Upgrading a Windows Server 2008 Computer to Windows Server 2012 R2.

Upgrading a Windows Server 2008 Computer

You can upgrade a computer running Windows Server 2008 R2 with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later to Windows Server 2012 R2, provided that the computer meets the hardware requirements for Windows Server 2012 R2. You cannot upgrade a Windows Server 2003 or older computer or a computer running any client version of Windows to Windows Server 2012 R2.
To upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2, proceed as follows:

1. While logged on to Windows Server 2008 R2 as an administrator, insert the Windows Server 2012 R2 DVD-ROM.
2. When the Install Windows screen appears, click Install now.
3. Select your operating system, either the standard or Windows Core version of Windows Server 2012 R2; then click Next.
4. Accept the licensing terms and then click Next.
5. On the Which Type of Installation Do You Want? page, select Upgrade.
6. Windows checks compatibility of your hardware and software and displays a compatibility report that informs you of any potential upgrade problems. Review this report and make any changes you feel are required. When you are ready to proceed, click Next.
7. Take a lunch break while the upgrade proceeds. This will take 60 minutes or longer, depending on your hardware configuration or use of virtual computing software. The server will reboot three or four times.
8. After the final reboot, log on using the password previously used in Windows Server 2008 R2. Windows prepares your desktop and displays the Server Manager tool as previously shown in Figure 2-8.

NOTE

For additional information on upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2 including a detailed list of supported upgrade paths, refer to “Upgrade Options for Windows Server 2012 R2” at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn303416.aspx.