hi, i have downloaded windows server 2008 Standerd from the microsoft website and was wondering if it comes embemed with a product key that is all thanks

Hi

 Also you could download this offical trial version of server 2008 r2(180 day).The evaluation versions don't need product key.After end of evaluation time ends,you need to purchase a valid licence(Key).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/download/details.aspx?id=11093

Hi,

I also consider that it is better to test Windows 2008 R2 or Windows 2012/2012 R2 directly if there is no specific requirement.

Back to the question. Can you install the downloaded system without product key? In order to run it as "evaluation", we do not need a product key. It could work for 60 days and you can re-arm it 3 times. See:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/948472

How to manually extend the evaluation period

When the initial 60-day evaluation period nears its end, you can run the Slmgr.vbs script to reset the evaluation period. To do this, follow these steps:
Click Start, and then click Command Prompt.
Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period.
To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs rearm, and then press ENTER.
Restart the computer.