Windows Server 2008 R2 - Coverting to retail license from volume?

Iron Contributor

Hi,

 

I'm in a bit of a odd situation where we have a 2008R2 server that is currently on a volume license.  This agreement is coming to an end and I want to move the server to a retail license with out the pain of rebuild.  I know this can be done in 2012 using slmgr but I can't find any examples of doing this with 2008.

 

If it can't be done, then I do have the opportunity to upgrade the server to 2012R2.  The question there is can I upgrade a volume licensed version of 2008R2 with a retail version of 2012R2?

 

I know this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen but at the moment I am trying to exhaust all the possibilities to try and find the path of least resistance to get onto a retail license.

 

Thanks

Rob

1 Reply

An in-place upgrade is supported but never recommended. Better to clean install 2012 R2, patch it fully, then migrate roles or applications over.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn303416%28v=ws.11%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396