I have a couple of Win2008 Datacenter edition licenses for a virtual platform with two hosts. I would like to virtualize an old Win2003 server, using a physical to virtual conversion. I guess I can install a VM with a server license "lesser" than Win2008 srv. Is this true? How can I activate my virtual Win2003 copy, for which the 2008 Datacenter serials are not correct? Thank you in advance Alberto

Hello, Windows server licensing allows a so called downgrade. If this applies for your scenario i suggest that you call Microsoft support.Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.

Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter processor licenses · One instance in the physical OSE and · One instance per OSE in any number of virtual OSEs. · You may run an instance of Standard or Enterprise in place of Datacenter in any of the OSEs http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/userights/DocumentSearch.aspx?Mode=3&DocumentTypeId=1Michael

Hi, For licensing related issue, you’d better contact Microsoft licensing team. In the United States and Canada, you may call the licensing team directly at 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. In this way, you will know the detailed information about license. Worldwide customers can use the Guide to Worldwide Microsoft Licensing Sites http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/worldwide.aspx to find contact information in their locations. Thank you for your understanding. Regards,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.