I installed the evaluation mode recently (2 weeks ago) but it is already telling me its expired and shutting down every hour. I am purchasing the licenses but it won't be done for another 3 weeks. Is there a way to fix this? A work around, or some other option? Thanks.

Windows 2008 R2 will keep working even if the activation period is expired. However it will remind you constantly that it should be activated.

Try the options listed in the following blog: http://portal.sivarajan.com/2010/10/windows-2008-r2-evaluation-period-and.html Santhosh Sivarajan | MCTS, MCSE (W2K3/W2K/NT4), MCSA (W2K3/W2K/MSG), CCNA, Network+ Houston, TX Blogs - http://blogs.sivarajan.com/ Articles - http://www.sivarajan.com/publications.html Twitter: @santhosh_sivara - http://twitter.com/santhosh_sivara This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties,and confers no rights.

Hi, You will need to uninstall the evaluation software and reinstall a fully-licensed version of Windows Server 2008 R2 after evaluation. For more information, please refer to the following link: Windows Server 2008 R2 Evaluation (180 days) http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=11093 RegardsPlease 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.

Hi, I would like to confirm what is the current situation? If there is anything that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to let me know, and I will be happy to help. Regards, Arthur Li Forum Support Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help and unmark them if they provide no help. If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.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.