Windows Server 2008 Trial Install to Licensed

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1

So I tried MS Chat help, but they were no help.

I wanted to know if it is possible to install a trial version of the server and then convert it to a fully licensed version by adding the purchased key later?

Thanks

2

Re: Windows Server 2008 Trial Install to Licensed

This software is for evaluation and testing purposes. Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation or entering a product key. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation and evaluated for an initial 60 days.

If you need more time to evaluate Windows Server 2008, the 60 day evaluation period may be reset (or re-armed) three times, extending the original 60 day evaluation period by up to 180 days for a total possible evaluation time of 240 days. After this time, you will need to uninstall the software or upgrade to a fully-licensed version of Windows Server 2008.

If you wish to extend the initial evaluation and testing period, please go here and follow the instructions.

:slight_smile:

Glaiduu
3

I plan on buying it. I just want to start deploying it and then put in the purchased license without redoing my work.

So my question is, will I need to re-install the product after deploying it. The time frame is 10 days max.

4

Re: Windows Server 2008 Trial Install to Licensed

:hmmm:

As far as i know, when you complete the set up of the product and it has installed any necessary updates, it asks you for a product key. You can bypass this by clicking “next”, and this will give you the trial version of the product, and this can only be extended for a total of 240 days.

If an activation key was not entered when you were prompted, a warning dialog will appear stating that it may be necessary to re-install Windows at a later date (i.e. when the trial ends) resulting in lost data. Thus, the activation should be performed before the trial ends without the need to re-install.

The software activation status, as far as i know, does not impact the services running on the server. Even if the hardware goes out of tolerance and you are asked to reactivate it, the services will continue to run, even if the software is not reactivated. Not activating will generate persistent notifications reminding you to activate the server…

Hope this helps… and makes sense :slight_smile:

5

I don't need to extend the trial period at all. I will be buying the actual product in a day or two.

All I want is to know if I can add the key to the existing trial version of Win Server 2k8 std edition and not have to reformat/reconfig my server.

HELP!!

[QUOTE]
Thus, the activation should be performed before the trial ends without the need to re-install.
[/QUOTE]

Ahh.. I think this is my answer. You sure about this? 100%?

Thanks

6

Just to bring closure, an update.

I purchased the key and converted my trial install to an activated version. I was on the phone with MS Support and the agent here also didn't know if it could be done. While on hold, I changed keys under system properties and it worked.

Thanks maroush for your help.