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Trade in x86(32bit) for x64? Windows 2003 server
i own windows 2003 server standard edition sp2 cds/license(dell oem disc which was purchased when server was purchased)
i suspect 32 bit only as the disc doesnt say anything about 64 bit.
according to this link from technet. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsbackup/thread/daad8767-7a5d-40d2-aa29-b17955f7a1a0/
x32-x64 uses the same key, so all i would need is media
would dell honor my purchase of windows 32 bit and trade in for 64 bit of the same operating system (different edition, so Windows Server 2003 SP2 Standard x64)
i still have receipts for windows 2003 32bit purchase
Windows server 2003 R2 Stndard Edition with SP2 Includes 5 CALs (420_7118)
and i still own the server where the format/ installation would take place
theflash1932
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Posted October 25th, 2011 20:00
No, Dell will not send you 64-bit media. They can only send you replacement media for that which you already purchased. It is my understanding that they no longer have 2003 media to send - even for media matching the original purchase (they only replace media for as long as the OS is shipping, then as long as supplies last - non R2 media ran out over two years ago). So, swapping your 32-bit media for 64-bit media with Dell is out of the question.
You can, however, obtain Dell-branded media from other sources - a friend, eBay, etc. - and use it to install, as your key will be perfectly valid with it. With 2008/Vista/2008R2/7, Retail media can be used, then the OS activated by phone ... I don't know if that is the case with previous OS's. You might call Microsoft Activation to ask about your situation to see if it could be activated manually over the phone if you use Retail media to install with your OEM key.