Solved From Windows 2008 (x64) Ent -convert to Win2008-R2 (x64) Ent

Razor2.3 October 7, 2015 at 10:43:53

2008 -> 2008 R2 is equivalent to Vista -> Win7. At the very least, you'll need a 2008 R2 license. Suggested reading: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us... How To Ask Questions The Smart Way

I think I can get the key extracted on my 2008-R2 Enterprise. Unfortunately Dell directed me to the 180 day MS trial download site. Called Dell and they claimed it was shipped with 2008 and not R2. So if I installed Win2008x64 Enterprise (not R2) can I use the backup utilities to put the server back to R2 Enterprise by just using the Win 2008x64 Enterprise DVD? Thanks BTW..

Razor2.3 October 8, 2015 at 08:13:13

✔ Best Answer

Depends on how the key's getting in to the OS. If the key is a part of the server firmware, then all you need is a copy of Win2008 Enterprise, and the firmware will provide the OS with a key. I've only seen that with end-user stuff, and not server stuff, but I guess Dell could be doing things that way. There's no binary difference between the trail and regular versions of Windows The actuall difference is activation, and you'll need a valid key to activate. The MS download site lists those *.ISOs as trial because they're not giving you a key with your download. How To Ask Questions The Smart Way