Hi Guys, I purchased a Dell R510 running Server 2008 R2 Standard recently, all is well but upon inspection Dell did not send me a copy of the OS disk. Many phone calls to Dell revealed that they have stopped sending OS disks to customers and instead advise that a bare metal backup is all I need. I don't really feel comfortable without the OS disk in case I ever need to rebuild the server from scratch. I have an eval copy of 2008 R2 but Microsoft advise to use non-eval media... "Question: Can you convert the evaluation version to a full version? Answer: Although this conversion is not blocked, we do not support an upgrade from an evaluation version to a full version or changing the product key to a full version key. To upgrade to a full version, you must install non-evaluation media. If you change the product key to Full Version, the visual evaluation references in Winver and as displayed in Slmgr /DLV output are removed, but the WLMS service remains on the system and the media retains its evaluation status." Dell won't send me the media no matter what I do! (believe me when I say I have really tried) so, how do I get a copy of the non-eval media? I also have a second 2008 R2 license that I purchased to upgrade a 2003 DC but this again came without the 2008 R2 DVD. I really don't understand how I'm supposed to install windows these days without the media! help please :-) Jay

Hello, Conversion is NOT blocked BUT not supported http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2021579 states: Question: Can you convert the evaluation version to a full version? Answer: Although this conversion is not blocked, we do not support an upgrade from an evaluation version to a full version or changing the product key to a full version key. To upgrade to a full version, you must install non-evaluation media. If you change the product key to Full Version, the visual evaluation references in Winver and as displayed in Slmgr /DLV output are removed, but the WLMS service remains on the system and the media retains its evaluation status. Best regards Meinolf Weber MVP, MCP, MCTS Microsoft MVP - Directory Services My Blog: http://msmvps.com/blogs/mweber/ Disclaimer: This posting is provided AS IS with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights.

I really don't understand how I'm supposed to install windows these days without the media! help please :-) Install Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 using a USB Key http://www.michaelhanley.org/blog/2009/12/install-windows-7-or-windows-server-2008-r2-using-a-usb-key.html I do not represent the organisation I work for, all the opinions expressed here are my own. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees and confers no rights. - .... .- -. -.- ... --..-- ... .- -. - --- ... ....

Hi, Please check the following KB to see whether its useful. How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gb

Hi, Please check the following KB to see whether its useful. How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246/en-gb Called up Dell from the list of OEM providers from above and bingo, DVD will be delivered tomorrow! Strange how my account manager would not help me with this at all. Thanks Vincent, you saved the day :-)