SOLVED Upgrade windows server 2008 R2 ent to 2012 R2 Datacenter

[Saul]

So this is what i got when i attempted to upgrade from 2008 r2 ent to 2012 r2 datacenter. Any idea why and what could i do differently to get the upgrade successful?

Here's the compatibility report:

Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise cannot be upgraded to Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Evaluation (Server with a GUI). You can choose to install a new copy of Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Evaluation (Server with a GUI) instead, but this is different from an upgrade, and does not keep your files, settings, and programs. You’ll need to reinstall any programs using the original installation discs or files. To save your files before installing Windows, back them up to an external location such as a CD, DVD, or external hard drive. To install a new copy of Windows Server 2012 Datacenter Evaluation (Server with a GUI), click the Back button in the upper left-hand corner, and select “Custom (advanced)”.

 

[Prajwal Desai]

Here is the table that shows the upgrade options for Windows Server 2012 R2. I see that upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 to Windows server 2012 R2 STD/DC is supported. Is you current Windows Server 2008 R2 running SP1 ?. Check and confirm.

 

[Saul]

Thanks for responding, Prajwal. I had seen this table before attempting to upgrade the reason why it surprises me that it's not working for me. Yes, the current server i am trying to upgrade is running windows server 2008 R2 Enterprise SP1

 

[Prajwal Desai]

Thanks for responding, Prajwal. I had seen this table before attempting to upgrade the reason why it surprises me that it's not working for me. Yes, the current server i am trying to upgrade is running windows server 2008 R2 Enterprise SP1

Are you trying to upgrade from licensed version of 2008 R2 to evaluation version of 2012 R2 ?. In that case the upgrade is not possible - https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj574204.aspx?

 

[Saul]

Correct. I have downloaded 2012 from a Microsoft link and bought a license key too. Do you have a link of a recommended version I could try with my license? I am actually using a server I don't need to test the upgrade before upgrade the rest of my servers in production. What would you generally recommend in order to get the upgrade successful? I appreciate you time in responding to my queston, Prajwal..Many thanks!

 

[Saul]

The Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise SP1 server I am testing upgrade on is Licensed. Would it be wrong to use the iso I had download and burned on a disc from Microsoft with product key I just purchased? if so, do you have recommendations for where I can download win srv 2012 Datacenter to use for this upgrade that wouldn't be viewed as evaluation? Many thanks, again.

 

[Prajwal Desai]

Where did you download the ISO from ? You have VL or MSDN account ?

 

[Saul]

Unfortunately for me, I don't have any of subscription.

 

[Prajwal Desai]

The Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise SP1 server I am testing upgrade on is Licensed. - This is fine Saul.
Would it be wrong to use the iso I had download and burned on a disc from Microsoft with product key I just purchased? - If you have purchased the key and if it's still not upgrading then probably you could open a support ticket with Microsoft.

 

[Harshit Pandey]

@Saul - you got this fixed ?

 

[Saul]

Sorry for the late response Prajwal..this is fixed. Updating the server before upgrading fixed the issue.

 

[Prajwal Desai]

Thanks for the update Saul. Marking this thread as Solved.