ML350Gen9 Windows 2012 Foundation Downgrade Rights

[George Mandiliotis]

Hello, we want to buy a new HP ML350 Gen9 Server with Windows 2012 R2 Foundation. We want to downgrade to Windows 2008 R2 Foundation. Does the Windows Foundation license cover downgrade to Windows 2008 R2 Foundation?

Thank you in advance, George

[Lucy_Ellis]

Microsoft limits the Foundation edition to single processor machines.  The software will recognize that you are not using a single processor box with the ML350.  You can see the HPE software compatability at this this URL:  www.hpe.com/info/ossupport. 

Microsoft's official rules on downgrade rights are listed here:  http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#fbid=2kGXEtbtC42

Foundation edition is downgradeable; however, the pairing to the ML350 is not supported.

Here is the HPE information on how to obtain downgrade rights:

–HPE offers a fulfillment service for selected downgrade and down-edition media and keys. They may be ordered from

https://ebiz3.mentormediacorp.com/HPDGRCR/

–Customers must provide a 5x5 product key (found on the COA) of a qualifying HPE OEM/ROK product.

–Downgrade and down-edition media and keys are provided at the cost of media, shipping and handling. See HPE website for details.

I hope this information is helpful.