VMware vCenter Converter allows you to automate and simplify physical to virtual machine conversions. This can come in handy from a Customer Support perspective in the event you are having difficulty reproducing a customer's issue. The customer's physical machine will either have (1) a licensed OEM version of Windows installed on it that came from the computer manufacturer, (2) a retail version of Windows, or (3) a Windows license via Microsoft Volume License Program.

Converting license types (2) and (3) are fairly straightforward and sometimes do not result in Windows reactivation. If activation is needed again, you would call the Microsoft Activation Center (USA 1-888-571-2048). In most situations, the automated phone activation process will work, or if needed you can speak with a license administrator. Converting an OEM licensed version of Windows will always require reactivation which is not possible. This is because most OEM licenses expect a certain hardware configuration, and won't activate under a different configuration. Page 11 of the VMware Converter manual (http://www.vmware.com/pdf/VMware_Converter_manual303.pdf) points this out.....

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NOTE: You cannot move OEM media between physical machines. The license is attached to the server when purchased from the OEM and cannot be reassigned. Only retail and volume Licenses can be reassigned to new physical servers. If you migrate an OEM image, you need a Windows Server Enterprise or Datacenter Edition license on the ESX Server to run multiple virtual machines.
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In the event you receive a virtual machine containing a OEM version of Windows from a customer, is it possible to activate it for Customer Support purposes?

Resolution

* The following solution assumes you are performing this for Customer Support purposes only, have a valid MSDN license, and you will destroy/delete the customer's image when the case has been closed/resolved. Non-OEM versions of Windows operating systems can be downloaded from MSDN subscriber downloads with a valid MSDN license.

As discussed previously, it is impossible to reactivate an OEM version of Windows, but what can be done is to perform either of the following:

1. An upgrade-install with a valid, non-OEM license and activate it.
2. Perform a repair installation of the Windows OS with a valid, non-OEM license (make sure you use the same OS version service pack level) and activate it.