Windows 2008 Downgrade Rights
When you buy Windows Server 2008 as retail, OEM, or volume licensing you automatically have downgrade rights to use a previous version of Windows server such as Windows Server 2003. This is required because a number of applications are still not certified to run on Windows Server 2008. If you have purchased Windows Server 2008 via volume licensing then the process for downgrading is simple. Contact Microsoft, and they will provide you with a download of the media and a license key to use. If you have purchased Windows Server 2008 as retail product or OEM then the process is more complex as Microsoft will not provide you with the media or a license key. MS basically indicated that you have the right to downgrade but they do not provide the means. You can perform the downgrade by: Obtaining an OEM key and media from any source. The source could be another server you own or another company or your OEM vendor. You do not need to own the OEM key and media used. Obtaining a retail key and me...