Downgrade 2003 to 2000

[nortelfan]

I have a dell server purchased with 2003 server and need to downgrade to 2000 server in order to run software that will not yet run with 2003 server. I have ordered the media kit for 2000 from Dell as the sales person said I should, and the software team verified the licensing is okay and the tech guys say to install the 2003 with the server key and then use the media kit to downgrade. However, here is where the fun starts. Dell says I will have to call their software support guys and pay a fee per hour for their service, or contact microsoft and pay them to walk me through. Even though the server is new, Dell will not help unless they are getting paid by the hour.

Has anyone done this type downgrade where you have the 2003 license key and have to install it and then downgrade to 2000? I do not have the media yet (3 to 5 days) but would like to have an idea of how to get everything ready and an idea of what to expect.

I have searched the web, but only see questions about is it allowed, etc. No specifics on doing it without a 2000 license key.

Any suggestions other than wipe the server and purchase a license key for 2000 which they do not sell any longer to my knowledge?

 

[megadan2000]

Hi,

I believe the licence keys are backwards compatible to the previous version. If you have not done anything major to the server why don't you wait for the media and do a fresh re-install?

 

[mrdenny]

Give the Microsoft Sales line a call. They should be able to give you the basic idea of what you need to do.

That would make life easy if the 2003 key would work in 2000. It may be just that simple.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com