HI All. If we purchase a Dell server with an OEM license of Server 2008 Foundation edition. Are we legally allowed to downgrade to Server 2003 standard Edition? If so... Can i just ensure i keep all the documentation and licensing which comes with the server and then use a tech net license i have to install server 2003? And if not, then how do i go about the downgrade route? Any help appreciated. CheersBen Weinberg Prime-Networks www.prime-networks.co.uk Please post the resolution to your issue so that everyone can benefit Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hello, no, Windows server foundation is complete different from the Standar or Enterprise editions you can buy, as it is limited to 15 users in AD.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Ah ok Thanks for that Answer. I didnt know that. So if i purchase Windows 2008 Standard Edition can i proceed with the downgrade? If so... Can i just ensure i keep all the documentation and licensing which comes with the server and then use a tech net license i have to install server 2003? And if not, then how do i go about the downgrade route?Ben Weinberg Prime-Networks www.prime-networks.co.uk Please post the resolution to your issue so that everyone can benefit Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hello Ben, I suggest contacting Microsoft Licensing Center for detailed explanation. http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/contact-us.aspx Also you can call 1-800-426-9400 (select option 4), Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (PST) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/index/worldwide.asp to find contact information in their locations.http://www.virmansec.com/blogs/skhairuddin

Hi All Thanks for your help. For others in a similar situation, I have confirmed with microsoft that Server 2008 R2 is eligable for a downgrade to server 2003. I can use the below link to order media and new license key. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-country.aspxBen Weinberg Prime-Networks www.prime-networks.co.uk Please post the resolution to your issue so that everyone can benefit Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Hello, "So if i purchase Windows 2008 Standard Edition can i proceed with the downgrade" No, there is no downgrade available, install the Windows server 2003 new after promoting to DC in the existing domain. Then copy the requried data and demote the Windows server foundation 2008. That way you should be able to keep the onfiguration from AD and the data. ".........then use a tech net license i have to install server 2003?" Again no, TechNet licenses are NOT for production domains, ONLY for testing/evaluation. You have to buy a regular Windows server 2003 license.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Hi All Thanks for your help. For others in a similar situation, I have confirmed with microsoft that Server 2008 R2 is eligable for a downgrade to server 2003. I can use the below link to order media and new license key. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-country.aspx Ben Weinberg Prime-Networks www.prime-networks.co.uk Please post the resolution to your issue so that everyone can benefit Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. Hello, as you where talking about Windows Server foundation at the beginning of your thread: "....we purchase a Dell server with an OEM license of Server 2008 Foundation edition. Are we legally allowed to downgrade to Server 2003..." and to make it clear for others: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/downgrade-rights.aspx "Note: Downgrade kits are not available for Foundation editions." Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.