Server 2008 downgrade media

I'm checking with some folks here. usually we see this after the sale has occurred, let me see what the process is before the sale/during the sale.

The difference between 2008 and 2008R2 is like the difference between Vista and Windows 7 ... to downgrade to Vista, you must install Vista in 7's place.  Even if it was upgrading from 2008 to 2008R2, an upgrade would have to be performed, which is similar to a reinstall but keeps data/programs intact.  The only upgrade (not downgrade) that can be done by simply changing the key is the Anytime Upgrade in Vista/7.

Thanks Rey. So basically, I'll get the server with R2 on it and I have to install Server 2008 Standard on it from the downgrade media? I was hoping it was just a key change.

assijohn, you are correct, i was told this : The system would be Factory Installed (FI) with R2 and they would receive both R2 media and SP2 media.  Customer is on their own to install the downgraded OS.

MS generally lets us FI the downgrade media for the first 6-12 months or so after the new generation of OS is released, then FI option goes away and we can only supply the media, then after a few more months we can’t even ship the downgrade media any longer.  30-Jun will be our cutoff for being able to ship SP2 media.

So infinitely helpful of Dell not to just provide a login for software download.

Why would they automatically provide the media?  Few people downgrading actually need the media, so it is optional, and you have to specify you need it during the order.

"So infinitely helpful of Dell not to just provide a login for software download."

Do you mean for Windows software?  This is not allowed by Microsoft.

Surely it makes not sense not to automatically provide the media! If the licence is a downgrade then Dell should automatically assume the software is required. Honestly, this is insane. For the price of a CD...