Can I install a trial version of 2008 R2 on a ESX 4 server and then use it for a few months with re-arm and then fully activate it with a volume license key? The reason is that we will get the key a couple of months after start the project. Also how about exchange 2010? This exchange server will have groupwise migrated to it while on trial and then when we get the key it will be activated. thanks guys

Hi, Technically speaking, you can do it. However, according to the following description, you need to have a reinstallation. Overview This software is for evaluation and testing purposes. The evaluation is available in ISO format. Web, Standard, Enterprise and Datacenter editions are available via the same download. You will be prompted for edition installation at setup. Evaluating any version of Windows Server 2008 R2 software does not require entering a product key, however will require activation within 10 days. Failing to activate the evaluation will cause the licensing service to shut the machine down every hour (The 10 day activation period can be reset five (5) times by using the rearm command. See below for further information on activation rearm). After this time, you will need to uninstall the evaluation software and reinstall a fully-licensed version of Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows Server 2008 R2 Evaluation (180 days) http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=BA571339-5436-4CF5-9C37-6ED7DAB6F781&displaylang=en Best Regards, Vincent Hu

So is it a good approach for a professional production environment?

Is what a good approach for a production system? The trial version is for testing and evaluation. If you are asking if it is a good idea to set up your system using the trial version of the OS on a virtual machine and then put it into production simply be changing to a VL key, my answer would be NO. Bill