Activating Evaluation version

[rsheshappa]

Hello all,

I have got a Evaluation copy of Win 2003 server Enterprise Edition ( For evaluation we get only enterprise edition version).

I would like to buy Win 2003 server however I need only 10 licenses. So is it possible to upgrade this evluation copy (enterprise) to full version of 2003 standard edition (with losing everthing on the server).

I tried to seach for an anwser in the Microsoft website, I could find an answer to that.

Please help.

 

[techsupportgirl]

Here is what Microsoft says on the subject:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsser...al/evalfaq.mspx#XSLTfaqSection123125121120120

Q. Can I install the retail version of the Standard Edition over the Enterprise Edition Evaluation Kit?

A. No. For more information, read the Microsoft Knowledge Base article Windows Server 2003 Upgrade Paths.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;

[LN];810613


. What is the difference between an upgrade and a clean installation?

A. An upgrade retains your previous settings and is the recommended option when upgrading from the evaluation copy to the retail version of Windows Server 2003. A clean installation removes all previous settings from the system, and is recommended when installing the RTM evaluation copy on computers running RC1 or RC2.

 

[techsupportgirl]

The Upgrade Paths did not come out right so I'm going to paste them here again but in the event that they do not show up properly again, go to:

support.microsoft.com

Under the Search the Knowledgebase, search using a Q ID number and type in 810613, it will bring you to the same page as this one

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;LN

];810613

 

[rsheshappa]

Thank you.

I can't go from Evaluation version of Enterprise version to Retail Windows 2003 standard (without clean install).

Now I have decided to go ahead with upgrading Evluation of server 2003 enterprise edition to Retail version of the Windows 2003 Enterprise edition.

I hope the above works (eventhough it costs me more)