Server 2012 Essentials repair install?

[TAPtech]

Have a client server with 2012E (not R2) and having some issues with WMI, not sure where they came from!

Does anyone know if you can do an in-place upgrade or repair install for this OS as is the case with 2012 R2 E?

 

[nlinecomputers]

Yes but you'll probably break more then you'll fix with that approach.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

"Supposed to be" smoother with newer OS's....but I'd be calling up Microsoft and opening a case with them and having them remote in and fix it, before risking a repair install.

What's she got for backup?

 

[TAPtech]

The reason I'm considering this:
-Server really doesn't have much on it. There's a SQL database and it hosts a QB company file.
-One user accesses the server, for about 1 hour a day. That's it.
-There's about 3-4 days at a stretch where the server does nothing. Just hangs out.
-I thought maybe I could get this fixed remotely and save the hassle of going down there.

Backup seems to be borked. Windows Server Backup, which I usually like, but in recovery it is only showing a weeks worth of backup. Problem went un-noticed until a windows update failed, at which point they called me. Looking back at event viewer it's been happening since before the oldest backup.

The issue seems to be that the WMI service is corrupt. SFC and CHKDSK do nothing. Found a guide online to repair WMI but doesn't do much. I'm thinking MS will just recommend reinstallation and take my money!

 

[TAPtech]

So I tried this in a VM with a 2012E evaluation license, and it would not do a repair install. I get the "Windows Server 2012 Essentials cannot be upgraded to Windows Server 2012 Essentials..." error. Is that normal? I've only done this operation with R2 and Windows 7, never 8.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Well, if there's only 1x user...may be worth a nuke 'n pave.....just start from scratch.
I pass the bill from Microsoft right to the client. Equivalent to 3x hours of your work...so may be worth it if they can fix it....versus you sinking time into this.

 

[TAPtech]

What's the going rate for MS to fix?

 

[nlinecomputers]

If you have an action pack you have 2 tickets you can claim for free.

 

[nlinecomputers]

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/gp/support-options-for-business

 

[TAPtech]

Wow, I did not know that... and I do have an action pack! Might be a good way to "cash it in."