Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of ccceqo2
ccceqo2

asked on

Downgrade server 2003 to server 2000

I have bought server 2003 licenses with software assurance through my computer wholesaler.
My customer wanted to run server 2000, so I checked that downgrading was allowed and bought the server 2000 media.
Now, when I log in to the eopen website, microsoft only tells me a volume licencing key for server 2003.
This is not what I exptected as I have previously done  a downgrade with office 2003 and both the 2003 and XP key were on the eopen site.
When I rang the microsoft licensing number I got some vague story about my reseller should give the key to me. This sounds like B.S.
Elsewhere on microsofts site I found a FAQ that says the key will be provided with the media.

SO.....

If anyone can tell me exactly how to get this key.. that would be great.
Otherwise, I would just like to hear from anyone who has installed server 2000 as a downgrade.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Sembee
Sembee
Flag of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of ccceqo2
ccceqo2

ASKER

Simon, you put my thinking on the right track with the bit about activation.
I stopped trying to use HP's SmartBoot cd or whatever they call that thing and just stuck my W2K media in.
Well, it was the latest CD with SP4 built in and it turns out you don't have to enter your key at all, ever.
I can't believe that microsoft activation center couldn't tell me this and that it wasn't on their website anywhere.

Thanks.