Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter
If you don’t want to configure all options to convert Windows Server 2008 to a Workstation manually, sawo now made it possible to use a tool for this. He has done a great job by creating this converter to automate all steps of the manual!
Get the Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter
Support & Suggestions
- On this page (http://converter.win2008workstation.com/) using comments.
- At the Forums in the ‘Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter’ section.
- By contacting sawo via email: sawo.777 [at] gmail [dot] com.
Features of the Converter
General
Visual Tweaks
Network
Games
Other
Delay Activation
Possible commandline parameters
-audio Enable windows audio
-cpu Optimize CPU performance for programs
-ie Disable IE Enhanced Security Configuration
-dotnet Install .NET Framework 3.0
-superfetch Enable SuperFetch
-desktop Install desktop experience
-themes Enable themes
-cad Disable CTRL+ALT+DEL at Startup
-events Disable shutdown event tracker
-name Change computer name
-wireless Enable wireless networking
-offline Enable offline files
-search Enable windows search service
-autologin Enable auto logon
-delay Delay activation
-check Check the remaining days left until activation
-uxtheme32 Apply the UxTheme Patch for 32bit systems
-uxtheme64 Apply the UxTheme Patch for 64bit systems
-sidebar32 Install the sidebar for 32bit systems.
-sidebar64 Install the sidebar for 64bit systems.
-joy32 Install the control panel item for game controllers on 32bit systems.
-joy64 Install the control panel item for game controllers on 64bit systems.
-cursors Install the vista aero cursors.
More information can be found in Readme.txt and Changelog.txt.
Tags Server 2008 Workstation
July 18th, 2008 at 11:28
Great. Once again - GREAT.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:05
Dude, thanks very much. Looks like a great tool. Thanks a bunch…
July 18th, 2008 at 16:58
The guide was easy, but this just makes it all that much easier. You are a god amongst men. Great work. =)
July 18th, 2008 at 17:01
Hey, let me tell you something: a very professional and simple method to do it. I will appreciate it!
Thanks …
July 18th, 2008 at 19:40
Diamond Geezer!
July 18th, 2008 at 21:14
I suggest to add the ability to install BDA as describe in the forum:
ht tp://inglele.blogspot.com/2008/06/solved-sky-star-usb-plus-on-windows.html
July 19th, 2008 at 19:35
I keep getting annoying error’s… maybe because its Server08 x64 enterprise… Its those .net errors… when i get a free day ill document them and submit them..
July 20th, 2008 at 8:17
How to install Windows Media Player Plug-in for Firefox
1. Get http://port25.technet.com/videos/downloads/wmpfirefoxplugin.exe
2. unpack wmpfirefoxplugin.exe then copy ffplugin.msi
3. install plugin with “msiexec /a ffplugin.msi”
July 20th, 2008 at 14:08
Hey this is perfect, no long having to change everything automatically. this will do it in a fraction of the time
July 21st, 2008 at 1:23
[...] Windows Server 2008 Workstation converter [...]
July 21st, 2008 at 7:46
PingBack from http://www.andreatedeschi.com/2008/07/windows-server-2008-workstation.html
July 21st, 2008 at 8:25
Looks very good! Thanks
July 21st, 2008 at 18:22
Enabling superfetch caused programs to randomly crash on my machine, I had to edit the registry to stabilize my machine again. Might I suggest a restore/disable option for these settings.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:40
but after doing that you will have Windows Vista SP1
because they shares the same sourcecode 
seriously even Windows Server 2008 says it is SP1 
and the build no. 6001.. the same thing.
some of you that may have toght that Windows Server 2008 is performing better than Vista was because those services and stuff being disabled but enabling those things you will have Windows Vista SP1 + server stuff.
So, what’s the point, really?
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:56
Now for MediaCenter addition
July 22nd, 2008 at 13:55
[...] http://www.win2008workstation.com/wordpress/2008/07/17/windows-server-2008-workstation-converter/ [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 15:07
It’s very very important tool. Excellent!!! No words.
July 22nd, 2008 at 15:39
@Dreyfus:
HyperV + for ppl like me (IT Admins) it’s handy having a server OS that you can try lots of things on
Thanks for the tool - just helped me make the decision to convert my laptop to Server2k8
July 22nd, 2008 at 15:45
what exactly “gameux.dll” does?
thank your for this great tool
July 22nd, 2008 at 17:01
[...] http://www.win2008workstation.com/wordpress/2008/07/17/windows-server-2008-workstation-converter/ Posted: Jul 22 2008, 09:01 AM by MarioL | with no comments [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 17:09
Not denying this is a great bundling of cmds but why is anyone using a Server platform as a workstation? By the workstation operating system!! Surely making these changes could cause possible problems with any future Windows updates and Service Pack releases….
July 22nd, 2008 at 18:10
Make sure to reflect the Aero Cursor registry change from [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Cursors\Schemes] to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\Cursors\Schemes] for Aero Cursors, otherwise, only current user will get Aero Cursors.
July 22nd, 2008 at 18:37
Is the gameux.dll in the converter x86 or x64, since the Missing gameux.dll page has both a x86 and x64 version?
July 22nd, 2008 at 19:46
[...] Categoría Utilitarios | [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 21:21
[...] Artigo Traduzido, Original em Inglês, todos os direitos pertencem a: win2008workstation.com [...]
July 22nd, 2008 at 22:06
What about bluetooth support? There’s a great guide here (http://www.gilkirkpatrick.com/Blog/post/Installing-the-Microsoft-Bluetooth-Stack-on-Windows-Server-2008.aspx) for getting it to work, needs some .inf file modifications and would be perfect for this
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:34
[...] http://www.win2008workstation.com [...]
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:21
[...] Source:→ Win2008workstation [...]
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:54
[...] essa a proposta do Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter, atualmente na versão 1.0. O arquivo zipado tem apenas 11 MB e promete fazer aquele tutorial do [...]
July 23rd, 2008 at 13:27
this tool doesn’t work with me.. could it be because my copy is not leagle?? i am
July 23rd, 2008 at 18:54
[...] ni intresserade så ladda ner trial server 2008 HÄR Och sedan följer ni lite tips på den HÄR [...]
July 23rd, 2008 at 20:19
[...] Para baixar este programa mágico, clique aqui. [...]
July 24th, 2008 at 4:45
Hey, great tools. It simplifies a lot. Thanks!
Now, I’m just missing the way to hibernate/sleep after Hyper-V ~>:(
July 24th, 2008 at 9:46
Thanks for the tool, very handy to have all the options and tweaks available from within a single program!
However, I did find a minor bug in the Games section, when I try to install gameux.dll.
When I click Apply, I get an unhandled .NET exception:
System.IO.IOException: The target file “C:\Windows\system32″ is a directory, not a file.
at System.IO.File.InternalCopy(String sourceFileName, String destFileName, Boolean overwrite)
at WindowsFormsApplication1.Form1.games()
This is probably caused by the fact that I don’t have the DLL present in my system32 folder, so it’s trying to copy it there.
So I figured, I’ll just copy it myself then and run it again. But then I get another error message saying:
“The module “C:\Windows\system32\gameux.dll” failed to load.
Make sure the binary is stored at the specified path or debug it to check for problems with the binary or dependent .DLL files.
The specified module could not be found.”
Hopefully this helps you in solving the problem
Cheers,
Dennis
July 24th, 2008 at 15:06
[...] se você quer algo mais fácil, existe o Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter. Baixe ele aqui e vá modificando as opções oferecidas para você poder usa-lo em seu [...]
July 24th, 2008 at 17:41
tnx for this good tool, sawo rep up ^^^
July 28th, 2008 at 4:37
Wow, this one really fucked up my system. It broke UxTheme.dll, so that explorer (or anyprogram that is) can’t start. Thanks!
July 28th, 2008 at 17:39
[...] selten stelle ich mir die Frage, aber wer’s tut, findet hier dazu eine [...]
July 30th, 2008 at 21:36
Thanks for the tool
August 2nd, 2008 at 19:21
Hey Viktor, explain EXACTLY what you did… otherwise… drop the smartass talk
August 5th, 2008 at 1:08
can tablet function be enabled??
August 5th, 2008 at 2:14
Kane: I used the Patch UxTheme button. It then proceeded in deleting UxTheme, but it did not replace it with the hacked one.
August 5th, 2008 at 15:06
Viktor, what version of Server08 are you using? also x32 or x64? I am using Server08 Enterprise x64 and patching of UxTheme worked fine… also worked fine in Enterprise x32 (your problem and even the few i have are being submitted to the thread for this anyway…)
August 6th, 2008 at 21:18
Run ADI devices (5.1 Advanced Microdevices sound system, integrated chipset in D865perl intel motherboard) in this Windows Server 2008?, in Windows Vista non-function, only 2 speakers :(, and non-support from Intel), Thanks for yours responses.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:40
Great Jobs wonderfull tool!
Finishing what micro$soft didnt!
August 7th, 2008 at 19:58
[...] Server 2008 to a workstation edition have been spreading on the Web for some time. With the free Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter by sawo, this process is now much easier and faster. I tried the tool today, and it took me about [...]
August 9th, 2008 at 8:13
Same as Viktor - It broke UxTheme.dll. At least I get the chance to see if restore works (I backed up first)
Procedure - I just clicked on things I wanted. I feel that if the computer needs a reboot before I’m allowed to click on something then it should be unclickable. Please.
cheers
August 9th, 2008 at 20:29
I install everithing on server 2008 with converter but wmp11 is inposible.
do you have some solution
August 10th, 2008 at 0:41
I can’t enable speech recognition. I’ve already moved files Speech and system32/Speech from Vista’s Windows folder to same folders on Server (I didn’t overwrite them), but nothing happens when I try to enable SR. After piece of second shows “Done”, but after restart, and going to Control Panel nothing changes. When I entered to Text to Speech, after tab Speech Recogntion shows subtitle that Windows didn’t find engine. What have I to do? I’ve already tried several times, but score is the same, as before.
August 12th, 2008 at 17:04
Great tool!!! Thank you very much!
August 14th, 2008 at 17:17
at first i want to say that this is a great site.
everthing works fine except getting the game controllers item into the control panel and “sony vegas pro 8.0b” doesn’t work because of stackhash error or something like that!
anyone has a idea why this doesnt work?
August 14th, 2008 at 18:42
This is amazing–I’ve set up a couple of Dell Precision 4300 laptops using this process and while there were some tweaks I had to play with, this was a great reference!
Great job guys!
August 15th, 2008 at 18:56
how about funktions next to “Apply” to undone made changes?
well… i was to fast and clicked x86 sidebar and x86 on the other features but i have an x64 system and now i need to search for, how i can make it undone.
August 17th, 2008 at 3:54
rock on dude!
August 19th, 2008 at 18:22
FYI GoGrid is offering virtual Servers. They have a free $100 trial when you use the promo code ‘GGED’. They are one of the first to offer 2008. EC2 doesn’t even offer windows. http://www.gogrid.com
August 22nd, 2008 at 19:29
Same problem as Viktor & Ewen. Applying tool to Ent x64 killed explorer with UxTheme.dll error. OS was unrecoverable and required reinstallation.
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:40
Wow nice work ! Thanks
August 23rd, 2008 at 18:25
Great tool. Guys like you make a difference on many people’s life. I have a great job now. I feel like you are god and I have spoken to you!!! You are a good guy I can feel it. Keep up the good work!
Loucohi
August 25th, 2008 at 16:53
For everyone who has their UxTheme broken: Boot in safemode with a CMD prompt. From there you can do the necessary revertations. No need to reinstall.
I think that the problem lies in that it doesn’t have the rights to replace the file. The renaming to UxTheme.backup(?) is working fine, but then it fails when the software tries to add the hacked one.
August 25th, 2008 at 19:26
[...] Dienste du im ServerOS starten musst damit du ein brauchbares Homesystem bekommst. Daf
August 28th, 2008 at 20:45
Portuguese language: http://livebetas.net/2008/07/22/dica-converter-windows-server-2008-em-workstation-e-possivel/
All rights win2008workstation, translation portuguese all rights Livebetas.net ( Original Rights win2008worstation)
August 29th, 2008 at 4:40
This looks like an amazing program!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:42
[...] Trovate il programma e quello che riesce a fare QUI. [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 23:27
[...] Isto tudo por causa deste artigo: http://www.win2008workstation.com/wordpress/2008/07/17/windows-server-2008-workstation-converter/ [...]
September 1st, 2008 at 1:10
I have the same problem then Dennis Meenhuis(reply 34).
September 4th, 2008 at 2:53
[...] OS, but why do this by hand when someone has already made a small program to do this for you? The Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter is a nice little application written by sawo that has all the options listed in tabs with an [...]
September 7th, 2008 at 22:54
You could always try replacing the uxtheme.dll on your own. I think there are resources you can search for that carry the hacked uxtheme.dll. This may cut the risk of messing up your system. However, if this is anything like Vista, themeui.dll and shsvcs.dll also need to be replaced. Be careful. Don’t forget to replace all three. Here’s one location of the download: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/UxTheme-Patch-for-Windows-Server-2008.shtml
Make sure you have an unraring utility. Happy hacking :).
September 7th, 2008 at 22:58
By the way, for the newbies and the people that need a memory refresh, remember that the patched files go into “%systemroot%\System32″ (x86/32-bit) or “%systemroot%\SysWOW64″ (only for x64 users). Make sure you have full control of the old files and rename them to -the filename-.dll.old (i.e. uxtheme.dll.old) and then copy the new ones in. Good luck and have fun.
September 8th, 2008 at 22:48
[...] estas cansado de tu viejo XP, pero no del todo conforme del Vista, deberías probar esta herramienta que te permite modificar en simples pasos tu Windows Server 2008 para dejarlo como un sistema [...]
September 9th, 2008 at 5:50
[...] Descarga [...]
September 10th, 2008 at 6:53
using a vista crack on 2008 server will also cause those uxtheme errors. of course using a vista crack on 2008 server breaks alot of stuff. dont use it.
September 16th, 2008 at 6:00
I have a problem to burn dvd’s with my normal user account. With the Administrator account there is no problem. I think this is a right problem…
September 16th, 2008 at 22:20
Thanks very much. It’s a great tool. Thanks a bunch. Good Work.
September 22nd, 2008 at 1:13
[...] Til að stilla Windows 2008 Server svo að það hegði sér eins og vinnustöð, og verði í raun að Windows Vista (Usable Edition þá er best að ná í Windows 2008 Server Converterinn sem er fáanlegur hérna. [...]
September 26th, 2008 at 19:50
How about tv tuner? Is it possible to use same “vista media center” in Windows Server 2008?
Arris: You can find more information about tv tuners in Server 2008 in this topic at the forum. Vista Media Center is listed in the Wish List.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:54
[...] They even linked to my blog on their benchmarks page. There is also a “converter” application now available that will help you automate some of the tasks to effectively turn Windows Server 2008 into a [...]
October 8th, 2008 at 19:41
Wow, Just Wow. You saved me a lot of tweak time!! thanks
October 16th, 2008 at 15:03
Hi!
Great tool, no issue to date.
Just a question about video camera. I plugged my Sony Video Camera yesterday and the Video Capture Wizzard we have in Vista doen’t start automatically in Windows 2008… Is it present? If yes is there’s a way to enable it, if no is there’s a way to install it
Thanks!
Arris: I don’t know what Video Capture Wizard you mean. Maybe it’s the one from Windows Movie Maker? See this topic to add Windows Movie Maker in Server 2008.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:51
Are there any newer tweaks that I’ll have to do manually after this, or is this the whole shebang?
October 17th, 2008 at 15:47
useful , powerful and convenient tool . thanks very much
October 21st, 2008 at 23:44
Excellent little tool. Very much appreciated.
October 30th, 2008 at 22:41
Same as Viktor. No more system. No cracks either. Full bought version.
Oh well. Start Over.
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:20
[...] fortuna c’è qualcuno che si è preso la briga di renderla accessibile a tutti: scaricando il Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter il tutto si riduce a pochi semplici [...]
November 3rd, 2008 at 14:41
thanx man.
November 4th, 2008 at 4:48
[...] following directions is too difficult, you can install this application on your Windows Server 2008 [...]
November 11th, 2008 at 1:54
This is fantastic, thank you!
November 11th, 2008 at 13:17
What about adding the DirectMusic Fix to this package? It would be very convenient to use from here, and is (after this package) the most important thing to install on a workstation where games are played at
The fix is available from this site, http://www.win2008workstation.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=549
November 16th, 2008 at 13:39
[...] και τίποτα απο Vista, θα ξέρετε σίγουρα τα 2008 workstation, 2008 workstation converter, messenger και όλα τα posts εδώ στο autoexec για το θέμα [...]
November 18th, 2008 at 17:39
I used the converter 1.0 program to rearm windows 2008 workstation 32 bit enterprise edition. This is the first rearm - I now have a “not genuine” message in the lower left of my screen after I did the rearm. All other aspects of the software appear to be working fine. Is there a way to get rid of the “not genuine” message, or is there until I do a reformat and reinstall at the end of the 240 days. Thanks
November 19th, 2008 at 19:27
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