Upgrading from Win Server 2003 SBE to Win Server 2003 Standard
My company has been growing and we have reached the point where we are getting too large for SBE. So we are going to upgrade to Standard Edition. All the software is in place, but I am wondering what the easiest way to do this is going to be. Can I simply preform an upgrade, or do I need to uninstall the OS and reinstall the new, or better yet what are the pros and cons of each method.
I know that we are going to have some down time, but if I don't have to rebuild the server from scratch on one of my weekends that would be great.
I know that we are going to have some down time, but if I don't have to rebuild the server from scratch on one of my weekends that would be great.
ASKER
That isn't really an option. As I mentioned the new OS has already been purchased.
Well, that would have saved you money and a whole lot of hassle...but:
You can bring up the 2003 server in parallel if possible and then transfer the FSMO roles over:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=324801
Other than bringing it up parallel, I'm unaware of an easy way to do this, because a backup/restore to the new OS won't work, so you'd be left with a frustrating time consuming manual process (using tools like ldifde or csvde to export and import users, etc)
You can bring up the 2003 server in parallel if possible and then transfer the FSMO roles over:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=324801
Other than bringing it up parallel, I'm unaware of an easy way to do this, because a backup/restore to the new OS won't work, so you'd be left with a frustrating time consuming manual process (using tools like ldifde or csvde to export and import users, etc)
When you say all the software is in place, what did you purchase? Without the transition pack you would now have to purchase the 2003 server license, plus CALs, plus Exchange and Exchange CALs, and if it was Premium edition, you'll need to have purchased SQL server licensing and CALs, and ISA server licensing.
Not coming down on you, but the Transition Pack was created for exactly what you are going through. I would highly recommend going back and getting the order reversed and purchasing the Transition Pack, especially if you aren't bringing up a new server with new hardware.
Not coming down on you, but the Transition Pack was created for exactly what you are going through. I would highly recommend going back and getting the order reversed and purchasing the Transition Pack, especially if you aren't bringing up a new server with new hardware.
ASKER
Software that is in place.
Server 2003 Standard plus new Standard CAL's
We already have exchange so that will be a reinstall.
Beyond that it is all the software that we had online, that will have to be reinstalled.
Server 2003 Standard plus new Standard CAL's
We already have exchange so that will be a reinstall.
Beyond that it is all the software that we had online, that will have to be reinstalled.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
Create a free account to see this answer
Signing up is free and takes 30 seconds. No credit card required.
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/techinfo/planning/transition.mspx