Windows Server 2003 Demo Software

Hey all,

I just wanted to get some inslight into what do you do when you install a trail version of Windows server 2003 -- say you have to reformat the HDD for reason X -- and then when you try to "reactiviate" the server MS says this product key has already been activated.

In the past I was able to reuse a previously activated key (maybe since it was over 3 months).

I was wondering if MS maybe clears the product key, or maybe theres a trick that someone here knows? I took an image of Server2003 once but it took a while and takes up too much space.
Thanks!!

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Comments

dynamik

You can always just download a trial: Windows Server 2003 R2 with SP2: How to Get Trial Software and Standalone CDs

PC509

Don't you get a 120 trial? You could always just make a Virtual Machine (or install it, activate it, and then make an image of the HDD), and when the time runs out or you format, just reapply the image. BAM! Back to the beginning, activated if you want, and ready to go.

qwertyiop

PC509 wrote: »

Don't you get a 120 trial? You could always just make a Virtual Machine (or install it, activate it, and then make an image of the HDD), and when the time runs out or you format, just reapply the image. BAM! Back to the beginning, activated if you want, and ready to go.

That's exactly what I would recommend.

WillTech105

Thanks for those options -- my HDD is pratically at its limit so I'll have to go with the download trial.

Thanks for your help everyone!