Windows Server 2003 key

[hennessy1]

I have the windows server 2003 standard edition(32bit). I was wondering if I can use that same key in a windows server 2003 standard R2 sp2 edition version?

 

[bsobel]

R2 uses different keys. Your key will work with a 2003 sp1 disk, but not to install R2 (at least this is the way it was with the MSDN keys)

 

[hennessy1]

So I would'nt be able to install R2 and what exactly would I lose by not doing that? also would I be able to just by a key for the R2 version because I already downloaded the eval version from ms.com and I could just buy the key and put it in then correct?

 

[bsobel]

http://technet.microsoft.com/e...wsserver/bb428898.aspx

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: hennessy1
...also would I be able to just by a key for the R2 version because I already downloaded the eval version from ms.com and I could just buy the key and put it in then correct?

Microsoft's "Trial Version" software has special code in it and can't be converted to a full version by simply changing a Key. What you do is insert the non-trial CD/DVD into your server and re-install the OS on top of the trial version. You don't lose configuration or installed applications. You'll lose Windows Updates and have to re-install them.