Question

Customer needs new server hardware - need advice on migrating existing SBS2003 install

Asked by: jamest521

Customer has existing SBS2003 install with 25 clients
Server is end of useful life; new server is available and appropriately spec'd.

What is the best way to proceed to get the new server installed in place of the old one with minimal configuration on the server end, and minimum impact to, or reconfiguration of, the client end?

Any advice would be much appreciated. If more info is needed, let me know...

Thanks,
James

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Asked On
2006-02-08 at 11:05:59ID21728948
Tags

server

,

hardware

,

new

,

migration

Topic

SBS Small Business Server

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
7

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Answers

 

by: leewPosted on 2006-02-08 at 11:09:00ID: 15905469

You might want to read over this thread - essentially the same question with some good discussion:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/SBS_Small_Business_Server/Q_21725755.html#15901137

 

by: TechSoEasyPosted on 2006-02-08 at 19:14:39ID: 15909529

 

by: jamest521Posted on 2006-02-09 at 05:14:21ID: 15912227

I appreciate the comments so far. I have reviewed both sets of links and while there is a range of method suggested, don't see all of what I need.

The suggestion from Jeff seems to be focused on swapping out the motherboard rather than migrating to an entirley new server - unless I am reading the wrong article!

My greatest concern is maintaining the user profiles on each client. The customer is a heavy AutoCAD user and they have all sorts of customizations on their workstations. I have to find a way to get a new installation running without having to mess up the end user setup.

James

 

by: jamest521Posted on 2006-02-09 at 05:19:29ID: 15912269

PS: Does the sbsmigration SWING kit assist with migration without having any need to reconfigure clients?

 

by: TechSoEasyPosted on 2006-02-09 at 05:51:18ID: 15912492

Sorry about that... they just completely redid the smallbizserver.net site and my bookmark was pointed to an article about Swing Migration, actually.  So, I definitely recommend using http://www.sbsmigration.com.

The only other real althernative is Symantec LiveState Recovery which will backup and restore to new hardware of a different configuration.  But it's pricey if that's all you want to use it for.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

 

by: TechSoEasyPosted on 2006-02-09 at 05:53:33ID: 15912512

P. S.  back:  In all cases, you shouldn't have a problem with client configurations.  But with the Swing Method, they don't know that there's a difference in the network.  But if you want to be sure to keep all workstation customizations (assuming they are XP) just run the Files and Settings transfer wizard --- just saving settings if that's what you need to protect.

Jeff
TechSoEasy

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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