Upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2

Question

Hi,

I have a genuine copy of Windows 2003 R2. It is already installed on my test computer as part of my development and testing skills in C/C++ programming. I wish to upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2 since it has increased support for many other Win32 API functions, so I can test my project better.

Now, I was wondering if it is possible to use my existing genuine product key I successfully installed for Windows 2003 R2 to upgrade to Windows 2008 R2 using the evaluation copy from https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/download/details.aspx?id=11093?

If not, can someone please help me understand how I can upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2 and activate it? I am aware Microsoft has stopped providing ongoing support for that product, however, I am not worried since it is for my personal use and programming development skills.

Trevor

Answer 1

where can I get the real media

I can see it's still available via my visual studio subscription. You could also check the volume center for downloads. There never was a public download (microsoft.com) for Server 2008 R2 licensed media.

I was wondering if it is possible to use my existing genuine product key I successfully installed for Windows 2003 R2

No, this wouldn't work. You'll need a valid 2008 R2 product key in order to activate.

--please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

An in-place upgrade is never recommended. An in-place upgrade using evaluation media is not possible to do. Also note it wouldn't be possible to upgrade a 32 bit OS to 64 bit. Better option is to clean install it, patch fully, migrate roles over to it.

--please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 3

Thank you for your response.

I am confused since I read the article explaining about the in-place upgrade path:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-r2-and-2008/dd379511(v=ws.10)

where it explains you can go down that path?

My current Windows Server 2003 R2 is running on the 64bit machine anyway. If the evaluation media is not possible, then where can I get the real media and use my current Windows 2003 to upgrade it?

Trevor