Problem upgrading 2008R2 to 2016

Hi everyone,

I have a 2008R2 Enterprise 6.1 Build 7601
More info regarding this server :
Edition ID : X15-34685
Name : Windows Server(R), ServerEnterprise edition
Description : Windows Operating System - Windows Server (R), OEM_SLP channel
Family : ServerEnterprise
License Status : Activated
Error Code : 0 as licensed
Key type : Retail
EULA : Retail

This server is updated fully.(also SP1)


I have a problem upgrading it to 2016.
I have tried the following ISOs :
en_windows_server_2016_x64_dvd_9327751.iso
sw_dvd9_win_srv_std_core_and_datactr_core_2016_64bit_English_-2_mlf_x21-22843
14393.0.161119-1705.rs1_refresh_server_eval_x64fre-en-us

They all say, that it upgrade can't be done, as this version is different than the installed. I can only choose to install as a fresh install.

I have tried to upgrade to 2012 R2 using this ISO :
en_windows_server_2012_r2_vl_x64_dvd_3319595

This allows me to make the upgrade keeping everything intact.

Now - if I try now to upgrade the upgraded 2012R2 to 2016 using one of the ISOs mentioned above :
en_windows_server_2016_x64_dvd_9327751.iso

I'm allowed to make the upgrade keeping everything.


Could someone direct me, how to proceed - as I think, I have the wrong ISO file to make a successful upgrade.

I would rather upgrade directly from 2008R2 to 2016 skiping the 2012R2.

Thanks for any suggestions

-julka