I purchased a system that came with a trial of windows server 2003 enterprise R2 SP1. The trial ran for 120 days. After more than 6 months, the system cannot come up; therefore, I re-installed OS again using key/iso obtain from Professional Package of technet program. During the installation process, I chose "repair windows installation" (no format - since I don't want to re-do all the configuration). It asked me to enter the new key which I did. However, after the installation is completed, and I was able to get into log-in windows. After username/password, a box popped up and said "you need to activate windows now ...." I clicked OK to make it activate, however, the system just stalled at the blue-screen with the mouse. I can see my background cmd process running popping up once in a while. I could even rdc into it from other systems, but running into the same issue. can you please help?? many thanks!!!

Hi, According the FAQ of the trial version of Windows Server 2003 R2: Windows Server 2003 R2 Trial Software: Frequently Asked Questions http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb430832.aspx You can’t use the key of Windows Server 2003 Professional to override the 180-days limit on the evaluation software and activate Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise, they are different editions. I understand that the trial version of Windows Server 2003 R2 was expired, you want to switch the trial version to a retail Windows Server 2003 R2 without reinstallation and keeping the settings on the computer. To overcome this, please perform an In-Place Upgrade to install the full version of Windows and keep the settings you established when you install the evaluation version. How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows Server 2003 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/816579/en-us Best Regards Dale Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread. ”

many thanks!! I did htat before, I chose "R", then it brings me back to Ms-DOS command line C:\>Windows\> Then I should I do from there?

Please refer to the following guide to start setup from MS-DOS: How to start Setup from MS-DOS in Windows Server 2003 Best Regards DalePlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.