Windows 8 Pro in a Server 2008 environment - any issues?

[mo_vigilante]

Hi all,

I've recently purchased some Windows 8 Pro licences and I'd like to test 1PC with Win 8 Pro x86 on it installed in our 2008 environment x64 (not R2) - my question for those who've rolled Win 8 out is that have you encounterted any issues with Win 8 being on a 2008 environment?

As it's build to work better with Server 2012, the only thing I can think of top of my head that may have some issues with GPO's not applying successfully on some instances from 2008 to Win 8.

Anyone else encountered any other issues or am I best to stay away from it?

Thanks.
Mo

[Michael]

In theory it should work fine on 2008 as the format of GPOs is still ADMX. If you remember it was possible to manage Windows XP workstations from 2000 Server. You just needed to update/overwrite the existing ADM templates which are all time stamped.

I find 2008 R2 is much more stable than 2008 which is essentially Windows Vista Server, but both should support Win 8 clients without any issues. Windows Server 2012 is still very new, so personally I'd avoid putting it in a live environment for now.

[Quackers]

You will just need to install on the Windows 8 PC Download: RSAT for Windows 8 - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details and edit the Group Policys using the Windows 8 PC.

The staff might swear a bit if they find Windows 8 on a computer though, i know i would.

[mo_vigilante]

Thanks guys - I was gonna test it my machine before I give it to staff and see how I go.

Hopefully next financial year, I intend to go R2 when I have some cash to spend as 2012 is still new and I'm less likely to go to that any time soon.

Thanks again.

[Michael]

The staff might swear a bit if they find Windows 8 on a computer though, i know i would.

LMAO I thought it was bad enough upgrading users from Office 2003 to Office 2010!

[joe90bass]

You will just need to install on the Windows 8 PC Download: RSAT for Windows 8 - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details and edit the Group Policys using the Windows 8 PC.

The staff might swear a bit if they find Windows 8 on a computer though, i know i would.

And watch the IE settings, they must be done via preferences now (and it must be server 2012 or the Win 8 version of RSAT you do it from)

[Michael]

That's correct also as Microsoft claims it's more robust! Personally I'd opt for a proxy.pac file which can also be used for iPads or other devices.

[speckytecky]

Popped it one one workstation and gave up on it in frustration. It's now under the table waiting till I have the courage to have another trial with it!

You will just need to install on the Windows 8 PC Download: RSAT for Windows 8 - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details and edit the Group Policys using the Windows 8 PC.

The staff might swear a bit if they find Windows 8 on a computer though, i know i would.

[mo_vigilante]

Installed it and seems fine so far - as joe90bass and Michael mentioned the IE settings must be done via preference so the other GPO settings seem to have applied. I miss the Start button but slowly its growing on me and I have to say the boot up is very quick - 5 seconds I counted to logon screen.

[garethedmondson]

I'm going to take a look today using Virtual Box on my PC here. Two installations - one for development and one to trial on our network. The LEA have just updated the admx store to include the newest admx versions so it should be fun.

I see a day when we are all writing our own tiles that adapt to the user that is logged in (can that be done?)

Gareth