Is there a product key for trial standard edition? Do I even need to activate it? Thanks.

Hi Download eval software, Virtual machine or take it for a spin in the virtual labshere: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/try-it.aspx You dont need to activate evals, take a look at the KB Article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472 INTRODUCTION Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation, and it may be evaluated for 60 days. Additionally, the 60-day evaluation period may be reset (re-armed) three times. This action extends the original 60-day evaluation period by up to 180 days for a total possible evaluation time of 240 days. Note Although you can reset the 60-day evaluation period, you cannot extend it beyond 60 days at any time. When you reset the current 60-day evaluation period, you lose whatever time is left on the previous 60-day evaluation period. Therefore, to maximize the total evaluation time, wait until close to the end of the current 60-day evaluation period before you reset the evaluation period. Back to the top MORE INFORMATION How to install Windows Server 2008 without activating it 1. Run the Windows Server 2008 Setup program. 2. When you are prompted to enter a product key for activation, do not enter a key. Click No when Setup asks you to confirm your selection. 3. You may be prompted to select the edition of Windows Server 2008 that you want to evaluate. Select the edition that you want to install. Note After Windows Server 2008 is installed, the edition cannot be changed without reinstalling it. 4. When you are prompted, read the evaluation terms in the Microsoft Software License Terms, and then accept the terms. 5. When the Windows Server 2008 Setup program is finished, your initial 60-day evaluation period starts. To check the time that is left on your current evaluation period, run the Slmgr.vbs script that is in the System32 folder. Use the -dli switch to run this script. The slmgr.vbs -dli command displays the number of days that are left in the current 60-day evaluation period. Back to the top 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: 1. Click Start, and then click Command Prompt. 2. Type slmgr.vbs -dli, and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period. 3. To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs rearm, and then press ENTER. 4. Restart the computer.This resets the evaluation period to 60 days. Brjann

Thank you.

Actually, I think it works even if you omit the .vbs. it works on vista like that. also if you open the command prompt, and key in slmgr and pressing enter, a list of other commands instead of just rearming could be found. stumbled on it accidentally.