57 replies to this topic

[Terry (WGS)]

A common question we see popping up all over the Internet is how to upgrade from the beta version of Windows Home Server, or the 120 Day (See Edit below) Evaluation version of the software to the standard, licensed product. Many people have tried out WHS, have their hardware setup just right, and are impressed by what it brings to the home. So they get hold of the full version of the software… and then what?


Well, we have the answer, and it’s thanks again to WHS reader condition_unknown, who has written up a walkthrough for the FAQ section of the We Got Served forums.


Here’s what you need to do:


Upgrading Windows Home Server From a Beta or 120 Day Evaluation Version


The upgrade is actually a server reinstallation as opposed to a new install. This will keep all your existing files and storage pool intact. If this was a new install the drives specified for the storage pool would be formatted and one would lose the data on the drive. Make sure you make note of the users, passwords settings and Windows Live ID you had used in the previous install because you will have to re-enter this information. Also write down the fixed IP address and DNS names you used in the previous install.


1. Set BIOS to boot from optical drive.
2. When prompted, hit any key to boot from the drive.
3. When the installation window appears, select ‘Reinstall Server’.
4. Install will take over an hour and several reboots will occur.
5. After install finishes, you will have to setup your administrator password. Make sure that you use the same password as you had previously.
6. Install Ethernet drivers.
7. Open the Network properties for you network adapter’s TCP/IP settings and put in the values you had previously used.

EDIT: Note that in December 2009 Microsoft changed the period of the Trial Version to 30 Days - so it is no longer a 120 Day Trial

The Trial Version Download Details are here

Edited by Bodog (WGS), 02 January 2010 - 11:17 PM.
Note added regarding change to a 30 Day Trial Period - December 2009

[exile]

I am just about to install the 120 day trial version. When/if I decide to pay for the full version, do I have to completely re-install or is it just a matter of getting a licence key and activating the product?

[Bodog (WGS)]

exile - I've moved your post as It's all explained in this Wiki article

Edited by Bodog (WGS), 02 January 2010 - 11:26 PM.
Update link

[durbin]

exile - I've moved your post as It's all explained in this [WGS] FAQ: How To… Upgrade From a Trial or Beta Version of Windows Home Server

The link appears to be broken.

[Bodog (WGS)]

The link appears to be broken.

Sorry about that - all fixed now

It's here

Edited by Bodog (WGS), 02 January 2010 - 11:27 PM.
Updated lnk

[gpdavis]

Where can I purchase the product key to upgrade my evaluation version to the full version? I read on a forum somewhere that I have to do a reinstall to go to the full version? PLEASE tell me that is not the case! I installed and configured the evaluation version with no problems.

[GaMeR]

Sorry, but that's correct. But the only thing you'll lose are the user settings and the add-ins and other stuff you might have made on the WHS itself. The files and backups will be rebuilded when you select re-install from the full OEM version.

[brahmy]

Original instructions here: http://terracode.com...ook_Server.html

[mell]

Original instructions here: http://terracode.com...ook_Server.html

one important question, does this method overwrite PC backups?

[Bodog (WGS)]

backups are technically in the storage pool, so a server reinstall should leave them completely intact.

It definitely does leave back-ups intact - tried and tested multiple times now!

After the reinstall you need to reinstall add-ins, setup the users (make sure you write down the user names that are used) - after that you will be back to the original state

[mell]

thank you! thank you! thank you!

[winniepoo]

Hi Guy's,

Just about to install Full Version now.
Will let you know how it goes and what if any problems I come across.

The DVD is spinning off it's axsis at the moment!

Cheer's

POO

[web ferret]

I'm very happy to read this posts! I'm running the 120-day trial and I'm definitely going for the licensed version and this question (answered here) kept me awake from time to time.

Something else; I have 5 sets of the 120-day trial. Is it an option to do a re-install of the server with my second, third (and so one) copy? This will buy me some time before I must purchase the licensed copy.

[wyerd]

I’m running the evaluation version of WHS that runs out in January. If I decide to install the full version, how do I do so without losing all my data?

[KevinG]

I wonder if anyone has ever considered writing an add-in that would dump everything that you will need to do after a re-install. If it dumped it to a file so you can print it out, you could use it as a "TODO" checkoff list when the re-install completes...

[telford_mike]

Many thanks for this informative thread. I upgraded to the full licence yesterday and had no problems.

One thing that did please me was the ability of WHS to immediately recognise my external USB backup drive. As soon as I turned it on it added itself appropriately - no action required at all.

It's worth pointing out too that despite the WHS client connector software and passwords being the same, it is still necessary to visit each client and run the connector install again.

[jaysonr]

Lost all of the virtual machines that I had installed on the box!!!

*** NOTE - DRIVE C: WILL BE FORMATTED (the system drive) ****

If you have anything there (such as virtual machines) - copy them to the DATA drive (normally D:)

Now I get to waste a few hours re-installing my virtual machines