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Upgrading from Windows 2000 Server to Server 2003 Standard

Hi, in the near future, I am planning on upgrading my server from Windows 2000 Server to Windows 2003 Standard.
I currently have a Windows 2000 domain controller, and a Windows 2000 Exchange Server. I am planning on upgrading the domain controller, then on a later date after I am sure the upgrade was successful, i will be replacing the exchange server. Does anyone have any thoughts on the easiest and most reliable way of upgrading the domain controller with minimum down-time? I've never upgraded a server without reloading the new OS from scratch, so I am looking for a little help on this one.

What I know so far:

1) Backups are good, have been good for quite a while, and i will do a full backup before upgrade
2) My server exceeds the hardware requirements for 2003 Server.
3) My OS is compatible for an upgrade.

Any other suggestions would be extremely helpful.

Thank You!

NJComputerNetworks

Do you want to re-load from scratch? if not, you can simply insert the Windows 2003 CD into your Windows 2000 server and perform an inplace upgrade. (If will warn you if applications loaded on the Windows 2000 machine is not compatible...but most likely, it will be compatible.) Because the windows 2000 machine is also a domain controller, it will upgrade your domain to Windows 2003 automatically.

After this is complete, you can upgrade the Exchange server to Windows 2003 OS...in the same way. Finally, you can perform an inplace Exchange 2000 to Exchange 2003 installation...

I think because your hardware is up to spec, your upgrade should be very easy.

NJComputerNetworks

Here is some information of performing an inplace upgrade of Exchange: http://www.msexchange.org/tutorials/Upgrade_Exchange_2000_to_2003.html

brendonlee

ASKER

I do not want to upgrade my exchange, that server is going to be replaced. Right now i just want to focus on Upgrading my domain controller.

How long of a process is the upgrade, and should it upgrade everything (AD, DNS, etc) by itself, or do i need to do some configuration after the upgrade?

Thanks for the responses so far!

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NJComputerNetworks

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brendonlee

ASKER

Thanks NJComputerNetworks!