Upgrading Windows Server 2008 - Need advice

[slappyJmarsden]

I have a Dell PowerEdge T310 Sever running Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard.

 

Can somebody give me advice as to which Server software that I should upgrade to? Just like Windows 7 this software will also not be supported by Microsoft after January 2020.

 

Can I just download a newer version and update over top or do I have to start from scratch?

 

Can I go from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2019?

 

Thanks

Edited July 6, 2019 by slappyJmarsden
Need to add more info

[Circaflex]

There is no upgrade path from 2008 to 2016+. You would first need to upgrade to 2012 r2 then to 2016 or 2019.

 

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started/installation-and-upgrade#upgrading-to-windows-server-2016

[slappyJmarsden]

Thanks Circaflex

 

I am currently downloading the 2012 R2 evaluation version...

 

Can i run this directly from the server to install the upgrade from the 2008 version?

[slappyJmarsden]

Anybody?

[slappyJmarsden]

I have all the files unpacked from the ISO image file and ready to go on the local hard drive.

 

The goal is to update from 2008 to 2012 for now. I am assuming that Microsoft will support the 2012 version for at least a few more years.

 

Thanks for the tips. 👍

[+BudMan MVC]

The extended support date of 2012r2 is 10/10/2023

 

But mainstream support ended for it as well in 2018.. You really should look to get with a current mainstream supported version.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/search?alpha=windows server 2012

 

Mainstream support for 2016 goes until 1/11/2022

 

A T310, those came out in what 2010.. Prob time to be looking for some current hardware as well

 

[slappyJmarsden]

This is what I get when trying to install...

 

Windows Server 2008 cannot be upgraded to Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard Evaluation (Server with a GUI).

 

Is there any way of getting around this issue without having to fresh install and lose all my programs and settings?

 

If I decide to wipe all files and just do a clean install of the evaluation version how do I enter my license key from the 2008 version?

[sc302 Veteran]

Cannot be upgraded to server 2012 standard eval....get a licensed version.

[slappyJmarsden]

Ok, so let me get this straight. There is no 2012 upgrade version that will carry over my 2008 version license???

 

Options:

 

1. Install the downloaded evaluation version, install from scratch and purchase a new license? Any idea how much it costs for a new license?

2. Buy a Windows Server 2012 Standard disc (cheapest I have seen is about $300 on Amazon.ca)

[sc302 Veteran]

That is correct. Licenses are backwards compatible not forward compatible (the exception is windows 10). You don’t need the disk, you need the license and key. 300 seams cheap, really cheap, illegal cheap. 

[+BudMan MVC]

7 hours ago, sc302 said:

300 seams cheap, really cheap, illegal cheap

hehehe... So I just did a search on amazon.. I find it for 882 -- this links to Microsoft Store

 

 

 

While this item - links to "MS", which gives 404

 

 

I would make SURE you know what your buying and from where is my suggestion..

[slappyJmarsden]

Found a copy for $132.82 Canadian Funds

 

https://pcmarket-online.com/operating-systems/windows-server-2012-standard-r2-download?SubmitCurrency=1&id_currency=3&gclid=CjwKCAjwg-DpBRBbEiwAEV1_-KE8A7TRaRLi6K1T9jdef89QY-isWexOSavzax6f6IjZo83ecsxbDRoCLUkQAvD_BwE