Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14: A Cost-Effective and Reliable Solution for Small Businesses
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14: A Cost-Effective and Reliable Solution for Small Businesses
If you are looking for a simple, affordable, and dependable server operating system for your small business, you might want to consider Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14. This is a special edition of Windows Server 2012 that is designed for Dell servers and optimized for small businesses with up to 15 users. In this article, we will explain what Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is, how to install it on a PowerEdge T110 II server, how to activate it with a license key, and how to use it for your small business needs.
dell windows server 2012 foundation rok 14
What is Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14?
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is a Reseller Option Kit (ROK) that is sold by Dell as an OEM product. It is a version of Windows Server 2012 Foundation that is tuned specifically for Dell servers and BIOS-locked to ensure use on Dell servers only. It comes with a DVD installation media and a license key that allows you to install and activate the operating system on one processor.
Definition and features of Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14
Windows Server 2012 Foundation is the entry-level edition of Windows Server 2012 that is designed for small businesses with up to 15 users. It provides the core functionality of Windows Server, such as file and print sharing, remote access, security, and data protection. It also supports the latest hardware and software technologies, such as Hyper-V virtualization, SMB 3.0 file sharing protocol, Storage Spaces storage management, and PowerShell scripting.
Some of the features of Windows Server 2012 Foundation are:
It supports up to one processor and up to 32 GB of RAM.
It supports up to 15 user accounts that can access the server simultaneously.
It supports up to one domain controller in a single-domain environment.
It does not support server roles such as Active Directory Federation Services, Active Directory Rights Management Services, Application Server, Network Policy and Access Services, Remote Desktop Services, Web Server (IIS), or Windows Deployment Services.
It does not support server features such as BranchCache Hosted Cache, DirectAccess, Failover Clustering, or Network Load Balancing.
It does not support the installation of additional server languages.
Benefits and drawbacks of Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 has some benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before choosing it for your small business. Here are some of them:
The benefits are:
It is cost-effective. It has a lower price than other editions of Windows Server 2012 and does not require additional Client Access Licenses (CALs) for users or devices that access the server.
The drawbacks are:
It is limited. It has a lower hardware and software capacity than other editions of Windows Server 2012 and does not support some advanced server roles and features that may be useful for some small businesses.
It is locked. It can only be installed and activated on Dell servers and cannot be transferred to another server or hardware vendor.
It is not upgradable. It cannot be upgraded to another edition of Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2016 without reinstalling the operating system and losing the data and settings.
Therefore, Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is a good option for small businesses that have simple and basic server needs, that do not plan to expand or migrate their server infrastructure, and that want to save money on licensing costs.
How to install Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on a PowerEdge T110 II server?
If you have decided to use Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 for your small business, you will need to install it on a compatible Dell server, such as the PowerEdge T110 II server. The PowerEdge T110 II is a tower server that offers performance, security, and scalability for small businesses. It supports up to one Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2 processor, up to 32 GB of DDR3 memory, up to four 3.5-inch hard drives, and up to two PCIe expansion slots.
Requirements and preparation for installation
Before you install Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on your PowerEdge T110 II server, you will need to meet the following requirements and prepare the following items:
You will need a DVD drive or a USB flash drive that can boot from the Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 installation media.
You will need a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse that can connect to the PowerEdge T110 II server.
You will need a network connection that can access the Internet for activation and updates.
You will need the Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 DVD installation media and the license key that came with it.
You will need to backup any data and settings that you want to preserve from your existing operating system, if any.
You will need to configure the BIOS settings of your PowerEdge T110 II server to enable the boot device priority, the virtualization technology, and the RAID controller, if applicable.
Steps and tips for installation
After you have met the requirements and prepared the items, you can follow these steps and tips to install Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on your PowerEdge T110 II server:
Insert the Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 DVD installation media into the DVD drive or connect the USB flash drive that contains the installation media to the PowerEdge T110 II server.
Turn on or restart the PowerEdge T110 II server and press F11 to enter the boot menu.
Select the DVD drive or the USB flash drive as the boot device and press Enter.
Wait for the Windows Setup screen to appear and select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Then click Next.
Click Install now to start the installation process.
Enter the license key that came with your Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 installation media and click Next.
Accept the license terms and click Next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) as the installation type.
Select the drive or partition where you want to install Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14. You can also create, delete, format, or extend partitions as needed. Then click Next.
Wait for the installation process to complete. The PowerEdge T110 II server will restart several times during this process.
After the installation process is complete, follow the instructions on the screen to personalize your settings, such as creating a password for the administrator account, setting up a computer name and a domain or workgroup name, configuring network settings, and activating Windows.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on your PowerEdge T110 II server. You can now start using it for your small business needs.
How to activate Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 with a license key?
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 requires activation with a license key within within 30 days of installation. Activation verifies that your copy of Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is genuine and that it is used on a Dell server only. Activation also enables you to receive updates and support from Microsoft and Dell.
Where to find the license key and how to enter it
The license key for Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is a 25-character alphanumeric code that is printed on a sticker that comes with the DVD installation media. You should keep this sticker in a safe place for future reference. You can also find the license key in the BIOS of your PowerEdge T110 II server, if it is preinstalled with Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14.
You can enter the license key during the installation process, as described in the previous section, or after the installation process, by following these steps:
On the Start screen, type Activate Windows and click on the Settings category.
Click on Activate Windows from the search results.
Enter the license key and click Next.
Wait for the activation process to complete and click Close.
You can also activate Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 by phone, by following these steps:
On the Start screen, type slui.exe 4 and press Enter.
Select your country or region and click Next.
Call the toll-free number that is displayed on the screen and follow the voice instructions.
Enter the installation ID that is displayed on the screen and write down the confirmation ID that is given to you.
Enter the confirmation ID on the screen and click Next.
Wait for the activation process to complete and click Close.
Troubleshooting common activation issues
Sometimes, you may encounter some issues when activating Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 with a license key. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:
If you get an error message that says "The product key you entered didn't work. Check the product key and try again, or enter a different one.", you may have entered an incorrect or invalid license key. Make sure that you enter the license key exactly as it appears on the sticker or in the BIOS, without any spaces or dashes. If you still get the error message, you may need to contact Dell support for assistance.
If you get an error message that says "This product key didn't work because there's a problem with your device. Contact your organization's support person for more info.", you may have installed Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on a non-Dell server or a different Dell server than the one it was intended for. Make sure that you install Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on a compatible Dell server only, as it is BIOS-locked to ensure use on Dell servers only. If you still get the error message, you may need to contact Dell support for assistance.
If you get an error message that says "We can't activate Windows on this device because we can't connect to your organization's activation server. Make sure that you're connected to your organization's network and try again. If you continue having problems with activation, contact your organization's support person.", you may have a network connection issue that prevents activation. Make sure that you have a stable and secure network connection that can access the Internet for activation. You may also need to check your firewall settings or proxy settings to allow activation. If you still get the error message, you may need to contact your network administrator or Dell support for assistance.
If you have any other activation issues, you can visit the Microsoft support website or contact Dell support for assistance.
How to use Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 for your small business needs?
After you have installed and activated Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 on your PowerEdge T110 II server, you can start using it for your small business needs. You can set up and manage users, groups, and permissions, configure and access network services and resources, and backup and restore data and settings.
How to set up and manage users, groups, and permissions
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 allows you to create up to 15 user accounts that can access the server simultaneously. You can also create groups of users that share common characteristics or roles, such as administrators, sales staff, or customers. You can also assign permissions to users and groups that determine what they can do on the server, such as read, write, modify, or delete files and folders, run applications, or change settings. You can use the following tools to set up and manage users, groups, and permissions on Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14:
The Control Panel is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage user accounts, change passwords, and customize user settings. You can access the Control Panel from the Start screen or the Desktop.
The Computer Management console is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage local users and groups, assign permissions, and view system information. You can access the Computer Management console from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing compmgmt.msc and pressing Enter.
The Local Users and Groups snap-in is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage local users and groups, assign permissions, and view user properties. You can access the Local Users and Groups snap-in from the Computer Management console or by typing lusrmgr.msc and pressing Enter.
The Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in is a graphical user interface that allows you to create and manage domain users and groups, assign permissions, and view user properties. You can access the Active Directory Users and Computers snap-in from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing dsa.msc and pressing Enter. Note that this snap-in is only available if you have installed the Active Directory Domain Services role on your server.
The Windows PowerShell is a command-line interface that allows you to perform various tasks related to users, groups, and permissions using scripts or commands. You can access the Windows PowerShell from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing powershell and pressing Enter.
For more information on how to use these tools, you can visit the Microsoft support website or contact Dell support for assistance.
How to configure and access network services and resources
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 allows you to configure and access various network services and resources that can help you share files, printers, devices, applications, and information with other users on your network or on the Internet. You can use the following tools to configure and access network services and resources on Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14:
The Server Manager is a graphical user interface that allows you to install, configure, manage, and monitor server roles and features, such as file services, print services, web services, remote access services, Hyper-V services, etc. You can access the Server Manager from the Start screen or the Desktop.
The Network Connections is a graphical user interface that allows you to view, create, modify, and delete network connections, such as Ethernet, wireless, VPN, etc. You can access the Network Connections from the Control Panel or by typing ncpa.cpl and pressing Enter.
The Network and Sharing Center is a graphical user interface that allows you to view and change network settings, such as network location, network discovery, file sharing, firewall, etc. You can access the Network and Sharing Center from the Control Panel or by typing control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter and pressing Enter.
The File Explorer is a graphical user interface that allows you to browse, create, modify, delete, copy, move, rename, and share files and folders on your server, on other computers on your network, or on the Internet. You can access the File Explorer from the Start screen or the Desktop.
The Remote Desktop Connection is a graphical user interface that allows you to connect to and control another computer on your network or on the Internet using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). You can access the Remote Desktop Connection from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing mstsc and pressing Enter.
The Windows PowerShell is a command-line interface that allows you to perform various tasks related to network services and resources using scripts or commands. You can access the Windows PowerShell from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing powershell and pressing Enter.
For more information on how to use these tools, you can visit the Microsoft support website or contact Dell support for assistance.
How to backup and restore data and settings
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 allows you to backup and restore your data and settings on your server, on other computers on your network, or on external storage devices or cloud services. Backing up your data and settings can help you prevent data loss, recover from disasters, and migrate to a new server or operating system. You can use the following tools to backup and restore data and settings on Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14:
The Windows Server Backup is a graphical user interface that allows you to create, manage, and restore backups of your entire server or selected files, folders, volumes, applications, or system state. You can access the Windows Server Backup from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing wbadmin.msc and pressing Enter.
The Backup and Restore is a graphical user interface that allows you to create, manage, and restore backups of your personal files and folders on your server or on other computers on your network. You can access the Backup and Restore from the Control Panel or by typing sdclt.exe and pressing Enter.
The System Image Backup is a graphical user interface that allows you to create a complete image of your server that includes all the files, settings, applications, and drivers. You can use this image to restore your server to its previous state in case of a failure or a migration. You can access the System Image Backup from the Control Panel or by typing sdclt.exe /blbbackupwizard and pressing Enter.
The Recovery is a graphical user interface that allows you to reset, refresh, or restore your server to its original state or a previous state using a recovery drive, a system image backup, or a system restore point. You can access the Recovery from the Control Panel or by typing control.exe /name Microsoft.Recovery and pressing Enter.
The Windows PowerShell is a command-line interface that allows you to perform various tasks related to backup and restore using scripts or commands. You can access the Windows PowerShell from the Start screen or the Desktop by typing powershell and pressing Enter.
For more information on how to use these tools, you can visit the Microsoft support website or contact Dell support for assistance.
Conclusion
Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 is a cost-effective and reliable solution for small businesses that need a simple and basic server operating system for their Dell servers. It provides the core functionality of Windows Server 2012, such as file and print sharing, remote access, security, and data protection. It also supports the latest hardware and software technologies, such as Hyper-V virtualization, SMB 3.0 file sharing protocol, Storage Spaces storage management, and PowerShell scripting.
However, Dell Windows Server 2012 Foundation ROK 14 also has some limitations that you should be aware of before choosing it for your small business. It has a lower hardware and software capacity than other editions of Windows Server 2012 and does not support some advanced server roles and features that may be useful for some small businesses. It is also locked to Dell servers only and cannot be upgraded to