StarWind Software

Hi!

I just signed up for a 2 node free license for hyper-v and got this error message:
error using the license key. please check that you are using latest version of software and that license file is valid.

I just downloaded the latest starwind 8 build 7929 and got the license key from sales dept.
I have 2 Proliant ML310e Gen8 V2 servers with Windows Server 2012R2 Datacenter with Hyper-V installed.
This cluster is for developing purposes (compilers, test machines with different OSs)

Need help ASAP!!

Thanks!
Daniel

Hi, Dgrunblatt.

If I understand it clearly, you are trying to install free version of StarWind on clustered Hyper-V machines (not on the VM's)?

yes. that's correct. I was following this guide: https://www.starwindsoftware.com/techni ... manual.pdf until I reached step 14). It's greyed out.

Seems to me you trying to install StarWind directly on host OS. It's not allowed in a free version. Create a VM on each machine and install StarWind inside a VM.

what do you mean is not allowed in the free version? the free version is up to a 2-node-cluster!! What's wrong with this company? why did they offer to you something for free and after installing everthing, you come up saying it's not? shame on you! what a waste of time...

there are other members of this forum that are facing the same situation. This is exactly what I feel:

Sure, it's a free beer, mate.
You just have to come with your own mug.

Use free Microsoft's hyper-v server as a host OS for you physical hosts, create two VM's and install StarWind in it. Works like a charm.

darklight wrote:Sure, it's a free beer, mate.
You just have to come with your own mug.

Use free Microsoft's hyper-v server as a host OS for you physical hosts, create two VM's and install StarWind in it. Works like a charm.

This is incorrect. I'm running the free version on 2 physical Hyper-V hosts just fine (I have a problem with MPIO, but that's separate from the license). A VM is only needed if you are installing the VMWare version. The Hyper-V version installs on the actual hosts (although based on this and other forum postings, StarWind may be having some issues with their license generator).

Branin

It seems to me that you are using an older free version of StarWind. After recent changes, it's not possible anymore as I've told.

I have just tested it on my servers and it doesn't work. Got the same message with license error.

Staff answered the question here: https://forums.starwindsoftware.com/vie ... 235#p24057

Oops. I must have had a free license file generated in the short window that it was available for bare-metal Hyper-V clusters. Sorry for the bad information.

Branin

The most recent version of what's supported and what's not clarification document is here:

https://www.starwindsoftware.com/styles ... s_Paid.pdf

Company leaves right to change offering however in your case I'm still not sure what's wrong: you can absolutely do what you had planned initially. If for some reason not - we're not trying to choke people on anything so be nice to ask and we'll respond

I've dropped you an e-mail just in case so please check your Inbox.

Having known that now the free edition can only be installed on VM, I wonder, desperately, if there's still any hope to run a two node Hyper-V failover cluster on two physical machines with it.

Well, let me tell my story...

Back in January, when I was looking for a minimal solution of Microsoft failover cluster, Google introduced StarWind to me. I read the website and some step-by-step guides, bingo! This free 2-node version is what I need.

So I wrote up a proposal, got my boss endorsed, and ordered two rack servers, each with powerful CPUs, plenty of RAM & filled with SAS 10k disks. Now the servers are on shipping (yes this process could take months in certain organizations ) And when I check back on StarWind website to get ready for licenses and documents, THE HYPER-CONVERGED SETUP IS GONE!

Now the two servers are knocking on my door. The budget has been confirmed months ago. What can I do with them?

PM me your valid e-mail and I'll see what I can do.

mkhc wrote:Having known that now the free edition can only be installed on VM, I wonder, desperately, if there's still any hope to run a two node Hyper-V failover cluster on two physical machines with it.

Well, let me tell my story...

Back in January, when I was looking for a minimal solution of Microsoft failover cluster, Google introduced StarWind to me. I read the website and some step-by-step guides, bingo! This free 2-node version is what I need.

So I wrote up a proposal, got my boss endorsed, and ordered two rack servers, each with powerful CPUs, plenty of RAM & filled with SAS 10k disks. Now the servers are on shipping (yes this process could take months in certain organizations ) And when I check back on StarWind website to get ready for licenses and documents, THE HYPER-CONVERGED SETUP IS GONE!

Now the two servers are knocking on my door. The budget has been confirmed months ago. What can I do with them?

I'm in the same boat. While it's a company's prerogative to change the rules as they go along, it's very frustrating when they do.

Kiran

If you're really interested to solve your issue you can read my reply to previous posting guy. Everything is there

khanumaiah1 wrote:I'm in the same boat. While it's a company's prerogative to change the rules as they go along, it's very frustrating when they do.

Kiran