How to test drive Win Server 2008

UPDATED...

How to test drive Win Server 2008


Alleged W2k8 Timer Fix, Please read the Admonition First


Alleged W2k8 Timer fix

WARNING:
One of my antivirs says this new Timer fix has a trojan...
KAV says NOT...
I will test it on a virtual machine to test it first and then advise...
I do NOT suggest anyone use this without FIRST considering
the possible results...
However, some of you, like me, are adventurous
and also use VIRTUAL MACHINES to test stuff.
Accordingly, here it is:
Info:
Time crack for Windows Server 2008


Download
File size:1.3mb

Code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/104605570/Server.2008.Time.Fix.rar

She's still running fine and dated up to 21-12-2012 (end of Mayan Calendar)...


OR, in the Alternative:

Download Windows Server 2008 6.0 Build 6001 Enterprise 32-bit from here:

Code:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/4/d/b4dc75a1-d7d2-4f31-87f9-e02c950e8d31/6001.18000.080118-1840_x86fre_Server_en-us-KRMSFRE_EN_DVD.iso

Note: These are 90 Days Trial Releases straight from Microsoft. With the right Key they will became full working products; or, simply test it and extend the trial with info from microsoft...
It's always Best to test ALL software in a VIRTUAL MACHINE...


HOME PAGE

Code:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/default.aspx

HOW TO EXTEND THE TRIAL PERIOD INFO FROM MICROSOFT:

THIS PAGE LINK:

Code:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472

THIS INSTALLED ON MY VIRTUAL MACHINE USING WINDOWS SERVER 2003 MODE
AND 2003 VM TOOLS INSTALLED AS DID TWEAKUI TO LOG IN FASTER...
C CLEANER ALSO INSTALLED.

Is there a working activation fix yet??

Not yet, we are waiting...

Meanwhile: Another way to test W2K8:

Install W2k8 WITHOUT a serial; Then,

Manually extend the evaluation period ...

When the initial 60-day evaluation period nears its end, you can run the Slmgr.vbs script to reset the
evaluation period. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, ... and, then click Command Prompt.
2. Type slmgr.vbs -dli , and then press ENTER to check the current status of your evaluation period.
3. To reset the evaluation period, type slmgr.vbs –rearm , and then press ENTER.
4. Restart the computer.
This resets the evaluation period to 60 days.
It is said you can do this at least three times...
Hopefully a fix will arrive before time runs out...

One of the main problems in getting a fix is
MSFT's new "vault language" which you can
learn more about at MSFT's research page...



Also:

Disable DEP in W2k8:

1. Click Start
2. Click All Programs
3. Click Accessories
4. Right Click on Command Prompt
5. Left click on Run as Administrator
6. Click the Allow button if it asks you for permission
7. Type or copy and paste this into the command prompt window:



bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff




8. Hit enter and you should see the confirmation:
Operation Completed Successfully.
9. Reboot and DEP should be off.

Turn DEP back on by running:

bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOn


More:

DISABLE UAC
Preliminary hint:
Most operations described below require elevated privileges, so disabling UAC (Run->MSCONFIG.EXE->
Tools->Disable UAC) for the time being is recommended, Of course, it can be safely re-enabled after
all steps have been performed.
Otherwise OEMTOOL.EXE (on the Grid) and some SLMGR.VBS operations must be
explicitly
run with adminstrative privileges.

more

Disable Ctrl+Alt+Delete logon requirement
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type secpol.msc and hit Enter. The "Local Security Policy" window should open. In the left pane, expand the Local Policies folder, and then select the Security Options folder. Scroll down and find the "Interactive Logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL" entry and double-click it. In the dialog box that appears change it to Enabled. Done!

Automatically logon with desired account
First, create your desired user account you would like to use. Regular user or Administrator it doesn't matter.

Next, press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type netplwiz and hit Enter. In the "User Accounts" window that appears, uncheck the "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer." Click Apply. A dialog box will then appear asking you to specify a user to automatically be logged on. Type in your account name you created earlier (Or just use the Administrator's account) and enter the user's password if it has one. Click OK. Done!

Disable Shutdown Event Tracker
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter. The "Local Group Policy Editor" should open. In the left pane, click the arrow next to "Administrative Templates" to expand it, and then click the "System" folder. In the right pane, scroll down and seach for "Display Shutdown Event Tracker" and double-click it. In the window that appears, set it to Disabled. Done!

Note: You will need to take ownership of certain files to make
admin changes. Read How...

How to take ownership:

Code:
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/67717-take-ownership-file.html

Fix Internet Explorer:
To enable IE ESC for all users

Close all instances of Internet Explorer.
Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Server Manager.
If a User Account Control dialog box appears, click Continue.
Under Security Summary, click Configure IE ESC.
Under Administrators, click On (Recommended).
Under Users, click On (Recommended).
Click OK.
To disable IE ESC, click Off for both Administrators and Users, and then click OK.