Windows Server 2008 build 5259

Windows Server 2008 build 5259 is a pre-Beta 2 build of Windows Server 2008. This build is installed by using a server product key on the client version's installation media. This is the earliest available build to store the minimum build number required for upgrading in.

New features

 * This is the earliest available build to include the Server Manager console.
 * The Start menu has been updated to use the new design from client builds.
 * The  banner now reads   instead of  . Additionally, the Windows flag (still the same from Windows Server 2003) has been shrunken a little in size and the bar beneath the banner is now gray (dark-light) instead of blue-orange.
 * Direct links for logging off, locking or shutting down the computer have been added to Accessories > System Tools in All Programs of Start menu.
 * The banner of the classic Start menu now reads  instead of.

Bugs

 * The Microsoft Management Console crashes upon selecting an item.
 * Administrative Tools cannot be accessed from the Start menu.
 * Logging off has a chance of making the machine crash.
 * The installation of this build can take a very long time.
 * Opening the Details pane of the File Properties applet causes Windows Explorer to crash.

Upgrade

 * It is not possible to install or upgrade this build from any pre-reset Longhorn Server build due to an assertion error.
 * It is also not possible to install or upgrade to this build from build 5000 due to  crashing.