Windows Server 2003 Purchase

[worzelGummidge]

Update for those interested (probably no one).
I have managed to download a Trial copy of Windows Server 2003 from the Microsoft partner site but have been unable to obtain a license for the software because the email thing that was suposed to email me the license did not work.
The Microsoft partner site online web chat person directed me through to a web page that referenced a US telephone number for support.

The US telephone number helpfully connected me through to a nice Indian woman who took 20 minuets to understand that I am requesting a license key because the email that was supposed to forward the details onto me did not work.

She said that MS Server 2003 was not available any more and then placed me on hold to speak to another useless idiot.

I then decided that I would obtain better support from speaking to the cat rather than Microsoft and then promptly rang a local PC shop who sold me an old unused copy for £250.

Moral of the story. Microsoft is pants.

[AtW]

Windows Server 2008 is on the action pack definately. Why doesn't the OP use that?

I think maybe because he signed up recently and Microsoft no longer ships CDs with old OSes and I don't think you can download them from their new download service which seems rather limited.

[worzelGummidge]

Thanks all that replied.
Windows Server 2008 is not supported for this software (LANDesk) as the server, only for the client.

I have found this page that lets me download a Trial copy of Windows Server 2003. I'll give that a try.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...linstruct.mspx

Cheers

[DimPrawn]

Windows 2003 Server was on Action Pack before, I think you should still be entitled to it or not?

Windows Server 2008 is on the action pack definately. Why doesn't the OP use that?

[AtW]

Buy Windows XP 64-bit Pro OEM - it is the same code base as Windows 2003 Server. This should work provided you use software that is not intentionally crippled to require "Server OS".

Windows 2003 Server was on Action Pack before, I think you should still be entitled to it or not?

[DimPrawn]

You can use the Web Edition. The licence says it must only be used as a web server and no applications are to be installed.

SQL Server install will not allow you to install it on Web Edition. Other software seems to install okay.

[worzelGummidge]

I do have a copy of Windows Server 2003 Web addition. Can I use this as Windows Server 2003 or is it just a Web server and not the OS?

[worzelGummidge]

Thanks. I have a Microsoft Action Pack subscription and have copies of Vista and Windows 7 a plenty but no copies of Server 2003.

[ctdctd]

Get the MS Action Pack subscription £199 + VAT PA for everything you could possibly want?

Linky

[worzelGummidge]

Hi Thanks for the reply. The free trial is a good idea and would be great if it worked but I have already tried that option and failed due to not receiving an email to enable me to download the software. I think that Microsoft is pants.

I think that buying a physical copy without any nonsense would be the best solution.

Does anyone know the best place to buy a copy of Windows Server 2003 apart from eBay?

Thanks

[Netraider]

If you only want to trial it for 120 days try here.

Linky

[worzelGummidge]

Where is the best (cheapest & legal) place to buy a copy of Windows Server 2003. I would like to install some trial software on one PC and I only have copies of XP, Vista and Windows 7. The software does work on Vista but having never used Vista before and it being pants I would prefer to install on something looking like XP.

Any ideas anyone?
I will require the CD/DVD and a working / legal license.
I would usually try ebay but I would prefer to receive a copy that will definitely work and be legal.