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  Asked: Jul 24 2007   3:17 PM GMT
  Asked by: kfettig

need to create a bootable Server 2003 CD


OS, Servers, SQL Server, Security, Desktops, Management, Microsoft Windows, DataCenter

Hello,
I have a burned copy of Server 2003 Enterprise edition that a friend gave to me. I'd like to install it on my test server, but am unable to because the CD is not bootable.
I have tried booting the server with a 98SE floppy boot disk but am unable to run setup through DOS. I currently have a version of 2003 installed, but it is an evaluation copy and will expire soon. I tried installing directly from Windows, but received the message that I am unable to do so because the version of Server 2003 Enterprise is newer than the version on the CD that I have.
How can I create a bootable CD so I can boot my server directly into the CD and install the full version of Server 2003? Thanks in advance to all who reply. I appreciate your help!

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Last Answered: Jan 18 2008  5:43 AM GMT  by Jenrzzz


Latest Contributors: sanandkumar


Be sure not to use illegal copy of windows, you can download eval version of windows bootable iso from Microsoft download site.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb430834.aspx

S Anand Kumar


Or....
You could risk the wrath of Microsoft and follow the instructions at

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=297

to create a bootable disk. It's pretty easy if you have Nero or a similar program, but I wouldn't recommend using their
built-in cd images.

There's also a program out there that can do this for you but I can't seem to find it at this point.

Also you will need a product key for the installer which you can probably get from your friend.
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Dreamscape  |   Jul 25 2007  3:27AM GMT

Try this Microsoft kbase article.
<a href="http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;325879" rel="nofollow">http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;325879</a>

HOW TO: Create a Boot Disk for an NTFS or FAT Partition in the Windows Server 2003 Family

 

JoBo  |   Nov 15 2007  8:31AM GMT

You could also consider to create a bootable Barts PE CD .
See link: <a href="http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/</a>

 

Apierson  |   Nov 26 2007  9:10PM GMT

I like Bart Pe, but I recently found myself using WinLite, which let you make a new bootable cd, from you original. You can add service packs, and almost anything else you may need. Works really well if you need DOS drivers.