Upgrading 2003 to 2008 (2003 downgrade installed)

[Lodgie_]

I have a Win 2003 R2 server which was installed as downgraded 2008 a few years ago. We'd like to put it back to 2008.

We don't have the original install DVD's and the company that supplied the server has long gone. The question is can I download a version of Windows 2008 and upgrade without any problems? (I should be able to retrieve the ser #)

Thanks

John

[Tripredacus]

By upgrade, do you mean in-place upgrade? It really depends on what is currently installed on the server.

[Lodgie_]

Thank you for the response. I did have an in place upgrade in mind but it's not to much of a problem doing a fresh install. Would the installed 2003 licence key be valid for standard 2008? What I don't want to do is to reformat, get halfway through the install to find that the licence key is useless!

[Tripredacus]

A server downgrade kit typically includes both sets of media and product keys.

You cannot use a 2003 R2 key on a 2008 install. Some scenarios were possible the other way around using the telephone activation.

[Lodgie_]

Quote

Ahh, thanks. The company that supplied the kit didn't supply the media and are no longer around. Curses. Thanks for you help with this.