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Upgrading from SBS 2000 to Windows 2003 full with Exchange 2003 Full
Has anyone done this before? I was looking all over MS support website but did not find this exact scenario. I think my best way of doing this is by breaking out SBS to it's main components which means just removing Small Business from the server. Then, I have to upgrade AD then run then do the standard upgrade path.
Any other input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Any other input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Microsoft's resources for upgrading to SBS2k3 are here: http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/upgrade/default.mspx
You really need to upgrade to SBS and THEN to standard server. Remember that your AD on SBS2k is an integrated schema that includes your Exchange accounts and perhaps other security groups you had configured. You really will be better off upgrading all of that to 2003 at the same time than piecing it out. Since the demo software is free, I'd certainly go that route. You can use any computer as your interim PDC (even an XP Pro machine), but you DO need a middle machine because you can't have two SBS's on the same network at the same time. But I do agree that if you used the Windows 2003 Standard, you should be able to migrate back to it as the PDC.
Then, to go from SBS2k3 to Server 2k3 this is Microsoft's recommendation: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555073
Jeff
TechSoEasy
You really need to upgrade to SBS and THEN to standard server. Remember that your AD on SBS2k is an integrated schema that includes your Exchange accounts and perhaps other security groups you had configured. You really will be better off upgrading all of that to 2003 at the same time than piecing it out. Since the demo software is free, I'd certainly go that route. You can use any computer as your interim PDC (even an XP Pro machine), but you DO need a middle machine because you can't have two SBS's on the same network at the same time. But I do agree that if you used the Windows 2003 Standard, you should be able to migrate back to it as the PDC.
Then, to go from SBS2k3 to Server 2k3 this is Microsoft's recommendation: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555073
Jeff
TechSoEasy
P. S. you'll not in my last link there is a methodology to upgrading an sbs2k to server 2003 with the migration pack -- you'll also notice that there are warnings all over the sbs2k --> server 2k3 routes that there will be pieces missing or not supported, or " This scenario is complicated and need to be tested before you implement "
This is why I suggest going the route of SBS to SBS first.
Jeff
This is why I suggest going the route of SBS to SBS first.
Jeff
P.P.S. Sorry... as I was just rereading these things (I haven't read them in a while... ) I think this document is enough reason to not do it directly:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5BLN%5D;555040
Jeff
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;%5BLN%5D;555040
Jeff
ASKER
Hi Jeff,
all of those linked pages I spent all day reading which is why I decided to get more advice. I really appreciate the help and I'm glad to know that I was on the same track.
Well I'm going to do as you mentioned. I will upgrade to SBS2k3 first then upgrade to full versions.
PS. I noticed the SBS 2000 migration pack links is dead:
http://www.microsoft.com/sbserver/techinfo/deployment/2000/MigrationPack.asp
LOL.. Microsofts answer to botched messed up upgrades using their tool.
Thanks.
all of those linked pages I spent all day reading which is why I decided to get more advice. I really appreciate the help and I'm glad to know that I was on the same track.
Well I'm going to do as you mentioned. I will upgrade to SBS2k3 first then upgrade to full versions.
PS. I noticed the SBS 2000 migration pack links is dead:
http://www.microsoft.com/sbserver/techinfo/deployment/2000/MigrationPack.asp
LOL.. Microsofts answer to botched messed up upgrades using their tool.
Thanks.
No, actually they discontinued it... it's still available from resellers though.
Officially on the FAQ it reads:
Q. Running Small Business Server 2000, how can I grow beyond 50 users now that the Small Business Server 2000 Migration Pack has been discontinued?
A. You will need to upgrade to Windows Small Business Server 2003. If you grow beyond 75 users, you also will need to purchase the Windows Small Business Server 2003 Transition Pack. The Small Business Server 2000 Migration Pack is no longer available.
Officially on the FAQ it reads:
Q. Running Small Business Server 2000, how can I grow beyond 50 users now that the Small Business Server 2000 Migration Pack has been discontinued?
A. You will need to upgrade to Windows Small Business Server 2003. If you grow beyond 75 users, you also will need to purchase the Windows Small Business Server 2003 Transition Pack. The Small Business Server 2000 Migration Pack is no longer available.
ASKER
Is there a free migration path that I can use as opposed to sbsmigration.com which looks like some software tools? I know that Win2K SBS had a migration to full version at one point but it's not available now.
I really appreciate the advice. I will continue to research this issue to get this complete. I also have a Windows 2003 Standard server which I may be able to upgrade to a domain controller to get AD on it then demote my current PDC. This scenario could allow for a minimal interuption for domain access and still allow me time to do the upgrade.
What do you think?