Upgrading to Server 2012 Datacenter w/96GB ram

[Insomniator]

I have a 2008 R2 Server that I need to upgrade to Server 2012 Datacenter. I know upgrading is not recommended but wiping this server and starting over would be a total pita.

Problem is that the server has 96GB of memory and only 100GB free on C: (total of 130GB). Windows won't install because it says it needs at least 99GB of free space on C:. So I decrease the page file enough to get to ~103GB free and run the upgrade again - now it says it needs 111GB!

I assume this has something to do with the amount of memory/page file settings. Could I just remove the ram down to 32GB, then install, then re-install the rest of the ram?

[JackMDS]

While the absolute min. HD is 32GB wether you have 8GB RAM 16, or 96, each requires a different size of Hard Drive partition for the OS. ( http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l.../jj134246.aspx ).

The installation routine has its own algorithm to evaluate the current situation, as a result manipulating part of the system often does not work.

I assume that the server is running 24/7 for a while on the current drive, it might be a good idea to get a New less "tired drive" too.

Try to clone the current drive to a larger drive, then try to upgrade the installation that is on the larger drive.

Take out the old drive and leave it alone as a backup until the new installation works.