs /ipk YOUR-PRODUCT-KEY-HERE
Alternatively, activation can be managed via the graphical interface: Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security "Activate Windows" or change the product key. Alternatively, type in the Run window to input the key directly. Spiceworks Community Troubleshooting Activation Incorrect Edition: With Extended Support now ended
Suitable for large environments, allowing automatic activation within a corporate network. Retail/OEM Key: Used for direct online activation. for those maintaining legacy line-of-business applications