Evaluation version of Windows Server 2003 may expire before the date that the Winver.exe file reports

Your evaluation copy of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 may expire before the date that the Winver.exe file reports.

This problem occurs because the Winver.exe file reports the expiration date that is calculated 180 days from the date that you install Windows Server 2003. Under some circumstances, the evaluation period may be shortened by other factors. For example, if the BIOS date is changed to an earlier date, and then set back to its initial date, the evaluation period ends sooner. However, the Winver.exe file does not report the new expiration date.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

You can run the Winver.exe file to determine which version of Windows Server 2003 is installed on your computer and to establish the date when the software expires. To run the Winver.exe file, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type Winver.exe in the Open box, and then press ENTER.

To remove the time bomb from the evaluation version of Windows Server 2003, obtain the full retail version when it becomes available and then upgrade your computer.