Feb 22, 2011  Windows Server 2008 R2 Evaluation (180 days) Important! Selecting a language below will dynamically change the complete page content to that language. After this time, you will need to uninstall the evaluation software and reinstall a fully-licensed version of Windows Server 2008 R2. This download is also available through our.

Windows Server 2008 R2 was released just a couple of days ago on September 14th -- so now it's time for you to start thinking about installing or upgrading your Server 2008. Here are couple things to keep in mind. First, the new Windows Server 2008 R2 can only be installed (or upgraded) on 64-bit servers.

If you have Server 2008 installed on a 32-bit server, you will first need to upgrade your hardware to 64-bit before upgrading to Server 2008 R2. Another thing to think about is whether you want to install R2 from scratch or run an upgrade. Both options are available so it is up to you to decide. When it comes to a clean install, it is quite easy and almost exactly the same as. Is the Upgrade Free? Well, it depends.

According to Microsoft, if you purchased Windows Server 2008 together with Software Assurance (SA), your upgrade to Server 2008 R2 is free. If you did not purchase SA, then unfortunately you will need to purchase R2 before upgrading. How much will R2 cost without Software Assurance?

Microsoft did not publish the pricing just yet but you can contact your reseller and ask him/her what would be the cost for your upgrade. To verify that the upgrade is in fact free for people who purchased SA, I contacted Microsoft via live chat. Here is our quick conversation: • Jodi: How may I assist you today? • Gosia: Hi Jodi, I just have a quick question about Windows Server 2008 R2. If I already have Windows Server 2008 - will the upgrade be free or is there a price tag for upgrading?

• Jodi: Do you know if you purchased Software Assurance when you bought Windows Server 2008? I did not purchase Software Assurance. • Jodi: Ok, It is my understanding that you will have to purchase the Windows Server 2008 R2 if you did not purchase Software Assurance with the Windows Server 2008. You will not have to re-purchase CALs, just the server software.

• Gosia: I see. But if I had purchased software assurance then it would have been a free upgrade, right? • Jodi: Correct. And, customers that had purchased Software Assurance are eligible for Windows Server 2008 R2 before new customers. • Gosia: That will teach me a lesson for next time. Thank you for your time. Download iis 7 for windows 7.

That's all I needed. • Jodi: Sure. So as you can see, purchasing SA is always a good idea and it saves you money in a long run. Improvements in Server 2008 R2 Why should you upgrade to Server 2008 R2? Are you going to benefit from the upgrade? Lisa and I have mentioned a couple of our favorite new features in R2 like the or the. Contributor Gosia Grabowska (MCTS Active Directory, MCTS Vista, Network+, Linux+, Project+, PMP) is an experienced Network Support Specialist and an expert in Windows Server support.