Migrate Remote Desktop Services Client Access Licenses by Using a Web Browser

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

The Web migration method can be used when the computer running the Remote Desktop Licensing Manager tool does not have Internet connectivity, but you have access to the Web by means of a Web browser from another computer. The URL for the Web migration method is displayed in the Manage RDS CALs Wizard.

Membership in the local Administrators group, or equivalent, on the RD Licensing server that you plan to configure, is the minimum required to complete this procedure. Review details about using the appropriate accounts and group memberships at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=83477.

To migrate RDS CALS by using a Web browser

  1. On the license server, open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager. To open Remote Desktop Licensing Manager, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, point to Remote Desktop Services, and then click Remote Desktop Licensing Manager.

  2. Verify that the connection method for the Remote Desktop license server is set to Web Browser by right-clicking the license server onto which you want to migrate the RDS CALs, and then clicking Properties. On the Connection Method tab, change the connection method if necessary, and then click OK.

  3. Select the license server onto which you want to migrate the RDS CALs, and then on the Action menu, click Manage RDS CALs.

  4. On the Welcome to the Manage RDS CALs Wizard page, click Next.

  5. On the Action Selection page, click Migrate RDS CALs from another license server to this license server.

  6. Select the reason for migrating the RDS CALs. You can select either of the following:

    • The source license server is being replaced by this license server.

    • The source license server is no longer functioning.

  7. Click Next.

  8. The page that appears in the wizard depends on the reason that you selected on the previous page.

    • If you selected The source license server is being replaced by this license server as the reason for migrating the RDS CALs, the Source License Server Information page appears.

      On the Source License Server Information page, enter the name or IP address of the source license server.

      • If the source license server is available on the network, click Next. The wizard contacts the source license server. If the source license server is running an operating system earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2 or the source license server is deactivated, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the Obtain Client License Key Pack page appears.

      • If the source license server is not available on the network, select the The specified source license server is not available on the network check box. If the source license server is not available on the network, you need to specify the operating system that the source license server is running and provide the license server ID for the source license server. After you click Next, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the Obtain Client License Key Pack page appears.

    • If you selected The source license server is no longer functioning as the reason for migrating the RDS CALs, you are reminded that you must remove the RDS CALs manually from the source license server after the wizard has completed. After you confirm that you understand this requirement, the Obtain Client License Key Pack page appears.

  9. On the Obtain Client License Key Pack page, click the hyperlink to connect to the Remote Desktop Services Licensing Web site.

    If you are running Remote Desktop Licensing Manager on a computer that does not have Internet connectivity, note the address for the Remote Desktop Services Licensing Web site, and then connect to the Web site from a computer that has Internet connectivity.

  10. On the Remote Desktop Services Licensing Web page, under Select Option, select Manage CALs, and then click Next.

  11. Provide the following required information:

    • Target License Server ID   A 35-digit number, in groups of 5 numerals, which is displayed on the Obtain Client License Key Pack page in the Manage RDS CALs Wizard.

    • Reason for recovery   Select the reason for migrating the RDS CALs.

    • License Program   Select the appropriate program through which you purchased your RDS CALs.

  12. Click Next.

  13. Provide the following required information:

    • Last name or surname

    • First name or given name

    • Company name

    • Country/region

    You can also provide the optional information requested, such as company address, e-mail address, and phone number. In the organizational unit field, you can describe the unit within your organization that this license server serves.

  14. Click Next.

  15. The License Program that you selected on the previous page determines what information you need to provide on this page. In most cases, you must provide either a license code or an agreement number. Consult the documentation provided when you purchased your RDS CALs. In addition, you need to specify which type of RDS CAL and the quantity that you want to migrate to the license server.

  16. After you have entered the required information, click Next.

  17. Verify that all of the information that you have entered is correct. To submit your request to the Microsoft Clearinghouse, click Next. The Web page then displays a license key pack ID generated by the Microsoft Clearinghouse.

Important

Retain a copy of the license key pack ID. Having this information with you facilitates communications with the Microsoft Clearinghouse, should you need assistance with recovering RDS CALs.

  1. In the Manage RDS CALs Wizard, on the Obtain Client License Key Pack page, enter the license key pack ID in the boxes provided, and then click Next. The RDS CALs are migrated onto your license server.

  2. On the Completing the Manage RDS CALs Wizard page, click Finish.

Additional references