Windows 2003 R2 as a workstation?

Discussion in 'Windows Server' started by mishel2003, Jan 4, 2012.

  1. mishel2003

    mishel2003 MDL Novice

    Jan 4, 2012
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    #1 mishel2003, Jan 4, 2012
    I'm considering reinstalling my Windows, but I'm not sure wich way to go. I have an XP Pro SP2 and a Windows 2003 R2 CDs. Should I install XP Pro? I'm asking because 2003 R2 is a more recent OS and has a higher built number, so I guess it's more stable? I will use the guide at win2k3[dot]msfn[dot]org. Any suggestions?
     
  2. tcntad

    tcntad MDL Guru

    Oct 26, 2009
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    #2 tcntad, Jan 4, 2012
    You should install W7 if you can..

    Note that a server OS is not intended to be used as a regula desktop computer/workstation.
     
  3. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    #3 sebus, Jan 5, 2012
    Comparing to XP, Server 2003 was WAY better for workstation use (in fact I still use it in one VM)
    Nut there is NO reason (if you have hardware for it), not to use Win7

    sebus
     
  4. vinodh

    vinodh MDL Junior Member

    Aug 1, 2009
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    #4 vinodh, Jan 5, 2012
    I tried converting Server 2003 to a workstation and it IS faster. Only issue I had was certain software refuses to install citing wrong OS type. You can change the OS's platform identifier to fool the software into believing its being installed on XP, but that can cause a problem with activation and it just gets worse from there.

    Just like the other guys mentioned, if you hardware meets the requirements, install Windows 7. Best move you can make.
     
  5. yaluza1967

    yaluza1967 MDL Member

    Jun 6, 2009
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    #5 yaluza1967, Jan 7, 2012
    Server 2008 R2 as workstation is fast also.
     
  6. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    #6 sebus, Jan 7, 2012
    But there is absolutely NO need to use 2008 R2 as workstation as Win 7 does perform better (not like XP vs 2003)

    sebus
     
  7. glow

    glow MDL Novice

    Apr 30, 2008
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    #7 glow, Jan 21, 2012
    I use server 2003 R2 on all sorts of older machines for almost 9 years. Works great. Don't bother with second CD. MS never seems to disable server OS's, so no worry about activation. You can also use Security Essentials with no issues.

    Only problems I've had is with installing Windows Search 4.0 which really slows things down. Avoid this.
     
  8. glow

    glow MDL Novice

    Apr 30, 2008
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    #8 glow, Jan 21, 2012
    Have had W7 machines activated by DAZ being flagged as non-genuine while running MS Security Essentials with auto updates, but never any problems when running Server 2008 or Server 2008 R2 as workstation with same configuration.

    I believe MS has a tacit policy against interfering with their server OS's even when know they are not kosher activations.
     
  9. SOCRATE_MMXII

    SOCRATE_MMXII MDL Expert

    Jan 25, 2012
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    #9 SOCRATE_MMXII, Jan 25, 2012
    Hello! I use Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition on my older machine [Barton 2500+/1GB RAM/80GB HDD] from the time it spread into the wild and I love it. I can do everything with it and it never breaks apart :D
     
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