What versions of Windows Server is supported by Windows 7 64-bit?

[lfstockwell]

I'm just beggining to get involved in the planning stages of our Windows 7 deployment ... will Windows servers require upgrading as well? We plan to go w/ the 64-bit Windows 7 - what versions of Windows Server will be supported? Thanks.

 

[Mike]

Windows Server 2008 is the best method for Windows 7 64-bit. You can run Windows 7 off Windows Server 2003, but GPO and Active Directory will not have all of the functions available to control Windows 7 client systems. Windows Server 2008 will allow you to control and manage these clients. Best of all, Windows Server 2008 CAL licensing restrictions are not as stringent as in 2003. You may want to look at using Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard or Enterprise for this situation.

 

[lfstockwell]

Thanks much Mike. Is there any documentation you can point me to that will detail exactly what funcitonality will be lost if we don't go to server 2008?

 

[WinOutreach]

A single Windows 7 workstation with Remove Server Administration Toolset (RSAT) installed is capable of managing the group policy for Windows 7 workstations connected to a Server 2003 domain with Server 2003 domain controllers. See Windows 7 clients on 2003 domain / group policy on the Microsoft TechNet forums for more details.
Brandon
Windows Outreach Team- IT Pro