So i downloaded "Windows_Server_2008_R2_Beta_EN_(STD-ENT-DC).exe" and then extracted the ISO from this exe, then i extracted all the files in the ISO to a folder, i was just going to run setup.exe and install server 2008 from the desktop onto a spare partition like i did with windows 7.The download went fine and all extractions went fine but when i open setup.exe i get the error "setup.exe is not a valid win32 application" the setup.exe also has no icon but its file properties look ok, can i install windows 2008 like this??

Windows Server 2008 is a 64bit application. Are you sure you downloaded the test/trial 32bit version. You may be trying to load a 64bit OS on 32bit (x86) hardware, and this wont work. I would check on what I downloaded and verify it is the 32bit version. If it is not, find the trial 32bit version of Windows Server 2008 to test with.Scotty

This is the link i downloaded it from doesn't say if 64bit or 32bithttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=85CFE4C9-34DE-477C-B5CA-75EDAE3D57C5&displaylang=enI have also found this link, may as well try the x86 version here,http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=13C7300E-935C-415A-A79C-538E933D5424&WT.sp=_technet_,dcsjwb9vb00000c932fd0rjc7_5p3t&displaylang=enis this the right link?

I would use the second link, and download the 32bit version to test with. This should allow you to test fully. The production version of WS2K8 is 64 bit, so you may want to keep this in mind if you are looking to upgrade any of your current servers. Good luck with your tests.Scotty

Hello,This was the beta download of Windows Server 2008 R2, there is only 64-bit.Windows Server 2008 R2 is 64-bit only.Thanks, Darrell Gorter[MSFT] This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights

Hi friendsHello everyone! I am Joseph from London Newly visited this site.I want to share the installation process.Joseph

Ok then i found a win 2k3 trial iso on microsoft.SO, i am trying to install win 2k3 trial from a usb drive.1) I added the ms-dos files to the usb drive (which now gives me a command promt when set to boot of the usb drive)2) I also unzipped the win 2k3 iso files and added these the the usb drive3) I run the setup.exe at this boot up command prompt4) Get error saying this file cannot be run in ms-dos mode5) Google and find a similar thing for win xp and solution is to run the winnt.exe in win xp instead of the setup.exeSo for the win 2k3 trial setup files what file can i run from ms-dos to start the setup/installation from command?