Testing software in VMware - Server 2003, Windows Vista

PremierCisco

Hi folks,

I have been wondering about this for a while now, and i would like to setup virtual machines with Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP or Windows Vista.

My question is i have a evalution copy of Windows Server 2003 going back about 2 years now and it is well past the 180 day evaluation period - can i contact Microsoft and tell them that i have this copy of Server 2003 and see if i can use it again.

Would Microsoft allow me to use it?
Would they provide me with a new product key as i cannot locate the key that came with this evaluation copy?

Please bear in mind that this is for testing purposes only that i would like to run in a virtual machine environment.

Also my Internet connection at home is still dial-up - the telecom company do not deem our area a priority for broadband yet,so downloading a copy from Microsoft could be a problem.

I would like to know if possible how people in the same situation overcame this?

Any insight would be most welcoming.

Regards

Eamonn

sprkymrk

Your CD should be just fine, the 180 days refers to "since installed" and not since purchase date. After the 180 days, you could even wipe it and reinstall it for another 180 days. I'm not sure what to tell you about the product key. They probably wouldn't have any problem giving you another one though.

PremierCisco

Hi Sprkymrk,

Thanks for the reply, i rang Microsoft today, lets say it was not a pleasent experience.

Talk about getting the run around, i think i was transfered to 3 different departments and in the end still did not get an clarification.

I got a phone number to ring that deals with training etc and it does not work. Go figure.

Regards

Eamonn

BeaverC32

You also may want to check this out:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb430831.aspx