Windows Server 2008 Supported Program

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Applies To: Windows Server 2008

The Windows Server 2008 Supported Program is designed to clarify to customers which of their current Windows Server systems that are logo-qualified for previous versions of the Windows Server operating system will be supported if the system is upgraded to the latest version of Windows Server. The "Supported" program indicates that a system that meets those requirements is compatible with Windows Server 2008, but does not take full advantage of the Windows Server 2008 operating system's functionality in such areas as; hardware error reporting, the inclusion of PCI Express in the system, support of CPU p-state power management, and others.

How are server systems qualified for the Windows Server 2008 Supported Program?

Vendors of any server system that has already passed (or can pass) the Windows Server 2003 Server system Hardware Compatibility Test (HCT) (or subsequent Windows Server system test provided by Microsoft) are eligible to submit test results for the Windows Server 2008 Supported Program. This program will continue for a period of time (still undetermined) after the final release of the Windows Server 2008 operating system. Server systems that meet the requirements, pass the tests, and are submitted for this program will be listed on the Windows Server Catalog Web site and identified as “Supported” for the Windows Server 2008 operating system.

OEMs and independent hardware vendors (IHVs) must use the Windows Server 2008 Windows Logo Kit Device tests for all system components that have logo programs, execute the tests, and submit those results to Microsoft. Those device drivers qualified for the Windows Server 2008 Logo Program must be used in the submission for the overall system in the Windows Server 2008 Supported Program. All devices and drivers which exist in the system but which do not have a defined device category and Logo program must use the Unclassified category and related submission process for such devices and drivers.

What is the Support Policy?

If a server system is designated as “Supported for”, that means that Microsoft Support can operate under the assumption that the system hardware, adapters, and associated drivers are not the source of the issue and provide operating system support for customer issues. Here are several important support considerations to keep in mind when upgrading your server systems:

  • Microsoft Support will not support customers whose server systems are not listed in the Supported Program. If your server system is not listed on the Windows Catalog as supported for Windows Server 2008, then you should not upgrade your system to Windows Server 2008.

  • You should not upgrade your Windows Server 2003 Logo-qualified systems to Windows Server 2008 unless that system has been tested and submitted by the OEM, and the system is a Windows Server 2008 supported system, listed on the Windows Server Catalog.

  • You should not upgrade your Windows Server 2003 Logo-qualified systems to Windows Server 2008 unless the drivers not provided by the OEMs (for example, antivirus, mirroring, management, security, and others.) have all been tested and submitted by their respective vendors for the Windows Server 2008 Logo Program and an upgrade path or process is provided by the vendor for each product.