From Vista 64-bit to Server 2008 64-bit

[Shawn B.]

I have a workstation, brand new with Core i7 CPU and 12 GB RAM for which I
have fully supported Vista 64-bit drivers of every component in the machine.
I would like to change the OS to Windows Server 2008. Will the Vista 64-bit
drivers also work on the Server 2008 more or less successfully? I have not
tried this yet because I don't want to deal with reactiving the OEM Vista
license if I wipe it and things don't work. I have MSDN subscription and I
purchased this full well intending to wipe the OS and put a new one on at a
later point. Just not knowing wither Server 2008 will be sufficient.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[Jane C]

I have a workstation, brand new with Core i7 CPU and 12 GB RAM for which I
have fully supported Vista 64-bit drivers of every component in the
machine. I would like to change the OS to Windows Server 2008. Will the
Vista 64-bit drivers also work on the Server 2008 more or less
successfully? I have not tried this yet because I don't want to deal with
reactiving the OEM Vista license if I wipe it and things don't work. I
have MSDN subscription and I purchased this full well intending to wipe the
OS and put a new one on at a later point. Just not knowing wither Server
2008 will be sufficient.

Thanks,
Shawn

Hi Shawn,

When I installed Server 2008 x64, most of my hardware worked straight out of
the box (on one self-built workstation, and one Toshiba laptop). I used
Vista x64 drivers with no problems. The only downside is lack of Bluetooth
support on the Server OS.

Why not try it out on a dual boot first? That way you will know what works
and what doesn't.

 

[Kerry Brown]

For the most part Vista x64 drivers will work. You should read the terms of
use for MSDN software. If this is the only OS installed and you use it for
day to day use you may not be within the terms of the license. FWIW there
isn't any advantage to using a server OS as a workstation and there are some
disadvantages. Many consumer security and utility programs are hard coded
not to install on a server OS requiring you to purchase a more expensive
server version.

 

[Norman Yuan]

<Quote>
........FWIW there isn't any advantage to using a server OS as a workstation
and there are some disadvantages.
</Quote>

Well, if you are developer doing SharePoint server side development, you
have to do it (day to day work) on Server OS. Of course one alternative is
to use Virtual Server, but it is Server OS, isn't it?

 

[Kerry Brown]

That is one reason I still think you would be better off with a separate
server. It's easier to debug on a separate server. It's easy to get absolute
paths that work if you develop and test on the same machine. When you go to
deploy the app it breaks and it can be hard to figure out why.

--
Kerry Brown
MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience: Systems Administration
http://www.vistahelp.ca/phpBB2/
http://vistahelpca.blogspot.com/

 

[Shawn B.]

I have two of these machines, actually. I write software and intend for my
software blend with Windows clustering, HPC, and App-V. So I must have
Server 2008 with HPC installed to make sure they are communicating properly
and fail over correctly. I won't actually be using these for any other
reason. I have a separate dev box that is 32-bit XP SP3. I don't require
64-bit OS, but potential customers might be expecting full 64-bit support.

Thanks for the answers. I expected Vista 64-bit drivers to work because
Server 2008 is essentially a derivative of Vista, I just had to be sure.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[Shawn B.]

I have a workstation, brand new with Core i7 CPU and 12 GB RAM for which I
have fully supported Vista 64-bit drivers of every component in the
machine. I would like to change the OS to Windows Server 2008. Will the
Vista 64-bit drivers also work on the Server 2008 more or less
successfully? I have not tried this yet because I don't want to deal with
reactiving the OEM Vista license if I wipe it and things don't work. I
have MSDN subscription and I purchased this full well intending to wipe
the OS and put a new one on at a later point. Just not knowing wither
Server 2008 will be sufficient.

I inserted the Server 2008 64-bit DVD and an installer popped up and then I
installed. It was painless. It did take me a while to figure out how to
apply the OEM Vista 64-bit drivers. I had to do them in a particular order
because it kept not recognizing the drivers. But when I got it in the right
order it recognized and upgraded the drivers and now everything works fine.
Took less than 2 hours.


Thanks,
Shawn