Windows Server 2003 R2: Frequently Asked Questions

Windows Server 2003 R2, an update release of the Windows Server 2003 operating system, makes it easier and more cost-effective to extend connectivity and control to identities, locations, data, and applications throughout and beyond your organization.

Built on Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), R2 takes advantage of the stability and increased security of a proven code base while extending connectivity and control into new areas. With Windows Server 2003 R2, you get:

You can download Windows Server 2003 R2 from Windows Server 2003 R2 Trial Software.

Windows Server 2003 R2 integrates the work done in Windows Server 2003 SP1 with selected new features and components, and adds a small number of previously released feature packs. Because Windows Server 2003 R2 is based on Windows Server 2003 SP1, you would need to upgrade only those Windows Server 2003 servers on which you want to run the new features. Because Windows Server 2003 R2 will be serviced with the same service packs and updates as Windows Server 2003, combining Windows Server 2003 operating systems and Windows Server 2003 R2 operating systems in a single environment is very easy.

No. But if you are running Windows Server 2003 now, you should install Windows Server 2003 SP1 as soon as possible to receive all the improvements made in security-related areas, reliability, and performance.

No. You will be able to move to Windows Server "Longhorn" from either Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2003 R2.

No. Windows Server 2003 R2 is focused on three scale-out workloads. The editions that include these workloads are:

Windows Server 2003 R2 is more than just a roll-up. There are only three Windows Server 2003 feature packs included in R2, and these feature packs have been updated since their initial release. For a complete list of Windows Server 2003 R2 features, read the Windows Server 2003 R2 Product Overview.

Windows Server 2003 with SP1—a requirement for Windows Server 2003 R2—is on CD 1. CD 2 includes the Windows Server 2003 R2 features.

Because only a small number of our customers have DVDs on their servers, Windows Server 2003 R2 will not be offered on DVD. However, documentation will be available to show you how to use unattend.txt files so that you can put both CDs on a single DVD yourself.

Because Windows Server 2003 R2 is based on Windows Server 2003 SP1, all applications that work on SP1 will work on Windows Server 2003 R2. More information about Windows Server 2003 SP1 application compatibility is available on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Application Compatibility on the Microsoft Help and Support site.

Yes, there will be x64 editions of Windows Server 2003 R2. These editions include:

Yes, although there is no change to the WMI core infrastructure in Windows Server 2003 R2. Some Windows Server 2003 R2 components will add new WMI providers.

No, there are no changes to IIS in Windows Server 2003 R2.

No, the existing Windows Server 2003 Client Access Licenses will work on Windows Server 2003 R2. There are no Windows Server 2003 R2–specific Client Access Licenses.

Windows Server 2003 SP1 is a service pack that provides product updates to the Windows Server 2003 operating system. Windows Server 2003 SP1 contains additional features to increase security and improve functionality. SP1 is a free product update and can be easily downloaded or ordered on a CD-ROM.

Get more information about Windows Server 2003 SP1.

Windows Server 2003 R2 is an update release of the Windows Server 2003 operating system that is built on top of Windows Server 2003 SP1 and includes new product features, specifically in the following areas: branch office management, identity and access management, and storage management. Windows Server R2 requires a new server license and is available for purchase through the same channels as Windows Server.