Update : 09/11/09 The site that was posted in the start topic didn't do the trick for me. Then i tried directly to dreamspark.com trough a China proxy(I used proxy switcher pro) Everything was ok, i wanted to download the W2K8S SP2 X86 iso and get a legal key. Then i noticed that Sp2 is X32 only I'm downloading the X86 iso now and already stored my key on a safe place Thank you for this topic!!!!!!
Download the x64 iso from Microsoft! You can use the x86-key for x64 aswell. Same like Vista, 2008, Win7 and 2008R2. Smithy
report 2009-11-19 still giving out MAKs for server 2008 r2 standard and enterprise tested and verified 2009-11-19 by VAMT 1.3.200.0
Many ThanX for this post! What happens if a HDD fails, one would need to reinstall the server os and activate.
Just got key for both 2008 and 2008 r2. Dreamspark works without a hitch. First try got me all the way to the keys. Didn't have time read the whole thread, but if I'm right, these will work for x86 and x64 enterprise and r2 enterprise too ? great thread btw..
Glad it worked for you, yes it will work for both x86 and x64, If I remember right in the first 2008 Server edition we used up all of the keys on Dreamspark and some were saying the second set MS provided only works on Standard now, I use a bios mod so I haven't tried. With the R2 Keys they still work on both Standard and Enterprise, this I tested and it works. I am glad this is still alive after a year....
Well, the R2 is the one I needed most, so will try it out this weekend. Thanx again, pall. note : I have bios mods too for desks and laptops, and a bunch of matching certs and slp keys for win7 and server 2008. But extra keys are always welcome. So if this one works, I'll have something to backup 2008 R2.
R2 is x64 only, so the key will work. It works on standard and enterprise too. But only activates once unless you use the phone.
Will the Dreamspark key for Server 2003 Standard R2 also work for the x64 trial ISO image, Standard or Enterprise, downloaded directly from Microsoft? The download from Dreamspark is 32-bit only. Thanks.
I did mean 2003. I have used 2008 and 2008 R2, mainly as a client os, or 'workstation', for quite some time. They are both very good. But I would like to keep a 2003 R2 machine dedicated to run some specific purpose applications for which XP Pro and 2003 are officially supported and run more smoothly. 2008/R2 can do but not do so well. Basically I am using 2003 R2 as a XP Pro replacement, or a better XP. And it's light-weight compared to 2008. Now if I can have the trial x64 version from Microsoft activated, it would be wonderful because I have 4GB of DDR2 RAM installed on this machine, and another spare 2GB --- My main PC only accommodates DDR3 slots. So will the Dreamspark key also activate the x64 trial ISO image from Microsoft?