Hi there. I would just like to know if the Windows Server 2008 r2 'Full-Featured Evaluation ISO' can be installed and fully activated with a Windows Server 2008 Volume License key.

NO. You should uninstall evaluation version and use fully licensed version. Information that you required is in Overview on the download page: 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. Regards Milos

Thank you so much for the quick reply, Milos! I will be sure to consult all documentation more thoroughly in the future. May I abuse your generosity and ask: Is there a way I can download the Full version of Windows Server 2008 R2? Unfortunately my timetable does not permit awaiting the media kit to be delivered. Thanks again.

It depends on the license program. Some programs allows for download from MS repository (MSDN, MSDN AA, Campus License to name few.) You can lend the medium and use slmgr -REARM command to postpone activation. This will give you more time to get the license key. Regards Milos

Thank you again Milos. As it happens, we're setup with a Microsoft Volume License Services account, with a Server 2008 R2 license purchased from our preferred reseller CDW.com. (Actually we purchased SBS 2011 with Premium Add-on, which is just Server 2008 standard) We already have a license purchased and registered, and the key available. Unfortunately the VLSC service doesn't allow us to download the ISO due to File Size. Our only option appears to be to order the media, however I'm concerned about the shipping time associated, hence my search for downloadable media. Do you know of some other method to get a hold of the software we require? Your assistance is extremely appreciated. :)

Hi, have you tried changing the evaluation key to your Volume License key in My Computer, properties, Change product Key? if you haven't try it out. Thamara.

If the shipping time for the media is that important, I would suggest that you contact the vendor and request expedited shipping. I've never seen the file size cause problems with anything Microsoft related, and that includes full ISOs for various products. Licensing requirements require that you use valid media. That means waiting for the DVD or downloading the ISO.